Problems with Multiplex system

[gnuzboi]

I have a 2007 Monaco Dynasty (Limited Edition Coach #606233). I have had an ongoing problem with two (2) switch panels inside the coach that fail to consistently operate the item when the switch is pressed. And, even more bizarre, pressing one of these switches occasionally operates items unrelated to the switch itself (i.e., front passenger slide-out retracts a couple inches, doors lock, and dock lights turn on).

One switch panel is located on the galley cabinets with individual switches for Overhead Lts, Ceiling, Galley, Water Pump, Aq-Hot Diesel, and Aq-Hot 110V. The other switch panel is located on a Dining cabinet with individual switches for LR Overhead, Dinette Overhead Lts, Dinette Lts, and a Blank.

When one of these switches is pressed, the backlighting and/or the yellow communication LED does “not” come on without repeatedly pressing the switch sometimes with unreasonable pressure. Eventually, the item is operated but not without a lot of frustration. Pressing the Master Off switch illuminates all switches throughout the coach with the exception of these two switch panels.

We reported this problem on one of the panels to our Dealer during the coach’s initial shakedown. The Dealer said they removed the panel and found some loose connections. It worked for a short time and then reverted back to periodic unresponsiveness. I’ve checked the fuses on the Multiplex board and didn’t find any blown, although I was unclear on references in the manual to the terms “ATO” and “330 Module”.

We’ve lived with this nuisance for 3 years but the fact that it seems to be getting progressively worse, now involving 2 switch panels and operating “unrelated” items, leads me to suspect there’s a problem somewhere in the Multiplex system.

Any suggestions ???

[Pusherpilot]

It's more likely the same problem all over again. Having worked with "bussed" electrical system in some of the equipment I worked on I have seen similar problems. The repeated pressing of the switch or the "pressing harder" comment tells me that if it were one of my old machines it'd be the switchs on the panel or the connections to the panel.
When the dealer said they found loose connections my translation to that is that he unplugged them, checked for corrosion/contamination and then plugged them back in and observed normal operation. Thus he called it fixed.
An idea would be to call Monaco service and ask them if they have any info on the subject. Old Monaco is bankrupt but I hear the new company is helping legacy customers if they can.
Ron

[deaton]

rick.siebert -

I have the same types of multi-point switches on my Camelot and, while I have not experienced the type of problem you described, I do recall a conversation I had with the owner of Iron Horse RV in San Antonio, Texas back in December of last year. I had taken the coach to him for a pre-purchase inspection, since it was a "new" coach but had been sitting on the dealer's lot for about fourteen months and, of course, I knew that Monaco would not be standing behind this purchase.

When discussing the multipoint switching system, he went to the back of his shop and showed me his inventory of replacement parts - switches, multiplex latching relays, etc. He advised that one of the things I could look forward to if I bought the coach was that, "these puppies wear out, and when they do, they are almost impossible to repair, you just have to pop a new one in...." I was thinking, yeah, I can live with that, they should last five/ten years, but since then I've heard from others, like yourself, that leads me to think five/ten years may be optimistic. I'm now searching for the cheapest source of replacement parts for these Intellitec switches.

Please keep us advised how you get this sorted out.

Thanks,

[dmason]

I'm having a similar switch probelm on mine, but only on my bedroom and dinette switches. When someone locates a source for buying replacement switches please post it. Thanks.

[gnuzboi]

I contacted Monaco Tech Support by e-mail (got a timely response). They advised me to remove the cover plate (pry with a putty knife) to reveal two screws that hold the switch panel & circuit board. Remove the screws and make sure you have a good wire connection on the rear of the circuit panel. Snap the switch panel together with the circuit board. They said these connections become loose with repeated use and can cause unrelated items to activate and/or switches to be unresponsive. After putting everything back in place.....SUCCESS!!! Let's hope the fix is permanent. Thanks to all of you who provided feedback.

[RARN]

Our 09 Scepter 40ft QDP also has the multiplex lighting and so far all is well, however, can someone explain to me the purpose of the back light and why it goes off after a couple of minutes?
Thanks,
RARN
Salinas, CA

[kketterling]

You should have a switch at each multiple switch pad that will leave the back light on all the time or allow it to go off after a brief period of time. I usually leave that switch off. Back light is nice at night when you turn all the lights off, it gives you a small amount of light for a brief period of time to avoid running into things. Can be used like a night lite if you want.

[Happycarz]

In my 08 Camelot and my friend's 08 Scepter, only the very front, bathroom and bedroom switch pads have the back light button. I is so like Monaco to change from model to model and year to year. See if any of your switches say "Back Light" on them.

[RARN]

Thanks for your helpful information.
RARN
2009 Scepter 40 QDP

[kketterling]

Something you may or may not be aware of is that the Multiplex switches at each pad can be programmed/reprogrammed to operate any of the multiplex functions in your coach. Plus each of the keypads are already set up to handle six switches, so at any of your 4 switch plates you could add 2 more switches, you just need new wall plates and keys. I found this out when I took my coach in to DeMartini. I added 2 switches in the bathroom area that turn on the reading lights over the bed. DeMartini did the programming for me but I think you could do it yourself after looking at the Intellitec web site.