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Topic: 2001 u320 slide (Read 669 times) previous topic - next topic

2001 u320 slide

I am stuck at a campground my slide will not lock or open it is stuck closed but will not lock. I tried to reset by unplugging indicator light controller underneath in the storage compartment. It shows that the upper front lock is not unlocked  the other 3 are yellow . I can see from inside the Coach that the upper front lock is unlocked but it is not seeing it in the light display down below. Any ideas ? I am stuck because it won't lock.

When I look at the lock from inside the cab, I see a black threaded piece ,is that the sensor??  Would that keep the indicator light down below from turning yellow if it was not functioning properly.

I guess I need to to know why the other three locks show unlocked but the upper front is not . What triggers the unlock light to light. The slide is in and the bladder is sealed but I don't want to drive because it could put a hole in the seal. I have read about a Magnetic sensor? Ideas lol I am trying to get to Utah.
2001 Foretravel U320.

Re: 2001 u320 slide

Reply #1 –
I believe the lock pin indicator uses a magnet and reed switch.  I have heard of the magnets breaking, which causes the switch to no longer see the required magnetic strength to engage.

My coach doesn't have lock pins, so I'm not intimately familiar with them.  I'm sure those with experience with it, will be along shortly to help you further.
Keith
2003 U320 38' #6197

Re: 2001 u320 slide

Reply #2 –
There's also the neutral override switch (110/220 switch) which could get you on your way.  It's located on one of the silver HWH boxes in the basement.  If memory serves, the 110 position is normal operation and the 220 position is neutral override.
George Mann
2002 U320 #5934
2017 Rubicon
2013 BMW GS
Waterford MI

Re: 2001 u320 slide

Reply #3 –
I have driven several thousand miles with only 3 lock pins engaged.  HWH said it would not cause any problems. 

If it were me, and three pins were locked, I would flip the neutral override switch and press on with your trip until you can get it serviced.  On mine, the override switch is located in the front right bay on the right side of one of the HWH boxes.  It is flat, round and black and labeled 120V/220V.  It requires a screwdriver to turn the switch.

On mine, the lock pin sensor switch (called a reed switch) is located in the pin block.  The positioning of them is very important and if it moves out of position, it can fail to register the lock/unlock function is complete.  You can test them with an Ohm meter and a magnet.  Connect the ohm meter and run the magnet along the barrel. 

You may be able to look at one of your lower pins to see what the switch looks like.  Mine is like a small pistol (3-4") made out of fiberglass with wires coming out of the grip.  It slides into a slot on the lock pin assembly.  It is delicate, so handle it gently.  You may have to dismount the lock pin assembly to access it.

Pictures might get you some additional answers.

Disclaimer - Your 2001 may be different. 

Hope this helps,

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: 2001 u320 slide

Reply #4 –
Just a suggestion, make sure the fluid in the pump reservoir is full. Mine is sensitive to a few ounces low. Being the locks are last in the process. Jim.
Jim and Dona
2002 U295 36'
Lily, blue healer. Our fury person
Manx mid travel Ecotec turbo
2022 Bronco badlands Sasquatch
Trail 90 and 110cc

Re: 2001 u320 slide

Reply #5 –
Quote from: fourdayoff –
Just a suggestion, make sure the fluid in the pump reservoir is full. Mine is sensitive to a few ounces low. Being the locks are last in the process. Jim.

For a 2001, it's checked with the slide retracted:

Room Positioning for Checking Oil Level in the HWH Slide Hydraulic Reservoir
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: 2001 u320 slide

Reply #6 –
Here's a couple of pictures:

1. Reed Switch
2. Override switch
3. Override switch close up

You do have to dismount the lockpin to access the reed switch.  You do not have to disconnect the hydraulic lines.  I think it is a couple of allen head bolts.  Watch for any shims, because you will have to replace them if they are there to make sure the pin lines up with the receiver in the slide.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: 2001 u320 slide

Reply #7 –
Your 2001 may be a bit different than Rich's 2002.
Your bypass switch should be in the large rectangular box ( about 15" x 24" ) mounted on the ceiling of your drivers side middle storage bay. The switch should be in the rear passenger side corner of the box. It's just a simple silver toggle switch. Flip that switch and you should be good to go.
As Rich stated, if you have 3 pins locking, driving should be fine with no concern about the slide moving or damaging your bladder.
If you have concerns about driving with one pin unlocked, remember you have the 2 hooks on the interior floor to put the ratchet winch on as a precaution. Snug up the winch and you can be sure the slide isn't going to move at all.
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: 2001 u320 slide

Reply #8 –
Here is a picture of the switch from a 2001.  Roger cut a hole in the box to make accessing the switch easier.

Now we just need to hear back from the OP.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: 2001 u320 slide

Reply #9 –
I have that exact same hole in my panel.  It was Roger that gave me advice also.
It sure makes it simple to just flip the switch through the hole and be on your way if you have an issue.

Am curious too to know what happened with the OP?
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: 2001 u320 slide

Reply #10 –
I have determined that the reed switch is the problem. I was able to make the trip and back but the upper front lock keeps giving me problems. Thanks for the information on the (reed) pistol sensor! I like that name. I am going to access the lock and test for operation. I will probably replace the reed switch, if the area where the reed switch is dirty or is not positioned properly or both I may just clean and make sure by testing (ohms) proper operation, and just reinsert.  Thanks for the information! I now have a clear understanding of the operation. I will post what i find.
2001 Foretravel U320.

Re: 2001 u320 slide

Reply #11 –
I removed the reed sensors, found the front one to be loose in the lock,(would move up and down freely) the rear one was snug. After inspection of the probes I found that the ends were worn down, exposing the wire at the end of the probe sensor. The resin worn away not normal IMO. Could make contact with the lock somehow. I recoated the sensors with a thin coat of uv Resin just the ends covering the exposed wire. I also coated the loose sensor on the bottom to make it more snug and now not moving up and down freely. I sanded the resin carefully on the bottom to get a nice fit (snug) in the lock. I also switch the rear top sensor with the front to see if the problem follows? or maybe I have corrected the issue. I have tried it 5x and no issues so far.
2001 Foretravel U320.

Re: 2001 u320 slide

Reply #12 –
You can see in these photos the bare wire on the end exposed. One was more worn than the other.
2001 Foretravel U320.

Re: 2001 u320 slide

Reply #13 –
Looks like you're on the right track.

You can use some tape to secure the switch once you are sure it is in the right position.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: 2001 u320 slide

Reply #14 –
When mine failed I found the magnet inside the actuator was broken into pieces and the sensor could not read it. Found one at the hardware store on the back of a refrigerator hook magnet, exact dimensions. Fixed my non op slide for about $3.00. The seller of the coach sold it at a deep discount because the slide was inop. He could not find anyone in Montana to fix it. Of course it took allot of time to find it, weeks. Jim. 
Jim and Dona
2002 U295 36'
Lily, blue healer. Our fury person
Manx mid travel Ecotec turbo
2022 Bronco badlands Sasquatch
Trail 90 and 110cc