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Topic: Starter solenoid not getting ignition power (Read 289 times) previous topic - next topic

Starter solenoid not getting ignition power

In the middle of Saskatchewan and couldn't get the coach to start this morning. Good voltage at the battery and at the starter. I was able to determine that the ignition wire at the starter is not getting power. Any thoughts on why? I have checked my fuses under the dash And they are all good.

I was able to get the coach started by turning the ignition on and jumping power from the main power terminal on the starter solenoid to the ignition wire on the solenoid but would rather not do that every day as we travel to Minnesota.

Edit: fuel shutoff solenoid engages with the ignition on and ignition accessories like the hwh panel light up when ignition is on so I believe the ignition switch is good
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

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

Re: Starter solenoid not getting ignition power

Reply #1 –
I would begin by checking the ignition switch itself and then whatever contact or control for the Neutral safety.
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Starter solenoid not getting ignition power

Reply #2 –
Quote from: "Dennis H" –
I would begin by checking the ignition switch itself and then whatever contact or control for the Neutral safety.
Omg. You got me thinking about the neutral safety switch, and the shifter had been bumped down, just the slightest out of neutral, but not into drive.  :headwall:

Good call and thank you for the quick response!
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

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

Re: Starter solenoid not getting ignition power

Reply #3 –
Be glad it was only a little out of neutral. Further and it might have moved while you were jumping the exciter terminal on the solenoid. Depending on how good your brakes are in the morning could over ride the parking brake. Mine does in reverse when completely cold.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Starter solenoid not getting ignition power

Reply #4 –
I love that older simpler stuff!
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Starter solenoid not getting ignition power

Reply #5 –
I'm surprised that's the 1st time this happened to you. I've had to do that several times and this isn't the 1st post on this situation.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Starter solenoid not getting ignition power

Reply #6 –
The auxiliary starter solenoid should be mounted to the cross member a little way from the starter. Glad you found that it just wasn't in neutral.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins