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Topic: Slide inoperable (Read 898 times) previous topic - next topic

Slide inoperable

A couple of weeks ago front slide would not retract.  Key on, yellow flashing light for 4 minutes before I turned the key off.  Heard the bladder deflate, 12v compressor cycled 4 times and bladder inflated when the key was turned off.  Tried it a second time and worked normally for the next several times except the waiting period for the flashing yellow seemed to get longer. 

I decided to try again today because we will be moving next week.  Same scenario and would not retract.  Tried it a second time and got it to retract. Now slide is in and I can not get past the yellow flashing (waited 4 minutes).

Any ideas?

Don
Don & Sue
2009 NImbus 38
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad

Re: Slide inoperable

Reply #1
I assume the yellow light on your coach is triggered by sensing a vacuum like some of the older ones are.  There was an override on our 2002 that involved unplugging a sensor and using a paper clip to trick it into thinking the vacuum was present.  I remember having that problem where the seal was deflated but for some reason the HWH didn't think so.  Perhaps someone else remembers for sure. 

If you're a Motorcade member I'd call the factory to find a work around. 
Rick & Rhonda
2003 U320 4220  Build #6199
Was
91 36' GV 300 Caterpillar, 92 40' U280 300 Cummins, 97 36' U295 300 Cummins, 2002
U320 450 Cummins
(Guess we're hooked)

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Re: Slide inoperable

Reply #2
When you first turned the key off you said the bladder inflated.  Did it not inflate when you turned the key off this last time?  Hoping the best for you.

Re: Slide inoperable

Reply #3
Bladder inflate and deflates each time.
Don & Sue
2009 NImbus 38
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad

Re: Slide inoperable

Reply #4
Does it have a bypass on the board in the electronic bay? If so try the bypass and see if it works to get you to your next stop or until you can have it looked over.

Re: Slide inoperable

Reply #5
On my 2005 coach, when the light would come on steady, I found it to be a leak at the slide regulator taxation would not let it build up sufficient vacuum to enable the light. In m case, it was the front slide regulator.  I was able to turn valve and isolate slide regulator and let the system build up enough pressure. I could then turn on the valve long enough to get slide open or closed.  After I replaced the regulator, it was still slow to come on due to a worn pump.  Replaced pump and everything works.
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas

Re: Slide inoperable

Reply #6
From what I've read in other posts HWH tech is very helpful, but I'm not sure how easy it is to get to speak with them.  Please let us know the outcome Don.

Re: Slide inoperable

Reply #7
Placed calls for James Triana and HWH tech help.  Both returned my calls and suggested bypassing the vacuum switch.  I was able to see the switch but unfortunately I could not reach it.  It is mounted on the back wall of the utility bay and even though I am not a big guy, wedging myself on top of the Oasis to reach the switch doesn't work.  One of the things that appealed to me about the Foretravel is that it is useable with the slides in so we finished the trip without extending the front slide.  We are now back in Michigan and I am planning a trip to HWH in Moscow, Iowa.

My plan is to have them repair the slide, replace the wiper on the top of the slide, look at a small hydraulic leak that I have noticed and any other preventative maintenance that we can think of.  The coach is 10 years old.

Any ideas about what else should be checked while I am there?
Don & Sue
2009 NImbus 38
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad

Re: Slide inoperable

Reply #8
Have them check your leveling system for operation and your entire air system for leaks. They are really inexpensive relative to anywhere else.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Slide inoperable

Reply #9
Is it in excessive slope? I went to pull my slide in this weekend, yellow light just flashed and never went solid. Realized it was in excessive slope. After resetting and leveling the slide worked normal again.
Dave & Danette
2005 Foretravel U270, 3620 PBLW, Build #6331
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 RR
2016 Polaris Turbo RZR
Motorcade #17839

Re: Slide inoperable

Reply #10
Also have HWH look at the slide alignment - it's nice to have the space around all sides be uniform but don't worry if it's not.  As long as there is adequate clearance and they will tell you if it's OK. 
Larry Rubin
2004 U295 38' build 6278
2014 Jeep Cherokee

Re: Slide inoperable

Reply #11
We have had this issue on our 2007.  The vacuum switches get sticky and they are easily replaced.  The switch is the uppermost item on the aluminum block and has the air line going out to the slide.  As stated, they are on the back wall of the equipment bay.  Ours has two of these blocks so I am assuming there will be an aluminum block for every slide. 

If this happens, you can tap on the vacuum switch with handle end of a screwdriver or anything hard.  This will free the internally stuck switch and your yellow light will change from flashing to solid and the slide will be able to retract or extend.
Kurt & Shanna
2007 42' Phenix
Peoria Arizona