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Constant beeping

Please forgive my lack of technical knowledge....

We have a 1995 u280 (grand villa)...we live in Maine and the coach has been sitting since November. Last week we moved the coach to a friends house for a couple days. We did have problems when trying to level the coach, but eventually we got it leveled...after dumping the air and refilling at least twice. When we went to move the coach home, we couldn't get the coach to start...decided to replaced the battery. The new battery wasn't keeping a charge, so we changed the alternator....ever since changing the alternator there is a constant beeping, even after starting the coach and even after the air gets up to 110 psi...the beeping used to stop  at about 90 psi's. The coach ran for a couple hrs and the beeping still wouldn't stop. The temperature was fairly mild at 49 degrees.

Any thoughts on the problem?

Thank you in advance!!
1995 U280
Grandvilla Unihome

3600 ORED
Engine: Cummins 8.3
Build 4680

Buxton, Maine

Re: Constant beeping

Reply #1 –
Heather,

Welcome to the ForeForum.

We will need more information:

What model 1995?

What is the source of the beeping (dash, propane sniffer, other)?

Hate to see anyone throw $$$ in parts without completely troubleshooting the issue. For example, a bad battery isolator can give the same symptoms as a bad alternator.

What is chassis battery voltage when this happens?

What is house battery voltage when this happens?
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: Constant beeping

Reply #2 –
Good Morning,

The model is a U280 grandvilla...Cummins engine

The beeping is coming from the dash

The voltage is at around 12.5.

We just bought the coach last May. The day it was brought over the border the driver we hired Had to jump start it and at that time it wouldn't keep a charge. It's was suggested that the alternator was bad, we bought the alternator that day, but never had a more issues until now, so we decided to change the alternator

Does the panel above the door tell the voltage of the house batteries? And the one at the dash tell the voltage of the start battery? 

The beeping didn't start until after the alternator was changed.

Oh one other thing, There is a little red wire that at one time was connected to the old alternator, but connection was frayed and wasn't connected when we removed the old alternator...my husband wasn't sure what it went to  and since it was connected to the old wasn't worried about it at this time.

The coach started strong after the alternator was changed.

Is the leveling system effected by the cold?


1995 U280
Grandvilla Unihome

3600 ORED
Engine: Cummins 8.3
Build 4680

Buxton, Maine

Re: Constant beeping

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Heather T –
The model is a U280 grand villa...Cummins engine

The beeping is coming from the dash

Does the panel above the door tell the voltage of the house batteries? And the one at the dash tell the voltage of the start battery? 

The beeping didn't start until after the alternator was changed.

Oh one other thing, There is a little red wire that at one time was connected to the old alternator, but connection was frayed and wasn't connected when we removed the old alternator...my husband wasn't sure what it went to  and since it was connected to the old wasn't worried about it at this time.

Is the leveling system effected by the cold?
Welcome to the Forum.  You face the typical "New Foretravel Owner" situation of having to deal with a number of problems simultaneously, while at the same time being totally unfamiliar with the way things work on your newly acquired coach.

We can help you sort through things, but it will be easier if we try to handle one question at a time.  You have asked 4 different questions:
1.  What is causing the beeping noise?
2.  What are the voltage readouts showing?
3.  What is the "mystery" red wire that was once connected to the old alternator?
4.  Does cold affect the leveling system?

Let's start with question #1 - the beeping noise.  You have a number of warning lights on the dash in front of the driver.  They all should light up when you first turn on the ignition key.  Most of those lights are also connected to the "Annunciator" device (the beeper) located under the lift-up dash cover in front of the driver.  If any of the circuits monitored by the lights are indicating a problem, then the beeper sounds off.  If a corresponding light on the dash is illuminated, that tells you what is causing the noise.  You must correct the problem to silence the beeper.  The two links below are schematics of the warning light/beeper system.  Take a look at them to see what might be causing the irritating noise in your coach.

Hint:  One common cause of "beeping" is the crank-up TV antenna not being fully lowered.  Check to see if it is down flat on the roof.

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=media;sa=media;in=4510  (Earlier system)

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=media;sa=media;in=4511  (Later system)

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: Constant beeping

Reply #4 –
In regards to the beeping:  if you have the original propane leak detector and had removed all power from coach, it may need to be reset.  It will be located near floor in kitchen area.  There is a small switch on the front to reset. If beeping is coming from behind steering wheel, it will be something else like mentioned above.

ps.  If it is the original detector, replace it.

jk
Jack and Cathy
1992 U280 Unihome 36' Build #4034
Cummins 8.3 /  Allison MT647/ PacBrake
Apopka, FL / Barre Center, NY