Couple questions before we take the plunge

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Couple questions before we take the plunge

September 08, 2013, 02:06:49 am

OK here is the update, for the past 5 or 6 months I have been watching a 1998 U270 for sale just next door. The owner had bought a newer gas MH....I guess more simple. My wife and I first test drove it about 2 months ago. Needed some things, dated tires, windows snaking, cleaning and polishing etc. but we were impressed with the quality and ride. During that test drive when I went to back up, the touch pad wouldn't react. It seemed to lock in D, so I thought I just tried to change to quickly or some other action because I was unfamiliar and it had a safety lock. So I turned off the coach and everything was fine on startup.

Now on our test drive tonite it had run beautiful. We stopped to get a few things at the store. On startup I selected D then pressed down arrow to 4th. Leaving the Mall it would not shift out of 1st gear. Tapping the pad it finally jumped to 6th. Home trip was uneventful until I went to back up. Same thing as 2 months ago. Wouldn't go into N or R. Turned coach off and on, it then worked.

We are close on making a deal but thought I would first ask the forum. Is it the tranny, touch pad or something we are doing?
Any ideas?

Kevin

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #1 – September 08, 2013, 05:31:44 am

How much has the coach been used lately? I find my touch pad requires a very firm push to actuate the touch pad initially. After I've driven a while the pad behaves normally. It's always done this so I live with it.

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #2 – September 08, 2013, 06:44:57 am

I also have to press firmly to engage. Have you ckecked the transmission fluid, also when was the fluid changed if ever.

Norm

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #3 – September 08, 2013, 07:15:02 am

Kevin,
There is a way to pull the trouble codes from the transmission. Ii would think if there are no codes the issue would be located in the touch pad or the connections or wiring. I would defitnitely consider the possible cost of repairs while negotiating.
Also, you might want to contact your local Allison dealer and ask their opinion.

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #4 – September 08, 2013, 09:38:21 am

You also might check the connector on the bottom of the transmission shift pad and at the transmission. On occasion they have been known to be loose or dirty. Rarely is a wiring harness frayed, but it could happen. And it is possible for the touch buttons to be weak.

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #5 – September 08, 2013, 10:32:41 am

On our U300, there are a couple of diagnostic switches in front of the driver if you flip up the dash top. One is for the engine, the other for the trans. You turn the key on, flip the switch and write down the number and sequence that come from a small light bulb close to the switches. Do a search on the forum for the code numbers and what they indicate. Good for any prospective buyer to do for both engine and trans. The computers store all the codes from past events.

Keypad is stiff. May just need exercising. On next drive, use keypad to manually shift through all gears several times.

Pierce

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #6 – September 08, 2013, 10:57:34 am

I had a problem with our keypad that you had to push hard to engage. You can take the keypad apart and clean the switch membrane with electrical cleaner. No problem with ours since I cleaned it 4 years ago.

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #7 – September 08, 2013, 11:46:44 am

had problem with my touchpad at first as it seemed "stiff" and shifting would not show and happen. Took it all apart and cleaned but bought a new one just in case. The cooler weather seemed to make it worse but now it is good and has been for a few years. My suggestion is as others say is clean it up and exercise it with ignition off. The rubber/silicone pad seems to soften, but if when you press a button it shows what you are wanting to do then maybe cleaning the back (inside) panel board will fix rather than the rubber problem. Be gentle with it.
John H

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #8 – September 08, 2013, 11:54:08 am

the touchpads seem to be temperature sensitive. years ago, I always had
difficulty engaging the transmission in cold winter weather. someone
advised me to heat the interior of the coach before leaving. I never had
that problem again.

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #9 – September 08, 2013, 11:57:19 am

Other than a couple road tests, it has sat for 7 or 8 months. I will try some of the things suggested. Also the speedo quit working on the way home. I'll try the some of the suggestions this morning and check speedo.

thanks

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #10 – September 08, 2013, 11:58:48 am

There were at one time two different touch pad surfaces, one was a rubbery soft touch and the other was hard surfaced.
When I had to replace mine all that was available was a reman hard surface. Took a while to get used to having to push hard to make a shift but now it is second nature, I was told by an Allison shop that the hard surface type was made for heavy duty service such as a garbage truck.
Also I have gotten used to always returning to N before shifting to D or R, for some reason it seems to work better.
Gary B

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #11 – September 08, 2013, 12:09:09 pm

Quote from: Gary Bouland – September 08, 2013, 11:58:48 am

Also I have gotten used to always returning to N before shifting to D or R, for some reason it seems to work better.

