Intermittent No Start

[Steve Larkin]

Twice in the past 2 months I have turned the ignition to start my new Dutch Star and nothing happens. The battery is OK. The first time a mobile guy "jumped" the starter (solenoid?) with a wire, and started it up. After that I could not reproduce the problem, and it started fine maybe 20-25 times. Next time, 2 months later, it happens again. So after about 10 hours, I try it again, before calling for help, and it starts! What gives? Loose wire? Can't see one. Starter? Jacks or slides causing a no start condition? Computer glitch? Ignition? What might do this?

[KIX]

Hello Steve,

We have the same problem form time to time and I keep forgetting to fix it properly. It is most likely the contacts in the start solenoid are either somewhat burnt or pitted and that occasionally causes the no-start problem. When this occurs you could cycle the start key on and off a couple of times and then move the key to the start position. That may work to start the coach. The real fix is to change the solenoid out.

Hope this helps you.

[Steve Larkin]

Thanks. I did suspect it might be the solenoid but a mechanic pooh-poohed the idea because it was a new rig.

[soricobob]

Years ago I had a similar problem with a car, but it only happened when the car had been running and was warmed up; turned out to be the neutral safety switch.

[Norm4015]

I had the same problem with my Cummins engine. Over a period of two years it failed to start maybe eight times, but after sitting a few minutes (or hours) it would start. I found both wires to the starter solenoid were loose and had pitted from arcing. I removed the wires and cleaned them with a file then put them on tight. Never had another problem.

[Steve Larkin]

Norm, I will check that out. We have similar rigs I think. I have been to your website and found it to be a great help for a newbie. Thank you very much.

[Jim_L]

I have a 2008 KSDP on a Spartan MM which had the opposite, would quit running rather than not start. It was a bad ignition switch. Troubleshooting the type of problem you describe can be very difficult. I would recommend taking it to a service center who might be able to download any error codes. The Spartan service center was able to pinpoint my issue while under warranty. Good luck and keep us posted informed.

[shadrack]

We had the same problem four different times. Waited a while and it started right up. The last time it occurred I called a Spartan repair facility and they came out and it started up right after I cycled the ignition key four or five times. The mechanic said that sometimes the various relays in the system may become corroded or filmed. Cycling the ignition four or five times seems to clear the problem. Thankfully the coach has started everytime since I paid for that $400 service call. But I now know the solution, hopefully. Hope this also helps.

[Steve Larkin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim_L I have a 2008 KSDP on a Spartan MM which had the opposite, would quit running rather than not start. It was a bad ignition switch. Troubleshooting the type of problem you describe can be very difficult. I would recommend taking it to a service center who might be able to download any error codes. The Spartan service center was able to pinpoint my issue while under warranty. Good luck and keep us posted informed.

I am taking it to Massey Diesel in Phoenix in next week. I'll let you know what they find.

[George Z]

Loose, corroded, or sticking neutral safety switch on the trans is an easy check out.

[EngineerMike]

Usually if it is a corroded solenoid contact (high amp side) you hear the contact "thunk" into place, but no starter action; if that's the case, find the thunking solenoid and check it out; if that one checks, it may operate a subsequent solenoid that needs checking out. If you turn the switch & hear nothing, then the other suggestions come into suspicion first.

[Chickadee]

Steve: Had SAME prob. w. our 2008 4502 Essex (500 Cummins on K2 Spartan chassis). After a few episodes we finally took her in to Cummins in Sioux Falls, and, they replaced BOTH the solenoid AND the starter it was attached to. The solenoid WAS the problem but techs said the problem likely affected operation of the starter (they explained it but....don't ask me, the "mechanical idiot") and so they also installed a new starter. Problem has not recurred. FWIW. Steve & Lynette

[Works2RV]

Yep - just last weekend, went to NC mountains, stopped at Welcome Center and unit would not restart - just heavy click. Todd's RV sent a Tech down and we got it started - first thought was it was the solenoid but shorting across it did not always spin the motor so they ordered a reman motor/solenoid and installed on Monday. I have to say the folks at Todd's were a genuine pleasure to work with, they went well out of their way to help us salvage the weekend - Mark Coyne ( Service Manager ) and Mark Owen ( Technician ) Great people! Anyone have a need in the Asheville/Fletcher/Hendersonville area give Todd's a call.

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

Steve, Tom (the service mgr) is tops. He is the best I've come across in my 30 years of RV'ing. He knows the Spartan chassis and Cummins inside and out.