2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

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2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

September 10, 2014, 07:54:24 pm

It has been about 10 days since I last drove the coach and parked it in temporary storage. I stored it Level. Now I start the coach and allow the air pressure to build to normal then press Travel Mode button on the HWH control panel and the coach goes to ride height, but the Travel indicator does not turn on and the interlock prevents the transmission from engaging. Coach is 'stuck' - can't be moved.
Has anyone experienced anything like this and knows how to overcome or have any suggestions? I have placed five calls to Foretravel today, but no one calls back. The receptionist says that James will return my call, but it hasn't happened yet.

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #1 – September 10, 2014, 08:08:41 pm

Here's a starting point

Allison MD3060 Won't Shift Into Gear- Any Advice Helpful

"What year is your coach? If it is a 2001 or 2002 and has a slide, the transmission will not leave Neutral if it thinks the slide is not in and locked. Not sure about other years.

Then there is a simple twist of a button on the side of one of the HWH computer modules."

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #2 – September 10, 2014, 08:12:06 pm

You beat me to it Michelle! I was going to suggest putting slides out, then back in and see what happens. Worked for me one time.

Richard B

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #3 – September 10, 2014, 08:12:51 pm

Since it is a 2002, try releasing the air bladder, then press the retract button for the slide and hold it in 'til THE LIGHT goes out. Possibly, the system is not getting the proper "notice" that your lock pins are engaged. I have had the light go out BEFORE I have heard the lock pins engage once in a while. And without the pins engaged, the HWH system will not tell the transmission it is safe to move. There is an alternate solution to get the coach to go into drive if the slide refuses to lock in. Let us know if this does it. If not, I can dig up what you need to do to effectively remove that safety transmission lockout.

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #4 – September 10, 2014, 08:16:17 pm

Here 'tis:
In case this is the issue, I found the instructions from the HWH 2000 Series Manual:

"NEUTRAL HOLD OVERRIDE SWITCH
If a room is not fully retracted and locked the transmission will not shift out of "NEUTRAL".
If the rooms are fully retracted and locked and the transmission will not shift out of NEUTRAL, using a key or a screwdriver turn the HOLD OVERRIDE selector switch to the position labeled "220" the switch is located on the outside of the Central Control Module. This will allow the transmission to be shifted. The system should be serviced as soon as possible. The HOLD OVERRIDE selector switch should be
left in the "110" position for normal operation."

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #5 – September 10, 2014, 08:21:09 pm

What an absolutely wonderfully speedy response! Thanks to all. I am headed to the coach to try your tips and tricks.

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #6 – September 10, 2014, 08:29:27 pm

Even completely cycling the slide out and in a time or two might be necessary. Just listen for the lock pins to engage at the end of the cycle when it is in and the light goes out. I never tried to move the coach the time I realized I had NOT heard the slide pins lock into place...I just re-pressed the retract button and they locked after the pump got back up to pressure, then the pump and light went out on their own. Good luck!!!! Oh...and check fluid level WHILE (front) SLIDE IS EXTENDED (2002 instructions).

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #7 – September 10, 2014, 08:38:54 pm

Try MOT after hours help #
(936) 462-3996

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #8 – September 10, 2014, 08:40:34 pm

Agree with cycling slide as first step

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #9 – September 10, 2014, 09:23:20 pm

Since mine is a 2003, I don't have lock pins. I had a problem a few months ago where the slide room didn't want to move easily, then at all. I got it almost all the way in and was able to put the transmission into gear for the drive home to get it repaired. Just to prevent getting stuck on the side of the road in neutral, i turned on the override switch. I first got assurance from FOT that the slide would not move while under way.

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #10 – September 10, 2014, 09:35:54 pm

I have a friend who had a 2002 and his slide wouldn't come in. He drove 1000 miles with the slide out about an inch, and the bladder held it in place. Not the easiest drive, I am betting, but he too was reassured that it wouldn't be able to "fall out."

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #11 – September 10, 2014, 09:49:30 pm

Well, I tried cycling the slides and had no problem with the wardrobe slide, but the RS livingroom slide will not move. The bladder deflates and the yellow light goes solid, but the Extend switch runs a motor of somekind and the slide does not move nor does the red light go out. Retract behaves the same. The slide is flush with the Road Side of the coach (fully retracted). It worked perfectly on 9/1/14 and always previously.

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #12 – September 10, 2014, 10:10:31 pm

Slideless........ I have this ringing in my ear........

