HWH System not functioning - Any Suggestions?

SX_RVing · 02-23-2009, 03:57 AM

Hi,

A few months ago the entire HWH system on the coach failed. The leveling pad is dead, as is the gen slide switch. At first I thought it was the master relay for the slide switch (it was heavily corrroded and I couldn't jump the system to extend the gen slide). I got replacement relays and have since replaced them... System still does not work.

I checked power into the control unit (computer box in generator compartment)....shows 12 volts on the appropriate hot & switched (ignition) leads. I checked the battery grounds (can't actually get to the ground points) by checking continuity between negative battery terminal and the chassiss. It seem that I have adequate ground. I also checked the leveling pad...no 12 volt power to the pad.

When I start the engine, I get a "Jacks Down" alarm, but the jacks are up in the stored position. Alarm won't shut off. The air bags will inflate, but the green "Travel Mode" light on the touch pad never comes on, and again no response from the leveling touch pad, as well as the gen slide switch.

I've checked every fuse I can find that pertains to the HWH system, including the fuses on the actual control board. All fuses are good.

I've contacted Newmar and HWH, ran every diagnostic they've suggested, but still can't get the system to work. It appears that the control unit might be the problem, and that item ain't cheap!

My questions: Anyone experience a similar problem? How did you correct it? Any other suggestions I might try?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Sebastian

soricobob · 02-23-2009, 07:15 AM

The only similar problem I have had, and stumbled on its solution, was the electric window switch has gone dead on a few occasions. This is on the armrest near the leveling controls. Each time my window switch has died, taking the covering off that section, to the left of the driver, has revealed a mass of wires, about half dozen of them go to and from the window switch. I gently push/twist/move the wires, and the windown switch works again. Of course I was not the one to first discover this, but a Newmar tech did, and he advised me to "fix" it the same way in the future (I have twice). As the instructor in the IT course at USF used to say; "If there are problems with your computer, the first three things you should check are: connections, connections, or connections." If I were you, I'd remove the panel, and disconnect/reconnect every wire leading to that control panel.

SX_RVing · 02-23-2009, 07:32 AM

Hi Bob,

I removed the leveling touch pad. The connections seemed good, but no power to the touch pad.

I've got power into the control unit (computer in the gen compartment). I should try to determine which connectors feeds the touch pad and the gen slide switch, and check those for power.

Thanks

racer0624 · 02-23-2009, 11:22 AM

We had exactly the same symptons and problems with our '05 Essex. What they call "the can" & I call "that computer looking thingy in the gen. compartmant with the clear sides and blinking lights" was the problem. The whole unit had to be changed out. The tech tried to trouble shoot the internals of the "can" with no success. Swapping it out with a unit from a new '06 didn't work. My understanding was that it was vehicle specific. The service tech called HWH with the "can" serial number and got a replacement.

Lug_Nut · 02-23-2009, 12:28 PM

It still could be a ground issue. Even though you see voltage accross the positive and the ground, that's not with any current flow. The HWH on the Newmar relies on getting ground throgh the mount bolts on the pump. They come loose, even fall out. Check the mount. Put a jumper cable from the frame to the pump motor housing and try it. Good luck.

Peter

ET · 02-23-2009, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SX_RVing:
Hi Bob,

I removed the leveling touch pad. The connections seemed good, but no power to the touch pad.

I've got power into the control unit (computer in the gen compartment). I should try to determine which connectors feeds the touch pad and the gen slide switch, and check those for power.

Thanks

My touch pad gives me problems now and then, showing no power. I've noticed that the Power button on the Pad will only work sometimes by pressing sideways on the button, not straight down. The actual Micro button is going bad. I've also had an issue with my ignition switch as well and have to turn on, off and on in the acc position. Sounds stupid but that's what happens with mine. Just a thought.

SX_RVing · 02-23-2009, 04:55 PM

Hi John,

Yes I think it's the "CAN" system that's the problem. I've got one more set of pins to test to confirm it. I'll get to that tomorrow if it's not too cold.

Hi Peter,

Thanks for the suggestion. I've checked (and tightened) the pump mounting bolts. I'll try the jumper cable as well. If that's it, it would save me a lot grief.

Hi Ted,

Appreciate the thought, but not just the touch pad. The entire HWH is off. It appears that there's no power out of the "CAN" system. Nothing in the HWH system is working.

Thank's to all for the suggestions. Please keep them coming if you think of anything else.

Sebastian

ET · 02-23-2009, 05:20 PM

You're welcome Sebastian

On my system I must hit the power button on the HWH pad for it to turn on and off, exception being that it turns off automatically when you select auto level and it's finished leveling. Good luck!

Awanderlust · 03-13-2009, 12:37 AM

I had problems with my HWH touchpad where I could not turn on the power, thus not lower the jacks.

I contacted HWH and spoke with Frank, he said I could replace the touchpad or send it in for repair. I sent it in for repair, which they replaced the micro switch for the power button. It cost me less than $60 to get it fixed.

SX_RVing · 03-16-2009, 08:40 AM

OK here's an update:

I removed the "CAN" system (the computer box in the generator compartment) and sent it the HWH for repair. It turns out that the main control board was bad and had to be replaced. They were able to turn it around in just a few days.

I reinstalled the "CAN" system and with a little trial and error, I got most everything working. I'm still having a problem with the generator slide switch. With the new "CAN" system, the ignition switch has to be activated ("ON" or "ACC" position). After the ignition switch is activated the generator slide will operate until the switch is turned to the "OFF" position and for about ten minutes after (time delay).

As I remember, with the old "CAN" system, the generator slide was active at all times (with one exception - it would not operate if the AUX AIR was running to level the coach). Can any of you Essex owners out there confirm how and when your generator slide is active?

Thanks

Sebastian

racer0624 · 03-16-2009, 03:44 PM

Sebastian,
My '05 4502 and my '09 4508 are hot all the time. Never tried when the aux air was running however.

SX_RVing · 03-16-2009, 05:00 PM

John,

Thanks for the reply....That's how I remembered it.

I called HWH again, and described the situation. They agreed that it's a problem and they've agreed to send me a new "CAN" system. HWH has been very reasonable in this situation. I'll have to change it out again, and return the old one. Maybe I can get this working properly...FINALLY!

Oh well, so long as it works properly.

Thanks for checking John...I appreciate it.

Sebastian