front slide question

[Dave1956]

Folks:

Yesterday before leaving the front slide would not activate and come in. The switch worked as normal and I could hear some noise in the motor. I went outside while the DW activated the switch and I could hear some motor noise. The next time DW pushed button I applied a little push on the slide and it operated normally. At the next stop, where I am now, it went out with no problems.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Dave

["007"]

Dave,Were you still connected to shore power when going to close slide?
Not knowing age of batteries could be a problem.
I'd check the rollers and make sure none are off their holding brackets and check the metal ramp that rollers move up on to bring in slide.
May also want to check fusing and wiring to that fuse or motor for something loose.
You can see the ramp when slide is 1/2 way in.

[Dave1956]

Thanks..I have also read the quick tips and trouble shooting manuals but did not come up with anything. Do think that something could need lubricating? We leave tomorrow for our final day to get home, hope to get it back in and then I can deal with it there without any deadlines.

["007"]

Don't usually lube anything mechanical but do lube the rubber seals with 303 or talc and polish the slide sidewalls for smooth operation.

[USMCRET]

Try retracting while still hooked to shore power if you weren't previously. That makes a difference on mine.

["007"]

If you were using the batteries the slide should still have closed unless you have weak batteries and are not trying to move in two slides at once.
As said shore power should not experience a problem.

[Dave1956]

Update..
I spoke with my mechanic and he suggested that I do a very thorough lube job on all of the tubes, rails, cogs, etc. I did not like his method compared to what I have read on this site, but he thought it best to eliminate dryness being the issue. He said the smallest amount of friction can cause a problem. If not the lubricant than a week motor or clutch!

After arriving home I lubricated everything he suggested as he suggested (WD40) on metal, and 303 on seals and rubber. I worked the slide in and out about 6 times. It worked 4 times and needed help twice. I am going to work it in and out a few more times tomorrow before deciding whether or not to take it to the dealer. I have an extended warranty that would cover this repair if it is not an adjustment issue.

Thoughts or ideas??

["007"]

Didn't mention this before on your control there is a small adjustable pot that you can increase the current to motor.
In the Quick Tips Newmar slide link info it tells you how to go about it.
Any adjustment will be only in small increments do not over do it or you can do damage to fascia of slide.
To much lube may collect dirt and cause more binding so go easy with that.



Your control , mine is located under kitchen cabinet
You have not said if you have checked the wiring, spade tip connections or plugs on control and from fuses or wires going to motor for good clean tight connections a high resistance connection will cause motor not to receive its full current its calling for.
Just to let you know if you did not have motor and gears hooked to shaft you can turn the shaft very easily with a wrench the slide will move with out a lube all your hardware is in the compartment space not exposed to weather.

[Dave1956]

I saw that in the tips section. I will have to study it to see which controls the start up retraction current. I have the special tool in my manual box I will check on that tomorrow. My intention was to let the lubebricant work its way in and then try to clean the access off. I can get to the motor, cogs and most of the outer tube from the basement.

Has anyone heard of the motor burning out? Mine is 8 years old and I have no idea of how much it was used in the first 7 years.

Thanks

["007"]

Its not so much the motor but the control boards mostly.
Years ago the motor was near the open LP tank area getting wet & road salts when traveling.
Everything and us age but some of us just stand up longer same with parts.
The motor just needs the added kick to get it turning and moving rollers up the incline.
Its the same pot that adds or subtracts the sense current to the stop current for extension or retraction, battery power is reversed to motor by the control relay.

[Dave1956]

Ok, I will check the adjustment today. Thanks.

[gauto5150]

From what you describe, it seems like the motor may be getting close to retirement.
It may act like a bad starter on a car, same concept.

[Dave1956]

After a good lubrication I adjusted the amp control as suggested above. With a few small adjustments the slide is now working properly. Ran it in and out 3-4 times to make sure it was not hitting the stops too hard and it always came in correctly. I think the motor sounds a little strained to me, but I might be sensative now! I have two years of extended warranty left, so no worries!

Through this process I also treated the seals/gaskets with 303 and wiped down the side walls of the slide out units. They make more noise now than they did before I treated them?? I am thinking the powder might have been better!

Thanks to everyone for your quick replies on this issue. I now feel much more confident about my slides and what to do if I have a problem.

Dave

["007"]

Dave, when control senses the higher currant draw at stops, which is the wall in or out, the control shuts off the motor.
The motor out of the weather will last a long time, need not worry.