Community Forums

benbom · 05-25-2018, 11:47 AM

2005 Alpine FDDS.
Recently replaced main controller board and all solenoid valves regarding jacks and slides.

Now sometimes when the main room slide is extended, when you try to retract it, the motor runs but the slide doesn't move. A temporary fix it to relieve the pressure on the solenoid valve, and then the motor runs and the slide will retract.

What do you think the cause is, and what do you think the permanent fix should be?

We have spent about $7,000 so far on the replacement of components. I do not believe the (sequencing/equalizing) solenoid was replaced.

Could this be caused by not extending the slide long enough?

I recently sold the coach after having the HWH system overhauled, and this problem popped up.

I would think there is either a microswitch or a set amount of pressure build-up that stops the motor and pump, and then sets the system to enable retraction.

Any suggestions as to the cause, and also any suggestions to the new owner in the Camerillo, CA area as to a good mechanic or repair station to take it to?

Brian Enbom

DrDaveMA · 05-25-2018, 04:44 PM

How much fluid do you have in the reservoir? Were the slides extended or retracted when you measured it?

azpete · 05-26-2018, 07:23 AM

check the switch. if the motor runs, and the valves are new, maybe the switch isnt powering the solenoids. it may be a ways to drive, but acacia rv service in colton ca is one of the best centers ive worked with.
get a service manual. use it to make a good diagnosis.
just replacing parts is an expensive way to repair a problem.

RVPioneer · 05-26-2018, 10:02 AM

FWIW: The most recent review for Acacia RV indicates that one of the mechanics is the new owner and it is a completely mobile service.

benbom · 05-26-2018, 11:20 AM

Thanks for the help. I will pass this on to the new owner.

The reservoir was full with the slide extended.

I questioned whether the new owner kept holding the extend switch and restract switch down for 5 seconds or so after the slide stopped moving. I know in the manual that is suggested to do.

Brian

Old Scout · 05-26-2018, 12:50 PM

.....since the slide rams are bi-directional, there doesn't seem to be much difference it fluid volume trapped in the cylinders, regardless of open or closed [unlike the one-direction jacks]. So if there is enough fluid to open it, there should be enough to close it--IMHO. So I would be incline to look on the electrical side--switch, bad solenoid, or wire connections first.

PS--regardless of what the manual says--I only hold the switch long enough to hear the pump load up. Any longer and you risk stressing the cylinder mounting points [eg, not a big deal for main slide as they are mounted in the steel frame; however, the bed slide ram is mounted into the wood bed frame on my 03 and as I have seen on the 05--over stressing the ram could/will break the ram out of the wood mounting point....]

DrDaveMA · 05-26-2018, 08:36 PM

On the LR slide the only difference would be if the lines got air into them. The cycling would move the air through the lines into the reservoir. The OP stated the motor runs, but does not state if the sound changed. The ‘05 is known to have hydraulic lines that had bad connectors causing bubbles in the plastic covering as the fluid was forced down the hoses. These leaks usually occurred with in a foot of a improperly swaged connector. So 2 things, 1) check to hear if there is a change in the motor sounds between extending the jacks (or the bedroom slides) and the LR slide. 2) check the slide hoses for leaks or bubbles in the lines.