I recall being instructed to do this when first learning to drive our coach.

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #12 – September 08, 2013, 12:23:54 pm

I was told by Gary O and Allison to never go from drive to reverse without first going to neutral. Also if the speedo is dead look into this link. VDO Speedometer 85MPH Gauge 437 152 Great Price | eBay It might be the one in this coach. Easy replacement and Lauderdale Speedometer will set the Odometer for you quickly and for a reasonalble price.

Mark

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #13 – September 08, 2013, 03:50:54 pm

@Mark Awesome! I've been looking for a speedometer but somehow didn't see this one. All others where over $100. Tacoma Speedometer quoted me $168! Just bought one. The seller has "more than 10 available" so if anyone else needs one here ya go. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=181055784426

see ya
ken

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #14 – September 08, 2013, 08:53:26 pm

Quote from: kenhat – September 08, 2013, 03:50:54 pm

@Mark Awesome! I've been looking for a speedometer but somehow didn't see this one. All others where over $100. Tacoma Speedometer quoted me $168! Just bought one. The seller has "more than 10 available" so if anyone else needs one here ya go. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=181055784426

see ya
ken

Ken, I am shocked you bought an 85 mph speedometer, considering you have a DDEC 6V92. Don't you really want to go how fast you're going on the Interstate?

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #15 – September 08, 2013, 09:18:09 pm

"Also I have gotten used to always returning to N before shifting to D or R." We were told that, too. The manuals aren't handy right now, but I think I also read that in the manual somewhere.

Mark, that looks like an answer to one of our problems, too. Has anyone bought this from that seller?

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #16 – September 08, 2013, 10:39:40 pm

Quote from: kevlor80 – September 08, 2013, 02:06:49 am

Is it the tranny, touch pad or something we are doing?
Any ideas?

I immediately thought of a bad ground or poor electrical connection on any of the transmission connectors. Allison transmission connectors are very high quality, but a disconnect and reconnect a few times can help establish a good connection. A bad ground might be more likely though. Older coaches (depending on location and storage environment) can start to get corrosion on the grounds that need to be cleaned up. Bad grounds can create some very weird, erratic behavior.

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #17 – September 09, 2013, 08:55:46 am

Grounding issues are first place to look on speedo before r&r, but great source if repair needed

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #18 – September 09, 2013, 04:56:05 pm

Mark, that looks like an answer to one of our problems, too. Has anyone bought this from that seller?
[/quote]

David,
I am pretty sure this is the same person I bought mine from last year. I have not had a problem at all. Very fast shipping and it is brand new.

Mark

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #19 – September 15, 2013, 12:21:32 am

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – September 08, 2013, 10:32:41 am

On our U300, there are a couple of diagnostic switches in front of the driver if you flip up the dash top. One is for the engine, the other for the trans. You turn the key on, flip the switch and write down the number and sequence that come from a small light bulb close to the switches. Do a search on the forum for the code numbers and what they indicate. Good for any prospective buyer to do for both engine and trans. The computers store all the codes from past events

Pierce

I was looking in the glove box today in my 93 U300 and found a laminated card with the diagnostic codes for the transmission and torque values for the solenoids on one side, and a diagram for the solenoids on the other side. The card lists MT600, HT700, and CT700 series transmissions. Is anyone familiar with this or has one of theses cards also? With the key on I flipped both switches and there were codes for the engine and no codes for the transmission. Any help would be appreciated.

Jerry aka Murph

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #20 – September 15, 2013, 12:39:32 am

Jerry,

Go to the link and there are three links down a ways on the page that will identify the codes. I also have the DDEC factory manual for more detailed info. TM-9-2320-302-20 Truck Tractor Yard-Type: 43 500 LB GVW DED 4x2 Army Model

Pierce

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #21 – September 15, 2013, 12:58:52 am

Thanks Pierce,

There is a lot of info to digest and I will try to make sense of it.

Jerry aka Murph

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #22 – September 15, 2013, 01:33:53 am

Pierce,

I believe table 5.3 will give you the codes 11 through 45 etc. DDEC DESCRIPTIONS Correct?

Jerry aka Murph

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #23 – September 15, 2013, 10:40:16 am

Quote from: coastprt – September 15, 2013, 01:33:53 am

Pierce,

I believe table 5.3 will give you the codes 11 through 45 etc. DDEC DESCRIPTIONS Correct?

Jerry aka Murph

You got it!

Pierce

Re: Couple questions before we take the plunge

Reply #24 – September 15, 2013, 11:22:10 am

MT600 series are not electronic.

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