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Racehlr · 12-22-2009, 12:12 PM

Hello all,
We have put up our 08 Phaeton for the winter but have a question about starting here in the cold Northeast. When I turn the key the dash light comes on saying to wait. There is also a rocker switch that says pre-engine start or something like that. What is this rocker switch for? I would look it up in the manual but the manual is in the closet and with the slide outs in I can't get to it. I thought it would be good for the unit to start it every couple of weeks to charge the batteries since it is not plugged in and where it is I can't get power to it. Thanks in advance and Happy Holidays to all...

lthrnk · 12-22-2009, 01:12 PM

The switch marked "engine preheat" will activate the block heater for the engine. Check in your electrical bay and make sure it is plugged in to the correct receptacle. There will be 2 plugs back there. The large round plug is for the battery minder and is in its own single receptacle. To the right of that should be the receptacle used for the engine plug. The plug may not be immediately evident, it is usually wrapped up in the wire bundle back there.

After you plug it in hit the preheat switch and let it warm up the engine for a few hours, or overnight. You will be doing your engine a great service by warming it up before going through the start procedures.

lthrnk · 12-22-2009, 01:23 PM

Ooops, just realized you said you had no power for the coach. If you can run a 120 extension cord to the plug that will work too.

Bob and Marie · 12-22-2009, 01:40 PM

Start your generator, run it for a few hours with it plugged in to the engine block preheat. The generator gives you your power source. Then you should be able to start the engine.

Triker56 · 12-22-2009, 02:18 PM

Find a different place to keep the manual.
You may need it when the slide doesn't go out.

brandontext · 12-23-2009, 06:46 PM

Find an enclosed or at least a storage place with electricity. It is not much, but will help keep your batteries up and your coach warm. We live in south Texas and would never keep our motorhome in anything but a place with electricity.