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Topic: Check Engine Light (split from Re: Please Help. Slide issue and stuck (Read 501 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from Please Help. Slide is...

Check Engine Light (split from Re: Please Help. Slide issue and stuck

anybody have any suggestions on how to read a check engine light?  it just came on the morning.  the cranking batteries are not holding charge after sitting over night so that could be my problem but i used the boost to get her cranked

thought i'd ask on this thread.  but can start a new one
Jim Choate

Re: Check Engine Light (split from Re: Please Help. Slide issue and stuck

Reply #1 –
Split out into its own topic since it isn't related to the slide issue
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Check Engine Light (split from Re: Please Help. Slide issue and stuck

Reply #2 –
There are 2 switches inside the dash that can help you read the CEL by giving blink codes.  This assumes you don't have VMSpc which will also give you error codes, PIDs, etc.

I will dig up the decoder info momentarily
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Check Engine Light (split from Re: Please Help. Slide issue and stuck

Reply #3 –
secret? switches inside dash

Mystery Switches inside dash

If it took a long time to crank, that could be the cause, but the topics above contain info on where the switches are and how to read the blink codes that result.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Check Engine Light (split from Re: Please Help. Slide issue and stuck

Reply #4 –
Quote from: jchoate45 –
>>>>the cranking batteries are not holding charge after sitting over night so that could be my problem but i used the boost to get her cranked <<<<

I just went through this and my check engine was absolutely caused by the dead chassis batteries and slow start.  Fresh chassis batteries and all is well again.
Dan & Lauren - Pine Ridge, FL
2000 U320 42 CAI
Build #5766

Re: Check Engine Light (split from Re: Please Help. Slide issue and stuck

Reply #5 –
Yes, computers that work on 12 VDC get really finicky when asked to do the same work on 8-9 VDC.

It is like they are putting you in "TIME OUT".
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: Check Engine Light (split from Re: Please Help. Slide issue and stuck

Reply #6 –
As Brett says, they don't like low voltage and you can't believe how low the voltage goes with an extended start. That is one of the reasons cranking is limited to a certain number of seconds. Too long and the computer will "time out" and generate codes. Low CCA, battery voltage will also overheat the starter and shorten it's life.

One of the reasons I have about 3000 CCA with the three 31 series. I don't need anywhere near that much normally but...

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