Ignition accessory switch

[Grandhiker]

New Tiffin Allegro Bus QDP owner. I've had a problem with my ignition accessory switch that Tiffin failed to fix when I took the unit back to them a few months ago. When I want to operate the windshield shade or driver side power window the key needs to be powered on but several times now I need to leave the key on for ten minutes or so before I'm able to activate the controls. Also, if it's not working then the jacks down light and warning bell don't come on either, which could be a pretty bad thing if I drove off without remembering to raise them first. Tiffin changed the main terminal block in the left front basement area to no affect. I know I can move the window shade wire from keyed to live down there but mostly worried about the alarm for the jacks. It seems to happen for the most part when it's colder outside. Any suggestions?

[Grandhiker]

New Tiffin Allegro Bus QDP owner. I've had a problem with my ignition accessory switch that Tiffin failed to fix when I took the unit back to them a few months ago. When I want to operate the windshield shade or driver side power window the key needs to be powered on but several times now I need to leave the key on for ten minutes or so before I'm able to activate the controls. Also, if it's not working then the jacks down light and warning bell don't come on either, which could be a pretty bad thing if I drove off without remembering to raise them first. Tiffin changed the main terminal block in the left front basement area to no affect. I know I can move the window shade wire from keyed to live down there but mostly worried about the alarm for the jacks. It seems to happen for the most part when it's colder outside. Any suggestions?

[Keith & Sharon]

I don't know the coach but sounds like a relay sticking, someone hopefully will come along that has an Idea.

[wagon217]

Interesting, my 07 Phaeton ignition switch has the position for accessory but it powers NOTING. I was lead to believe that is the norm, as others have told me the same result. If I am to power something like jacks my ignition switch has to be in the run position. I haven't tried the shades other then while driving down the road.

[Rob&Sue]

You may want to move the 12v wires for the shades from the ignition charged fuse block, in the exterior electrical compartment under the driver's seat,to the adjacent always hot fuse block. There are usually a couple of open slots so it's just a matter of repositioning the wires. I wanted more items than there were open slots so I added an additional fuse block.

[Grandhiker]

Sorry for the confusion Wagon217. I call it accessory but you're right, it's positioned in the run mode. A few times when it doesn't activate I've started the engine but still had to wait up to ten minutes before the shade, jacks down warning light and power window will operate. It's not a good idea driving with the shade down all the way. The scenery never changes.

I do plan to move the shade wires to the live fuse block asap.

[Cruzer]

There's a 100 amp solenoid directly underneath the fuse panel that controls these circuits. It's triggered via the key switch and is known for failing to engage. You'll find it in the basement compartment under the driver's seat. Tap it with a hammer and it'll probably kick in. If so, it's time for a new solenoid. I replace mine with a heavier duty solenoid, identical to the 200 amp Charge Solenoid and no longer have that problem.

[Grandhiker]

Thanks, cruzer, I'll take a hammer to it next time it fails and see if that is the problem. I'll let you know the outcome.

[Cruzer]

If you nly need to test thesolenoid, just stick a test light or voltmeter on it. If there's power to the input but not at the output, the solenoid isn't engagfed. If there is power to the small terminal (from the key switch) that triggers the solenoid, then it should be engaged. If you have no power at the small terminal when the key is on, your problem lies in the circuit feeding it but if there is power theres, it's the solenoid (which is the most likely scenario). Do that before rapping it with a hammer (lightly ) so that you know what's actually happening. The hammer rap might just get it going so that you can get by for now though.