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Topic: Lightning Bolts on Allison Display (Read 1020 times) previous topic - next topic

Lightning Bolts on Allison Display

A while back when getting ready to back my coach into its parking space I shifted from drive to reverse and there was no movement, it tried hitting D and R several times and the coach would not move and I noticed on the display there were what looked like 2 lightning bolts.  I turned the coach off and back on and all returned to normal.

What might have been the cause of this?

Thanks
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Lightning Bolts on Allison Display

Reply #1 –
Search on the forum for the term "snake eyes" and you will get some possible causes.

No start, with Allison "snake eyes" (Problem Solved)
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Lightning Bolts on Allison Display

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
Search on the forum for the term "snake eyes" and you will get some possible causes.
Thanks Chuck I saw one on snake eyes but was not sure it was that same thing.
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Lightning Bolts on Allison Display

Reply #3 –
I had a similar experience.  Afterwards, when I checked the diagnostics (in neutral, hit the up/down shift arrows simultaneously twice) there was an error code for the shift pad.  My Allison guru walked me through clearing the code and then advised NOT to shift directly from D to R or back, but to always go though neutral in between.  Something about correctly setting all the relays in the pad and control box.
Regards

1997 U295 40 with CAT 3126

Re: Lightning Bolts on Allison Display

Reply #4 –
Start by verifying 12+ VDC to the two Allison feeds.

Unplug/replug both gang plugs at the Allison ECU and shift pad.

If that doesn't work, contact: Allison ECU and shift pad repair. 866 439 9779 John Kopalek

He is THE guru on this and in the DFW area.
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: Lightning Bolts on Allison Display

Reply #5 –
Since it was running, it might just have been a high idle.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Lightning Bolts on Allison Display

Reply #6 –
Quote
Since it was running, it might just have been a high idle.

I had the same problem. The idle was too high. There was no code on the pad though. I added a second spring to the 8.3's throttle and all was well. The throttle is set up for two springs.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Lightning Bolts on Allison Display

Reply #7 –
Quote from: BillO –
  My Allison guru walked me through clearing the code and then advised NOT to shift directly from D to R or back, but to always go though neutral in between.  Something about correctly setting all the relays in the pad and control box.

X2.....Good suggestion! Last thing any of us need are "snake eyes" ! ^.^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: Lightning Bolts on Allison Display

Reply #8 –
On our coach, I have tried to shift to drive with the idle speed too high (floor mat stuck under gas pedal).  The touch pad makes a loud "BEEP" warning noise, and it will not shift out of neutral.  No change in display, however - the "N" continues to show in both gear indicators.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Lightning Bolts on Allison Display

Reply #9 –
It just happened to me TODAY! Had lightning bolts, it was NOT in Neutral and there was no response to pressing buttons. I shut down the engine, turned off the engine battery switch for 20 seconds and turned it back on. Viola! No lightning bolts!

The only maintenance I did prior to this was:

- Changed the secondary diesel fuel filter. Engine took 10 seconds of cranking to start.
  Perhaps there was a voltage spike on the transmission computer.
- Re-attached one of the two throttle springs.
  Could the throttle position have been changed?
- Ty-wrapped the smart wheel harness because it was loose.
  I thought I had created an open/short in one of the wires.

Thanks to the Foreforum contributors, I didn't get stuck at Death Valley.
1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.

Re: Lightning Bolts on Allison Display

Reply #10 –
Quote from: BillO –
I had a similar experience.  Afterwards, when I checked the diagnostics (in neutral, hit the up/down shift arrows simultaneously twice) there was an error code for the shift pad.  My Allison guru walked me through clearing the code and then advised NOT to shift directly from D to R or back, but to always go though neutral in between.  Something about correctly setting all the relays in the pad and control box.
Thanks, I will make a note and keep it in the coach
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Lightning Bolts on Allison Display

Reply #11 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
If that doesn't work, contact: Allison ECU and shift pad repair. 866 439 9779 John Kopalek
He is THE guru on this and in the DFW area.
Thanks Brett, it is good to have someone local.
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Lightning Bolts on Allison Display

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Twig –
Since it was running, it might just have been a high idle.
that could be Twig as I was trying to get it backed in and out of the way, may have been shifting to fast.
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Lightning Bolts on Allison Display

Reply #13 –
Quote from: jor –
I had the same problem. The idle was too high. There was no code on the pad though. I added a second spring to the 8.3's throttle and all was well. The throttle is set up for two springs.
jor
Thanks jor, I will check it for a 2nd spring
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Lightning Bolts on Allison Display

Reply #14 –
Thanks Chuck I will keep an eye out for that.
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5