Help with Generator Slide

[NMBeemercouple]

I'm going through many of the features of our 2002 Windsor. After pushing the 'button' on the drivers left console and holding it down, it was clear the slide had not extended. After thinking I pressed it in the wrong direction, I pushed the bottom of the button and nothing. There were associated sounds while pushing both ends of the button, but no movement. I opened the outside panel beneath the drivers side window (front), and tried that button....no luck. When we got the coach a few weeks ago the tech opened the slide, so it worked last then. I tried it with the key in the ignition, out, ignition on and off....to no effect.

Are there any ideas out there? I looked at the manual, and there is not much there except for a description of where the button is located and what it does.

Thanks in advance for any input...

[Nonno]

Sorry I'm not familiar with the particulars of your coach. Also somewhat confused of your title "generator" slide??? Any way, some things I would check on mine would be
1. Verify park brake is engaged
2. Are batteries charged
3. Fuses OK

I'm sure others familiar with your coach will be able to help.

[NMBeemercouple]

I got the term generator slide on this forum, but I understand nomenclature is everything in trying to describe a problem. I'm trying to describe the power mechanism that pushes/pulls the Onan Generator in the front of my Class A Coach. Sorry if I'm still not correct on my description.

Park brake is engaged
batteries are good
I'll have to get back with on you on the fuse, however I could hear the sound of some kind of drive working when I pressed the toggle switch.

Thanks for your reply.

[Nonno]

I'm the one that didn't get it right. I thought you were talking about a slideout. My generator doesn't slide in & out. Unfortunately I have to reach in thru the front access door.

I know others have the same type as you so an answer should soon be coming. I hope it's something very simple.

BTW - Welome to iRV2 and this forum

[NMBeemercouple]

I'm so new to all this that I have no idea if I stated it correctly or not....Thanks again.

[Rex]

Check your manual, assuming you got one with the coach. It should have information about how to operate the generator slide.

[NMBeemercouple]

Thanks Rex....We already have checked the manual. However, other than only a mention about the location of the switch there was nothing on the operation.

That being said, I went back with the wife and at first the same thing....the sound of something but no movement. Then after a few minutes we tried again and the generator slide worked...this time a louder sound as it moved. Not sure what is going on...an intermittent problem is hard to trace. At least for now it is working....we are traveling next week to Austin, so will try it a few times on the road when we stop for the night. Thanks all for the responses.

[nodine]

Quote:

Originally posted by NMBeemercouple: Thanks Rex....We already have checked the manual. However, other than only a mention about the location of the switch there was nothing on the operation. That being said, I went back with the wife and at first the same thing....the sound of something but no movement. Then after a few minutes we tried again and the generator slide worked...this time a louder sound as it moved. Not sure what is going on...an intermittent problem is hard to trace. At least for now it is working....we are traveling next week to Austin, so will try it a few times on the road when we stop for the night. Thanks all for the responses.

I did not realize these coaches had power slides on the front generator. Are you sure you don't mean that you are starting the generator? You should not need to access the generator very often. On my coach there is a latch underneath the front license plate that is pulled to unlatch the generator slide and then the generator can be pulled forward for maintenance, etc. The switch on the dash of my coach labeled generator is to start the generator. Diesel generators will not start when you first press that switch because some time is required for the glow plugs to heat. The colder the outside temperature the longer this will take. My gen set start switch has a light that will flash while the glow plugs are heating. You press and hold the top of the switch. When the generator starts you will hear it. Wait about 60 seconds after it starts before expecting power to the coach. At that time the transfer switch will engage the generator and you should hear a change in sound because a load has been applied. To turn off the generator you press the bottom of the switch.

Bob

[NMBeemercouple]

Thanks Bob for the response. We have run the generator quite a few times in the last few weeks. That is a separate switch on the main dash board. You are correct with your description and starting procedure.

However, our Coach does have a power slide for the generator...although it seems to have an intermittent problem with the power drive, or maybe it only works for my wife...

Last night we actually got it to work, however the only difference being, she pressed the switch....Oh my.

[loranimal]

On the Windor and above models the generator itself is mounted on a powered slide.

I would think if you are hearing a noise when the button is pushed, that maybe you have a bad/loose part in the slide mech. Maybe crawl under the generator and watch what happens when the wife pushes the button. It may be something as simple as a shear pin in the motor box or a stripped gear.

Carl

[Happycarz]

There is a hydraulic pump/electric motor assembly, much like a hydraulic slide. The hydraulic fluid works a piston which is attached to the slide tray. The piston is powered out and powered in. When it makes noise but doesn't move, have your wife work the outside button (only so you two can communicate while testing) and you tug or jiggle on the front piece. Maybe it is hanging up on something and once it is out you can take a look. The hydraulic ram is quite strong and should not have any problem extending it. Listen and make note of the sound when is is moving in or out and the sound when it has reached it limit. Two distinct sounds. Once you are familiar with both sounds, you will be able to distinguish if is is fighting an obstruction. The fluid level should not be an issue as sometimes your wife can make it work, but next time you have a chance, take a look at the level.

[NMBeemercouple]

Many thanks, Harry....Yes, I did note the two sounds....The wife sure is good with those buttons...

[Diplomat Don]

NMB.....It's quite possible that no one has every lubed the rollers on the slides or joints on the piston. On the manual versions the slide is on four metal rollers that roll on a piece of angle iron. I would clean the angle iron channels and lube the rollers and hydraulic/mechanical connections.

Since the generator slide mechanism is up front and takes a lot of abuse from road debris and wet weather, I would unplug and clean all the electrical connections and loosen any grounding bolts, clean the surface and retighten.

[Joe and Pam]

There is a hydraulic pump in front of the right front wheel. You can crawl under and check the level of the fluid. If it is low it will not work. Maybe your on an angle when it does not work. Also you can disconnect the pin and pull it (the slide) out manually.