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Topic: Slide out air bladder (Read 569 times) previous topic - next topic

Slide out air bladder

I turn ignition key on then turn slide key on. Yellow light flashes then goes to solid yellow like it's supposed too. Slide goes in and out like it should but air bladder never inflates or deflates. I can't hear it deflate or try to inflate at all. Should you be able to hear it. Sorry forgot it's a 2001 u320 with single slide. Thanks in advance for any information. What should I check?

Re: Slide out air bladder

Reply #1 –
Why are you convinced that it's not inflating or deflating?  Can you see it?  Confirm that your auxiliary air compressor is working and that you have air pressure in the slide seal (aux) air tank.  This is the long narrow tank under the front of the coach.  Many have added a pressure gauge at the air compressor to confirm the pressure in the tank but you can also open the drain valve on the tank to prove that there is air pressure.  The air compressor should be running when you are operating the slide rooms.  I don't remember if it comes on with the key or only after the air pressure drops while the manifold is trying to vacuum or inflate the seal.  You should be able to visually watch the seal if you remove some trim or peak around the accordion shade behind the drivers seat.  If it's dark in the coach and light outside that helps as well.  To your question, you can't really hear it unless it's very quiet and then you can usually hear some faint creaking noises as it releases from or compresses against the slide room walls.
George Mann
2002 U320 #5934
2017 Rubicon
2013 BMW GS
Waterford MI

Re: Slide out air bladder

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Tim Brown –
I turn ignition key on then turn slide key on. Yellow light flashes then goes to solid yellow like it's supposed too. Slide goes in and out like it should but air bladder never inflates or deflates. I can't hear it deflate or try to inflate at all. Should you be able to hear it. Sorry forgot it's a 2001 u320 with single slide. Thanks in advance for any information. What should I check?

On a 2001, I'm fairly certain the "flashing to solid" on the yellow light is time-based, not vacuum-level checked, so moving the slide without verifying the bladder is deflated risks tearing the bladder.

If you don't hear the aux compressor run when you turn the key, check the inline fuse in the compressor's power line.  If you have a slide bladder leak, the aux compressor will likely run no-stop unless that fuse is pulled or has failed.
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: Slide out air bladder

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Michelle –
On a 2001, I'm fairly certain the "flashing to solid" on the yellow light is time-based, not vacuum-level checked, so moving the slide without verifying the bladder is deflated risks tearing the bladder.
Correct
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Slide out air bladder

Reply #4 –
On my 2001 slide, the yellow light does not blink.  It's either off or on steady when the timer turns it on.
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: Slide out air bladder

Reply #5 –
On my 2001 slide, the yellow light does not blink.  It's either off or on steady when the timer turns it on.
[/quote]

That sounds like a malfunction.  The light is supposed to blink for approximately 20 seconds while the hydraulic pump builds pressure and to give the vacuum generator enough time to "assume" that the seal is deflated.  When new slide seals are installed HWH requires that the manifold be replaced as well.  Does anyone know why they require the new manifold?  Does the new manifold maybe provide confirmation of a vacuum?
George Mann
2002 U320 #5934
2017 Rubicon
2013 BMW GS
Waterford MI

Re: Slide out air bladder

Reply #6 –
My yellow light did not blink either, even after I had the control box inspected and the control pad replaced with a refurbished unit while at HWH
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Slide out air bladder

Reply #7 –
On my 2001, the yellow light also does not blink.
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: Slide out air bladder

Reply #8 –
Below is from the 2001 Manual. No mention of blinking light.

SLIDE-OUT ROOM CONTROL PANEL
The ignition key and the room control panel key must be in the ON position and a window or door open to extend or retract the room.
To Extend the Room:
Set the park brake and place the ignition key and room control key in the
ON position. The amber indicator will light when the air from the seal is
exhausted. (about 40 seconds) The room extension will not operate until
this light is on.
Press and hold the Extension Control Switch to the EXTEND position. The
red indicator light will stay on while pump is running.
When the extend sequence is completed the pump will shut off and the red
indicator light will go out. The EXTEND switch may be released.
The air seal will inflate when the room control key is switched OFF or
when the ignition switch is turned OFF.

CAUTION
REMOVE ANY FLOOR COVERINGS IN FRONT OF SLIDE AREA
BEFORE RETRACTING ROOM
To Retract the Room:
Place the ignition key and room control key in the ON position. The amber
indicator will light when the air from the seal is exhausted. (about 40 seconds) The room extension will not operate until this light is on.
Press and hold the Extension Control Switch to the RETRACT position.
The red indicator light will stay on while pump is running.
When the retract sequence is completed the pump will shut off and the red
indicator light will go out. The RETRACT switch may be released.
The air seal will inflate when the room control key is switched OFF or
when the ignition switch is turned OFF.
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: Slide out air bladder

Reply #9 –
2002 and pre-2002 HWH slide systems are apples and oranges.  Period.

Was told at MOT when I had the bladder replaced in 2019, that the new style slide bladders require significantly more vacuum to deflate than the first generation...and mine doesn't need any pressure to inflate and stay inflated.  The new manifold/vacuum generator I had installed with the new bladder does only that, creates more vacuum....indications are unchanged.

Quote from: Geodmann –
On my 2001 slide, the yellow light does not blink.  It's either off or on steady when the timer turns it on.


That sounds like a malfunction.  The light is supposed to blink for approximately 20 seconds while the hydraulic pump builds pressure and to give the vacuum generator enough time to "assume" that the seal is deflated.  When new slide seals are installed HWH requires that the manifold be replaced as well.  Does anyone know why they require the new manifold?  Does the new manifold maybe provide confirmation of a vacuum?
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: Slide out air bladder

Reply #10 –
Don't know why it required but I do know that the new bladders are much thicker and have a rib running all the way around the bladder. Maybe requires more vacuum to deflate?
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Slide out air bladder

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Michelle –
On a 2001, I'm fairly certain the "flashing to solid" on the yellow light is time-based, not vacuum-level checked, so moving the slide without verifying the bladder is deflated risks tearing the bladder.

If you don't hear the aux compressor run when you turn the key, check the inline fuse in the compressor's power line.  If you have a slide bladder leak, the aux compressor will likely run no-stop unless that fuse is pulled or has failed.
Light has nothing to do with vacuum or retracted bladder. It's on a 45 second timer. Look to see the bladder has visually retracted.

Re: Slide out air bladder

Reply #12 –
HWH does require a larger vacuum pump with the new style Bladder. The fin on it actually rolls over during retraction and flips back up when relaxed and or inflated. Very good improvement IMO

Re: Slide out air bladder

Reply #13 –
Quote from: dsd –
Light has nothing to do with vacuum or retracted bladder. It's on a 45 second timer. Look to see the bladder has visually retracted.

2003 and newer (and maybe 2002) are vacuum sensor, not timer, based.

But as mentioned upthread, what applies to a 2003 doesn't matter to OP who has a 2001.
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: Slide out air bladder

Reply #14 –
On my 2001, 320, I can see out, if there is light at the top forward corner of the slide when it is deflated.  Inflated, no light, just sold black rubber.
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)

Re: Slide out air bladder

Reply #15 –
Have you figured anything out?
Bill and Sharon
2008 Nimbus 338 #6446
1984 Blazer w/ 35's Toad