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Topic: Leveling alarm and starting issue. (Read 456 times) previous topic - next topic

Leveling alarm and starting issue.

Getting ready to leave on vacation. Hooked a trailer up behind out motor home. Got an alarm on the leveling system. Now trying to start motor home again and motor won't start. Could this be related to the leveling system?
We have a 1996 U280
Susan and Bob
1995 U320CSE
40'
Cummins M11
Coach build #4730
Previous Foretravel's 1996 U280, 1995 U300

Motorcade # 17974

Re: Leveling alarm and starting issue.

Reply #1 –
The "boost switch" did nothing?  ???
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Leveling alarm and starting issue.

Reply #2 –
No, it started fine this morning. He pulled it a little ways up the driveway and hooked the trailer on. He got an alarm on the leveler saying it was out of level. He turned in off and when we tried to start it now it won't start. He said it's like the starter is not kicking in.
Susan and Bob
1995 U320CSE
40'
Cummins M11
Coach build #4730
Previous Foretravel's 1996 U280, 1995 U300

Motorcade # 17974

Re: Leveling alarm and starting issue.

Reply #3 –
What else doesn't work.  We don't know what year model you have (please put that in your signature), but with ignition on if Allison 6 speed, does the shift panel illuminate? Dash HVAC fan work? Gauges?

When you say "starter not kicking in", do you get a "click", does engine turn over but not start?

Looking at the dash voltmeter, what happens with you turn the key to try to start it?  No change? Drops a volt or so? Drops a couple of volts?
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Leveling alarm and starting issue.

Reply #4 –
1996 u280
Gauges work no change in D.C. Volts my husband said one of the solenoids behind rear drivers wheel appears burnt
Susan and Bob
1995 U320CSE
40'
Cummins M11
Coach build #4730
Previous Foretravel's 1996 U280, 1995 U300

Motorcade # 17974

Re: Leveling alarm and starting issue.

Reply #5 –
Engine does not turn over
When first turned on volt meter goes on but goes back up when turned to start.
Susan and Bob
1995 U320CSE
40'
Cummins M11
Coach build #4730
Previous Foretravel's 1996 U280, 1995 U300

Motorcade # 17974

Re: Leveling alarm and starting issue.

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Rocky1down –
Gauges work no change in D.C. Volts my husband said one of the solenoids behind rear drivers wheel appears burnt

We are always here to help, (or confuse).  PLEASE, put your sig and build date down at the bottom. Everyone can help more, as we all have the have the same coaches, but different years, which counts!  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Leveling alarm and starting issue.

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Rocky1down –
1996 u280
Gauges work no change in D.C. Volts my husband said one of the solenoids behind rear drivers wheel appears burnt

Looks like a good place to start.  As has been discussed in the last day or so, that is a terrible location for electrical components.  Consider moving them as a future project.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Leveling alarm and starting issue.

Reply #8 –
Are you in Akron? If so, perhaps a forum member might be close enough to come over. Unfortunately, I'm in SD so not close enough to help.

Do you have a hand-held volt meter? If so, check the battery voltage at the battery bank. Most likely you have two or three batteries in the engine area that are connected together. Carefully disconnect the batteries and check each one. All should be at least 12 volts. If one is less than that you need to replace the battery. Assuming that all of the batteries are good, clean all of the connections and reconnect, making sure that all are tight.

You mentioned a burned solenoid. Obviously that should be replaced, but the question of "why is it burned?" remains. Until you figure that out you run the risk of burning up the new solenoid, too.

Re: Leveling alarm and starting issue.

Reply #9 –
Tried the start button in the rear compartment and it just clicks, it will just click and won't start
Susan and Bob
1995 U320CSE
40'
Cummins M11
Coach build #4730
Previous Foretravel's 1996 U280, 1995 U300

Motorcade # 17974

Re: Leveling alarm and starting issue.

Reply #10 –
Could be nothing more than a loose or corroded battery terminal. 

Start with the basics:
With a digital voltmeter, check voltage at the chassis batteries: static and then when someone tries to start it.  Let us know what you find.

Also, do the same test at the starter (positive lug to any metal on the engine) static and when someone tries  to start it.

That bad relay can probably be found in most every auto parts house.  Just need to know amp rating and whether intermittent or constant duty.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Leveling alarm and starting issue.

Reply #11 –
Take a small hammer and gently tap down all battery connections. That would probably show a poor battery connection and is cheep and easy thing to try.
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: Leveling alarm and starting issue.

Reply #12 –
Probably an engine battery terminal. Tap on the connectors but better yet, remove and clean the connectors and posts. Voltage drop when engaging starter is typical of bad battery connection.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Leveling alarm and starting issue.

Reply #13 –
All good suggestions. Not knowing how the "boost switch" is wired, would a bad battery connection on the starter bank delete the boost?
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Leveling alarm and starting issue.

Reply #14 –
Got it started. Appeared to be a dead spot on the starter.
Thanks all!
Susan and Bob
1995 U320CSE
40'
Cummins M11
Coach build #4730
Previous Foretravel's 1996 U280, 1995 U300

Motorcade # 17974

Re: Leveling alarm and starting issue.

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Rocky1down –
Got it started. Appeared to be a dead spot on the starter.
Thanks all

 ^.^d  ^.^d  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'