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #13 – September 10, 2014, 10:11:02 pm

Check the hydraulic fluid level of the hwh system. Could be low on fluid. Or it could be the control board on the front slide. Call hwh randy is an expert and can walk you thru testing.

Been there.. Done that.

What is your bin layout in terms of the grey boxes of the hwh system? Check for the LEds on the HWh boxes

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #14 – September 11, 2014, 12:32:49 am

The low on fluid would make sense...or open solenoid valves. I should have mentioned that the wardrobe slide wouldn't be part of the problem. Do try the switch on the side of the control box if you can't wait for a response from Randy or Joe. That should let you move it. Here is some reading material that might help. It is the manual: http://www.hwhcorp.com/ml25178.pdf

Here is the Foretravel page at HWH: HWH Operators Manuals for Foretravel ...but the manual above should be the right one for your 2002 Train system. There is a guide for the leveling system, including troubleshooting: http://www.hwhcorp.com/ml31043.pdf Sorry it wasn't a simple fix.

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #15 – September 11, 2014, 06:49:05 am

Once again, I'm thankful we don't have a slide. It certainly is interesting to read about the problems they create.

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #16 – September 11, 2014, 12:11:53 pm

Quote from: rbark – September 10, 2014, 08:12:06 pm

You beat me to it Michelle! I was going to suggest putting slides out, then back in and see what happens. Worked for me one time.

Richard B

Worked for us, also. We were able to release the brake, roll a bit, brake again and achieve travel mode, another time. Might be dirty connections inside your HWH leveling system. There is a thread about cleaning those after you take the little cover off.

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #17 – September 29, 2014, 12:23:43 pm

Update on front slide problem and resolution. Just back from FT. Thanks for all of your help and suggestions, but who would have guessed?

The source of the problem turned out to be Rodent Damage. It seems that the insulation on some of the wiring is a soy bean derived product and very attractive to rodents. They had chewed through 4 wires in the wiring channel (center spine just below main floor). The wiring channel was open at the ends (behind generator and in front of engine). After repairing the severed wires, the shop manager said that the wiring channel could be sealed off with spray foam as FT had started doing to coaches built in 2009. Alton said that it may not totally prevent access, but would make it much more difficult for them. I want it to be at least as difficult for them as they made it for me. :-)
Can't give enough praise to Alton. Very fine fellow.

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #18 – September 29, 2014, 01:37:31 pm

Making me wonder if I need to seal mine. We store ours at the ranch. There are plenty of cats to keep rodents under control, but I may need to seal mine as a preventative.

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #19 – September 29, 2014, 05:32:30 pm

I've been working on the railroad for many many years. Cats in all the rail yards and superfine or fine steel wool has been used to seal off all types (seams/around pipes/holes) of openings to keep critters out of passenger and food service rail cars.

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #20 – September 30, 2014, 12:16:19 am

I've caught 4 mice in the last week. They were looking for a ride to Tucson! Looks like I'll be working on a critter door for my sewer opening this week.

see ya
ken

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #21 – September 30, 2014, 04:14:00 am

I am sitting here recovering from knee replacement surgery and now worrying about the critters that likely inhabit the area I store the coach. Two more weeks and I will be out there trying to fill some holes.

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #22 – September 30, 2014, 05:06:35 am

If your ranch is like our ranch down in Falfurrias, we got rats that would scare most cats away! Two hunting jeeps stored down there and we have to leave the hoods open so the rats won't eat the wiring harnesses completely off. We leave lots of rat poison laying around the vehicles every time we leave. The wet weather this year seems to have made them worse.

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #23 – September 30, 2014, 05:31:29 am

Our rodent infestation tends to be cyclical depending on what is planted inthe 400 acre field immediately to the east. When it's cotton, rodents aren't as bad as compared to when it is planted in corn or soybeans. Harvest drives out the rodents and they start looking for another food source.

Re: 2002 U320 Won't go into Travel mode - can't engage transmission

Reply #24 – October 03, 2014, 07:23:25 pm

Quote from: Kemahjohn – September 30, 2014, 05:06:35 am

We leave lots of rat poison laying around the vehicles every time we leave.

I would humbly ask that you rethink this practice.

Here in Texas the beneficial predatory birds, like owls and hawks, are seeing their populations decimated as a direct result of the use of rodent poisons. In a vicious cycle, that results in more rodents (their natural predators are suffering a severe decline).

This is also affecting companion animals like cats and dogs. The rodents are poisoned but don't die right away. The owl, hawk, cat, or dog eats the poisoned rodent. Everyone loses.

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