Clicking noise

[Rotten-Red]

When I first turn the key on to the run position I hear 3 loud "clicks" coming from underneath near the front. I've never been able to figure out what it is. Anyone know?

[rvjimmy]

It is probably the ABS going through it's Pre-trip, or the engine ECU doing a systems check. When the clicking stops start her up and go.

[longhair333]

it could also be your auto level jacks , reprogram the leveling system

[GaryKD]

Hi Rotten-Red,
Can you provide the year and model of coach and propelled by gas or diesel?

[JBDISCOVERY]

I agree with GARYKD, not much information to help you with. Most times when the key is turned the coach goes through a series of self checks. Relays click as they close. The indicator of what is going on is the dash panel display. You should see a series of lights going off as the various systems check themselves. If you do not get a serious fault indicator, then all is going ok. Once the engine starts the oil pressure and voltage gauge should come up to their normal start positions. An interesting condition with a Cummins engine is as the engine starts the PREHEAT HEATERS cycle on and off with an on and off increase/decrease in the Voltage indicated on the DC Voltage gauge.
Be comforted that these systems are very good and error on the side of preventing damage to the engine and associated systems.
Take time to learn your coach.
Regards,
JB

["007"]

He has a 2000 DSDP 3858.
Never had a DP but I would guess its a bunch of relays checking out the systems or a solenoid connecting the battery for starter.

[Rotten-Red]

Yes it's a 2000 DSDP on a Spartan MM chassis. Cummins ISC engine. The 3 clicks come from under the front by the air tanks. Not back by the engine. The air tanks have 3 electrically controlled tank drain valves on them. I had always assumed the 3 clicks was coming from those 3 valves ejecting moisture from the tanks on startup. Curiosity got the best of me the other day and I got under and had someone turn the key on while I listened and watched. To my surprise it was not those valves making the noise. It comes from higher up above the tanks in among all the hoses and valves. Which makes "rvjimmys" answer "It is probably the ABS going through it's Pre-trip" sound logical.
Now that brings up another question. What activates the 3 drain valves? There's no manual switch anywhere that I've ever seen. Or am I wrong about these being electrically operated and the electrical wires going to them are for some other reason? There are no manual pull cables going to the valves to bleed the air tanks.

[dougburi]

Usually there are "pull cables" on the air tanks but it looks as if you will have to just get under there and bleed the tanks manually. There is a definite sequence and method for opening the valves. Spartan has a sheet of instructions -- I can't remember where I got it??? Give them a call or maybe it's in the web site?????

[LonBoy]

Do you have a dish they willl click 3 times on the first start up Mine does it from the ceiling down.

[Rotten-Red]

There are no old style drain valves (like radiator drain valves) on the air tanks. The only drain valves are the ones with the electrical wires going to them. There is a small lever that a "pull cable" can be attached to. But there has never been a cable attached to them. That's what makes me believe that the valves are electrically operated. I just can't figure out what triggers the valve. If all else fails I'll call Spartan.
As for the dish, I do have a Winegard Slimline HD dish. But the sound is not coming from up there. It's coming from under by the air system.