HELP, She Won't Start

[sgtjoe]

I have a 2001 Tradewinds 7390 with a CAT 300 and she doesn't want to start.

I have full (elect) power, in fact it did start right up the first time today. I shut her down and then tryed later to start her, but it wouldn't even groan or click. Without turning the key all the way off I kept turning it to start and one time she fired right up. It's like my key ignition isn't connecting.
Has anyone ever ran into this problem/or knows whats going on. I'm gping to go out and get under her to make sure the starter connections are good.
Need to fix it, we are supporting our DD this weekend in the Ragnar Wasatch Back 188 mile relay race. We're the food folks for the two teams (24).

[BZam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgtjoe I have a 2001 Tradewinds 7390 with a CAT 300 and she doesn't want to start. I have full (elect) power, in fact it did start right up the first time today. I shut her down and then tryed later to start her, but it wouldn't even groan or click. Without turning the key all the way off I kept turning it to start and one time she fired right up. It's like my key ignition isn't connecting. Has anyone ever ran into this problem/or knows whats going on. I'm gping to go out and get under her to make sure the starter connections are good. Need to fix it, we are supporting our DD this weekend in the Ragnar Wasatch Back 188 mile relay race. We're the food folks for the two teams (24).

Have you found your starter relay and shorted it out with a screwdriver with key on? My starter relay is on rail back by engine and its can be found if you trace your battery cable.

I ran mine for a few days by starting with a screwdriver until I could get the relay changed.

[sgtjoe]

I found what may be the relay, but there are three of them. Two have battery cables running to them and the larger one only has wires running to the starter. These are located on the side frame rail close to the starter. I'll post a pic.

[BZam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgtjoe I found what may be the relay, but there are three of them. Two have battery cables running to them and the larger one only has wires running to the starter. These are located on the side frame rail close to the starter. I'll post a pic.

Mine is the middle one. Other lead would go to starter. I called Freighliner when mine did not start and he told me it was probably the middle one. Its easy to start.

Freightliner got the replacement from Ford as its a common part.

[sgtjoe]

What happens if I try to jump the wrong one?? My middle one is about 3x3 and 3/4 thick, there are two of them like that that have the heavy Bat cables. The other one with no heavy bat wires is bigger.
Couldn't post pic on this computer.

[sgtjoe]

BZam, thanks, you were right. If our trails ever cross I owe you a refreshment of your choice. As soon I touched them she fired right up.

Looks like the girls will have their food coach thanks to you.

Do remember the part number and cost for the relay? I'll be doing that when we get home next week. Oh, it was the first one on mine, the biggest of the three. Felt like the 50's doing that to the old chevy.

[Vegasdan]

Good for you Joe. Hope you guys can come to Nathrop.

[sgtjoe]

Well I finally tackled the starter relay, it was a bear until I removed the two nuts holding the mounting plate and then it was easy to remove the relay. Really need my arms about two feet longer, that is one thing going on my list to check for if I ever buy another MH, can I reach everything without growing two feet on my arms. Now I'm off to Napa auto parts later to see if they have one. Found them on the internet for 16.95 to 20.95. Can't wait to see what they want for it.

[sgtjoe]

Well, with my Military discount the solenoid was 22.43 out the door.

For anyone else who might run into this the NAPA part number is ST404.

It fired right up. Love the folks on this forum. Can't imagine what Freightliner would have charged me.

Now for the *&^%#$%$%^ door.

[Wolfpack Fan]

Military discount............You either served, or are still serving. I retired in 96. US Army Airborne. Hoo Ahh! Glad it worked out for you brother. Thank you for your service!

[sgtjoe]

Yep, retired AF 2004, said I was too old. Heck I could outrun and was in better shape then most of the kids.

USMC 61--66
UT Nat'l Guard 82--92
USAF 92--2004 last three years active duty thanks to bin laden.