Ignition shut down

[ddula]

Yesterday I was setting up camp and while dumping the air bags after a few minutes the dash lights that come on when you turn the ignition key to the on position (without starting the engine) all went off as if you turned the key off and at the same time the air dump switch stopped working. Turned the key back to the off position and then back on and all was fine. Also cranked the engine and started fine. Has anyone ever had this happen to them? Contacted Monaco and they don't have a clue.
Thought there might be a shut off timer in case a person forgot to turn off the ignition but apparantly not so. Perhaps a malfunction in the ignition relay switch? No security system either.
Thanks for any feedback.

[JohnRR]

What model Monaco do you have?

[ddula]

Thanks!
It is a 32PDQ, 2005 model with the 300HP 5.9 liter diesel engine on a Roadmaster chasis.

[twincessna]

Recently had a similar problem. When cruising down the highway, noticed the ATC light come on. Noticed immediately after seeing the ATC light coach was slowing down. Depressed the accelerator and no response, like the motor had shunt down. After about 10 seconds, it would come back online. Happened maybe six times over a 3 month periond. Took it to Cummins, found the fuse that controls the ecm was loose and not making good contact. They removed the fuse and tighten up the blades with a pair of pliars and reinserted the fuse. Havn't had the problem since.

2009 Dynasty

[Robi.1014]

I'm thinking that your ignition switch is on its way "south". It carries a fair amount of current, and in your case, I think the air-dump solenoids were also drawing their amperage through the switch. So the ignition switch contacts opened up (failed) and the lights went out. Turning the switch off, then back on reset these worn contacts....and they might fail another day.

Troubleshooting:
If this happens again, leave the ignition switch ON, then use a voltmeter to test juice in vs juice out of this switch. Short of this effort, try leaving the switch ON but really jack the ignition key up/down/left/right and see if power returns.

[ddula]

Thanks for the feedback. I have dumped the air twice since the first incident and all is OK so far. The two dash lights that remain lite while dumping do dim a bit while the air dump switch is depressed but always have in the past. Tried wiggling the key around too but did not affect anything. Maybe it was just a fluke. Will try again after driving it a bit in a few days. Going to hit the road for 5 months and want to avoid any trouble.

2005 Monaco Caymen 34'
Tow: 1999 Acura CL on tow dolly