Only start on Aux Start

[tulsa]

Morning, Dad & I are stumped, can't find any help in manual. New batteries couple months ago, showing full charge, and suddenly one day acts like low/dead battery on dash, like no 12VDC to chassis. Must use Aux start to start and hold on to run. Ideas folks?
Thx,
Bob

[Rex]

If you have not bypassed the solenoid operated by the salesman's switch by your entrance door, it has most likely failed. That sounds like your problem. That switch is handy but the solenoid in know to fail. You can replace it and it will fail again. Best to just bypass it and turn power off using the main battery disconnect switches in the battery compartment.

[Robi.1014]

The below link has a similar discussion....a long-and-winding-road for sure. But in the discussion are some good definitions that might help you troubleshoot and also help you communicate (back to this forum) what you have found. So let us know!!

Startup batteries charged but no dashlight or motor start

[tulsa]

Thanks, that makes sense...don't seem to find "salesman" switch in the manual, where is it and do we just disconnect and wire across to disable?
Bob

[Rex]

It is not called a salesman switch in the manual. More likely just 12v dc disconnect. Anyway it is the switch by your entrance door that cuts off the DC circuits by operating a solenoid which may be located in the big fuse box in the front run bay under the drivers window. If you have a Windsor or higher coach it may be located in the rear run panel. The switches in the battery compartment work differently but also cut off the DC circuits.

[jwinston]

Have you checked for power on both sides of the copper bus bars in the front lower out side distribution panel. I had them oxidize and I lost all power to the dash.. be sure to meter the connector as the bus bar can have power but not feeding thru connector... good luck

[Robi.1014]

Bob (Tulsa),
My response to you differs from the others. I'm picking up on the "won't start" comment you have.

The others (above) are describing the "House Disconnect Switch" solenoid.....and this switch does indeed have a very high failure rate. But its failure won't cause a "no start" on the main engine.

So please clarify as best you can what systems are no longer powered and/or won't start.

[tulsa]

Thanks so much, Okay, so it will only start by holding the Aux start button on, shows 12.5 charging like the alternator is offline, dash is dead until aux start is pushed, everything else works and runs fine. Chasis Batteries were new 3 months ago and show fully charged.

[pipedream2]

tulsa
there are two solenoids (White/Rogers in mine)in the front run bay under the drivers window.Both are activated withe the ignision switch.One is marked "accessory's" and the other is ignition when the switch is in the run or on position.Check the fuse strip for power when the key is on.....it will power the dash gauges etc ....this sounds like your problem

[pipedream2]

tulsa
this is a thread that is about the same thing you have....I had added pictures there to identify the solenoids.....you should read it
Motor will not crank, no electricity

[Robi.1014]

Tulsa,
Turn on the ignition switch but do not engage the BATT BOOST switch. At this moment, is the shifter panel illuminated?

[pipedream2]

Robi
The shifter panel is energzed from the ignition fuse strip (ecu power) that i mentioned in my post.I think we are both guiding him down the same (right) path.......but it would be nice to hear a response from Tulsa if he has power on that fuse strip in the front run bay......i believe his solenoid has gone out.....I had the same trouble with mine......they are a cheap fix

[Robi.1014]

Dennis,
Concur with your troubleshooting recommendation. What has me going is Tulsa's comment that he must "push and hold" the battery-boost switch in order to start AND keep the main engine running. So I'm leaning toward a connection problem in the battery bay WRT chassis batteries.

[pipedream2]

Robi
yes i follow that line.....no power feeding the solenoids....what i need clarification on is
1) does it keep running if you let go of the boost switch...or does it die and is the dash and shifter lit when its running then
2) does it run without the dash lit
To help him any further he has to come back with info.......we are all guessing here