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Topic: Weird thing [dash lights flashing periodically with ignition off] (Read 500 times) previous topic - next topic

Weird thing [dash lights flashing periodically with ignition off]

Yesterday while parked for a couple of days my wife said the dash lights are flashing.
When I looked all the dash lights were flashing and it lasted about 15 to 30 seconds
and quit. No idea, never saw anything like it before.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Weird thing [dash lights flashing periodically with ignition off]

Reply #1 –
Dash lights probably receive power when the ignition solenoid (or relay) is activated.  Power to activate the ignition solenoid (or relay) comes from the ignition switch when it is turned to the ON position.

The ignition switch always has 12V power available (from the engine start batteries).

The ignition solenoid (or relay) should be located behind the removable kick panel in front of the passenger seat.  Look down toward the bottom of the circuit breaker panel for one or two black solenoids/relays.

I suppose there could be some kind of bizarre fault in the ignition switch that would provide random intermittent power to the ignition solenoids (or relay).

Does your ignition key have a lot of weight hanging on it when inserted in the switch?

Do you leave your key in the ignition switch when parked?

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: Weird thing [dash lights flashing periodically with ignition off]

Reply #2 –
I only use the key for the ignition switch and always leave it in. The ignition switch only turns on some of
the dash lights but when flashing all the lights come on that the headlight switch activates. They flashed on
and off like the for way flasher does.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Weird thing [dash lights flashing periodically with ignition off]

Reply #3 –
Quote from: oldguy –
The ignition switch only turns on some of the dash lights but when flashing all the lights come on that the headlight switch activates. They flashed on and off like the four way flasher does.
Sorry - In that case, I have no more illuminating ideas. 
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: Weird thing [dash lights flashing periodically with ignition off]

Reply #4 –
Check ground cables at ground bus bar.

Re: Weird thing [dash lights flashing periodically with ignition off]

Reply #5 –
Do you have power locks or an alarm system? My power locks flash the outside running lamps which also cause the dash lights to flash. Some combinations of hitting the switch or key can cause them to flash for ~30 seconds.
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Weird thing [dash lights flashing periodically with ignition off]

Reply #6 –
I was showing my wife that we have power locks on the coach which I never use and I think
that was some time before the flashing lights happened. So thanks that makes sense.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Weird thing [dash lights flashing periodically with ignition off]

Reply #7 –
Sounds like your alarm system. On my coach if you lock the coach with the remote and subsequently open the door with the key it will trigger the alarm. Dash lights flash and running lights. To disarm push the unlock button on your remote. Or if you have one the remote by drivers left will do the same thing. I've noticed one other thing.
It also works in reverse. If you lock the coach from the inside remotely and then manually unlock the entry door and open it will trigger the alarm.
2008 Nimbus 342
Build# 6464
ISM 500
Allison 4000 w/retarder
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Weird thing [dash lights flashing periodically with ignition off]

Reply #8 –
This is the great thing of this Forum is I didn't think I would come up with an explanation
to the blinking lights and I have got one.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Weird thing [dash lights flashing periodically with ignition off]

Reply #9 –
I didn't even think about an alarm system. I was looking at the wiring diagrams trying to figure out what could cause the hazzard flasher to flash the dash lights. All of you with your new fangled stuff.  :))
1991 U300 Side Aisle 6V92 Silver #3897
2004 U320 40' #6246