Slide Issue - 2002 Diplomat

[38 Special]

I have read several threads and gained some knowledge. One, is that I am not alone .

Large front slide (den) is VERY slow to come in at the beginning where the "ramp up" is. Sometimes, I have to keep taping the switch or lean the coach to get it to come in at all.

I used a mulitmeter, knowing I am supposed to have 10.5 minimum while coming in. I got that info from this page:

Power Gear

Quote from above page:

First, The unit must be run off a 12 VDC battery capable of supplying a minimum of 70 amps, not a converter or inverter. 'Running' voltage will need to be checked at the motor and should not be less than 10.5 volts.

I am below that at 8.7 volts. I used a jump box directly to the slide motor, slide comes in proper.

So, I figure the motor is not my issue. I have a wiring/voltage drop issue.

This is where I ran out of daylight yesterday, and will look at it this afternoon. But, I really have no idea where to go from here. Perhaps a bad relay, but have no idea where to look for it.

Any ideas? Thanks folks.

[Rex]

Not sure if this will help or not. On my 2001 Diplomat, the slide relays are in the rear most passenger side compartment where my Inverter is located. There is a large black box on the back wall of this compartment and the slide relays are inside there. Perhaps you have a loose connection or relay problem.

Also make sure the motor mounting bolts are all tight.

[38 Special]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rex Not sure if this will help or not. On my 2001 Diplomat, the slide relays are in the rear most passenger side compartment where my Inverter is located. There is a large black box on the back wall of this compartment and the slide relays are inside there. Perhaps you have a loose connection or relay problem. Also make sure the motor mounting bolts are all tight.

Found that box, took the cover off, three large relays. Not sure what they to, but they were not effected by slide operation. Either by an audible click or test light.

However, I found the slide circuit board with 4 small relays for the slides. removed the plug, and all four relays, no help.

I tested the voltage on slide AFTER it gets to the top of the ramp, 11.7 running. So, I think I will order a motor.

[observer]

You might want to sit down when you hear the price of the motor. On ebay the motors sell for around $500+. There is a new motor available. The Original Motor - Klauber #K01285D300; 1/10hp; 12rpm; 9amp. Replacement Motor - Klauber #K01285F350 ; 1/5hp ; 8rpm; 18amp.

[Rex]

Hummmmnnnn, I show that to be a Power Gear 522176 400 IN LBS @ 10RPM @ 8-amps. It is a 2 1/2" motor. Now did Power Gear make it, don't have any idea. I could not find anything on Klauber. Neither Power Gear nor Klauber will sell direct. Power Gear will not even talk to a user, only to dealers. Don't know about Klauber.

Klauber Machine & Gear (KMG)1101 Geartech ParkwayPacific, MO 63069636-257-3002Klauber Machine & Gear Co. | Products

[Richard Wold]

Replace the relays before buying a motor. The relay contacts pit and cause resistance which reduces the voltage to the motor. With the long wiring run this can be enough to cause your problem.

I bought new relays online for @1.75 each. Bought extras as they are a common relay. You can get them from auto parts stores as well.

[38 Special]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Wold Replace the relays before buying a motor. The relay contacts pit and cause resistance which reduces the voltage to the motor. With the long wiring run this can be enough to cause your problem. I bought new relays online for @1.75 each. Bought extras as they are a common relay. You can get them from auto parts stores as well.

Thanks, I am all about replacing cheap first.

[marcum]

I have a 2002 Diplomat with 3 slides and had the same problem. If it was cold outside. someone had to push on the slide to get it in. I was at a Monaco rally in 2004 and complained. A tech checked and said I needed a larger slide motor, which he installed. Monaco wanted $500+ and I refused, stating that they should have put on the large motor when it was built. They countered that I should at least pay the difference. We settled on $100 for the motor and no installstion charges. I kept the old motor. Later I tried to get a wiring diagram for the slide system. After about a month of E-Mails, I finally got one. The way the relays are wired, power must pass through all relays, no mater which slide is operated, which makes troubleshooting tough. The relays for the slides are in the battery compartment where they are exposed to bad gases. More than once, I've pulled the relays, opened them up, cleaned the contacts, and had the system work again. The other thing you need to do is arrange for the slides to work when the engine is running so you get full charging voltage. You can do this by connecting the contacts on the relay that opens when the key is on. Hope this helps.

[38 Special]

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcum Later I tried to get a wiring diagram for the slide system. After about a month of E-Mails, I finally got one. .

Do you still hve this, I would love a copy. I already figured out neither slide would work when any relay is removed.

[marcum]

I can make a copy and send it to you if you'll send your mailing address to marcum@vci.net. It's too big for me to scan and E-Mail
Bill Marcum

[38 Special]

Partial update: I worked on it this afternoon. Even though the relays I bought have the EXACT diagram on the back, they did not work. So from slow slide going in to no slide going in. I am heading on vacation Saturday, so I next day aired a board I found on eBay. Then, once that was rolling, decided to look closer at the board, after all, it is junk now. With a magnifying glass, I found a SMALL burned place in the circuit board. I sordered a bridge across the burn. Time to check, it is back working. Then, I jumped out the 5amp and 25 amp load side fuses and pulled the ignition relay as per marcums instructions. That worked perfect, now the slides will move with the motor running. A LOT better, but still not as good as I think it can be, so I ordered a stronger motor as well. Should be here when I return from vacation.

So, working again temporarily, parts coming, wondering why I must work on stuff that is not broke before leaving on trip.