Lost Engine Brake

[jdocter7]

My engine brake and dash light has stopped working on my 2006 Dutchstar. I have a Spartan Chassis, Cummins 400 ISL engine and Allison transmission. Is there a fuse somewhere that could be the problem? I've looked at all the fuse names in the front driver side compartment (outside) by the driver's seat and can't figure out if it's here.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Joel & Gail Docter
06 DSDP
F19351

[soricobob]

When I was having trouble with my engine brake I called Newmar, and they told me the fuse was in the basement in the rear compartment (since I have an entertainment center, it was in the compartment forward of that one), up on the cross rail. I never got to locate it because the problem was in the wiring. You see, I had just had a window motor replaced and when the tech unhooked the wiring for the brake (to access the window) he then hooked it up wrong.

[GaryKD]

Hi jdocter7,
Your coach may be the same as mine. In the basement bay in front of the left front wheel are the 12 VDC automotive fuses. Not on the green circuit board, but up higher in the compartment there is a grey receiver for a bunch of fuses and relays. In the middle of this is a fuse marked "Dash".

[jdocter7]

OP here. Haven't had a chance this morning to investigate further, but just to clarify, it's just the "engine brake" light on the dash that's failed, not all the dash lights. Yeah, that, and the engine brake...

Gail

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

I had that problem! It was a fuse and on my coach it was in a compartment aft of the rear duals...same compartment door as the batteries, but in a seperate section. There is a black box about 3"X3" and the fuse is in there. As I recall it is a 5 Amp. Bye the way when you locate the black box is it sitting on the floor or on the wall? The reason I ask is mine was sitting on the floor and caused another problem...it had to be relocated to a wall position.

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

I found the old post I made on this problem. The box I mentioned is a Bussman Switch. The fuse is a 5 amp and is located at position 10 in the box once you open it. Hope this helps.

[jdocter7]

Everyone thank you for all your help. I talked to Newmar and Spartan this
afternoon and have an answer. Spartan said there is a 5 amp fuse on my engine
brake located in the small door compartment in front of the rear wheel on the
passenger side. The fuse was located in a black box (approx 4" by 4") on the
left wall looking in. There are several fuses in this box mine was in position
F10. Thank God--the fuse was blown and I replaced it. Tomorrow the bride and I
will be on the road and hope this will resolves our problem. I'll let you know
tomorrow if it works. Thanks again!

06 DSDP
Joel & Gail Docter
19351

[GaryKD]

Hi jdocter7,
Thank you so much for posting how this was closed. My Bussman box is in the same place as on your coach. I've never been able to find the box, until now. This is the bay where I store emergency supplies for the coach. Fortunately, I've never had to use the supplies. You post gave me cause to empty the bay and there is was, just like you said.

Thanks and many happy miles.

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

Gary KD and others, insure that your Bussman switch box is on the wall and not the floor of the compartment. Also make sure that the switch box NEVER NEVER gets wet. This can cause a short in the circuitry and the starter to attempt a start, it will not shut down until the battery is disconnected. The key can be in your pocket as it is not required to be in the ignition for this to happen. If you are quick no damage, if you are not the starter can fry, and worst case a fire. I KNOW from personal experience as my switch box was on the floor, got saturated with water, uncontrolled start effort and burned up the starter. Fortunately I was near enough to disconnect the battery, but not fast enough to save the starter. Switch box was reposaitioned on a wall and I am doubly careful not to have any water exposure in that area.

[jdocter7]

The engine brake is working. Glad I had it today as we are around White Mt., N.H. Thanks again to everyone.

[GaryKD]

Hi Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43',
My Bussman box is located on a wall about 1" above the floor.

[Route 66]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD Hi Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43', My Bussman box is located on a wall about 1" above the floor.

It was a problem on some year/models.

My 2007 DSDP had it on the wall.

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

Good for you Gary. Is'nt it funny that the 2005 had it on the wall and my 2006 had it on the floor and Dirks 2007 was back on the wall...when I first talked to Spartan they were really upset at Newmar for the location problem. I hope others reading the forum and this thread check their M/H's. Newmar authorized the relocation on mine at no cost. The Bussman switch, starter, and service call were all paid for by Newmar and Spartan.