Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: U320 2001 Dash Burn (Read 550 times) previous topic - next topic

U320 2001 Dash Burn

I have a 2001 U320, build # 5826.
In October of 2017 my dash lights failed.  I by-passed the rheostat for the dash lights and the dash lights worked.  I ordered a new rheostat from Foretravel replaced the old one and everything seemed to be ok. ( I did notice the dash lights were not very bright.)
I very seldom drive at night, but 3 weeks ago I turned my lights on and noticed an odor that smelled liked wires shorting or burning.
We left home for New Mexico and the second morning, we left the campground before daylight and I had to use my lights.  In a short time I saw sparks coming from the dash next to the Gen-Set On/Off switch.  I noted that if I turned the rheostat down (to dim the dash lights) the burning and sparking would stop.  We ran without dash lights until daylight. Upon arriving at home, I looked on the ForeForum and found the similar problem that was posted 3 months ago.  I did try disconnecting the rheostat and put a jumper wire on the plug, this did not help.  The short has burned a very small hole in the dash about the size of a match head.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks Kippy
Kippy & Jane Woods

Re: U320 2001 Dash Burn

Reply #1 –
I would have torn my dash apart immediately to find the cause of the burnt smell.  Dangerous not to.

Have you identified the wire(s) that are burned or shorted, and are you sure your wiring connections are correct?
Dim lights could be indicative of a poor ground, assuming the batteries are good.

Re: U320 2001 Dash Burn

Reply #2 –
 Hello Travelin man,  my wife and I met you in Florida a few years ago. My U 270 2002 Dash with the lighting that is built into it somehow .once driving down the highway we had a smell of burning wires and apparently it's a known problem that eventually the foil strips starts to burn inside the dash & the glass  , that's what happened to me called the people who made the dash she said that they still maybe able to make a new one never have gotten around to it yet  are you going to Florida again this year ? we'll see you at the end of January
John Patrick
2002 U270

Re: U320 2001 Dash Burn

Reply #3 –
That explains it.  I didn't think about dash lights, was thinking instrument lights.

John, good to hear from you.  Yes, we'll be in our regular spot at 202 Rockwood.
See you in January,
Pete