Cummins Engine Starter Issue

[bcbowers]

Here's my attempt at installing a "Starter Solenoid Beeper" on my '03 coach to help identify a possible problem as discussed on this thread. I purchased a generic "Backup Beeper" from a local auto parts (O'Reilly) and mounted it next to the "Starter Solenoid". The beeper is self grounded and only required a ring connector on its hot wire and then attached it to the starter side terminal (left side). NOTE: You need to hold the inner nut with a 9/16" wrench while loosening the outside nut.



I can hear it beep (low tone beep) with the door open and no other outside noise present. Since the engine starts quickly without a solenoid failure, it's relatively easy to hear a short beep.

If the engine doesn't even TRY to start (no starter action) then I'll know that the solenoid is working if I hear beeping while turning the key to the start position.

I always start the engine and go the rear of the coach to hook up the car so I should hear a constant beeping if the solenoid contacts "weld" closed. At this point I plan to disconnect the negative battery cable but am still considering EM`s use of a switch. Sounds like there'll be more to come at the Heritage Rally & I plan to be there.

In either case, I'm now carrying a spare per EM's recommendation.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Renipladlo

FWIW - Two winters ago in Pahrump, NV me and a friend changed his starter on His 2003 Monaco MH, same ISL400 alpines have. It was not a hard job, but it gets heavy holding up the starter and installing a bolt. We had to twist the mounting plate on the starter around to match what we took off, that was not hard either. You can buy a Torx Socket which then makes this job easier, since you have the correct tool for this job and future events if necessary.

Based on what I read here, carrying a spare solenoid would be a good idea, light in weight and may save you a tow down the road a piece. Turning off the master switches will kill the ignition system, so the starter motor will stop running, which also kills power to house/chassis, but will stop the problem, until you can disconnect a battery cable and fix the problem for good.

I have at least two solenoids under that area and I will have to figure out which one/two to get and carry spares for. I routinely check and clean battery cables, but since we went to AGM's the corrosion problem has gone away.

When I was having starter trouble I ordered two of the solenoids, neither of which I needed at the time but I no have spares, meaning I'll never need one!