won't start

[richardreyn7]

hi, i have a 1994 motor home with a 230hp cummins & 6 speed Allison transmission when i turn on the key all the alarm work but the N on the shifter is out. i keep turning the key on & off until the N lites then it starts up. if i turn it off & on it starts but if i leave it off for a wile i will not start. now it won't start & no N. CAN YOU HELP. RICH

[94-Newmar]

One possibility: The WTEC-II controller, which is sounds like you have, most likely the power supply built within it has begun to or has failed. Fairly common once these things pass 15yrs of age. I had the exact same problem... here is a link to the thread, and the resolution:
MD300MH Allison No Keypad Power

2nd Possibility: Could be a ground issue to the ignition controls?

[Mike Canter]

Rich, without that Allison Pad being on with N showing there is no logic to allow you to start the motor in Neutral so it locks you out. I think you already figured that out. Two other members have both reported the same problem in the past and the post is somewhere but I can't find it. The cause of the problem in both cases was a bad butt connector on the 12 v power line going to the Allison control box in the arm rest under the box. If I remember correctly you have to open up the side panel for the arm rest so you can get to the wiring below the control box. Then start tracing the wires from the plugs on the box until you find an inline fuse holder then continue on that same wire until you find the crimp on butt connector and redo that connector.

In that previous post several other people chimed in and said they have had the same identical butt connector cause the same problem.

Rich, where are you located right now? Are you stuck somewhere or at home?

[HarveyP]

I had that problem twice. The butt connector at fault for me was only a couple of feet away from the connection at the chassis battery. It had a fuse right at the battery, and the butt connector was just out of sight beyond that. If you have that same setup, make sure the repair is soldered, not just replace with another butt splice. Good luck, HarveyP

[richardreyn7]

thanks mike, is the side panel for the arm rest so you can get to the wiring below the control box on the trany. if it is i will need help i'm 72 & can't get under it

[Mike Canter]

Richard since I am not familar with the exact layout of your model MH that butt connector maybe back where HarveyP said it is since your MH is close to his as far as model year. If it is by the chassis battery it would be a lot easier to get to.

[LChism]

Have a 1999 Dutch Star 3858 with 6 spd Allison Transmission. The transmission warning light comes on, but the engine will not turn over. Transmission shows neutral. Does anyone have an idea of what could be causing the problem?

[Mike Canter]

Since you have power to the Allison Keypad you should read the trouble codes and look them up in the Operators Manual. Here is a liink to the 3000 Series Operators Manual
Operators Manual

If you read the operators manual it will tell you about pushing the UP and DOWN arrows on the keypad at the same time with the ignition key in the RUN position. The first time you push both the UP and DOWN arrows together you will see the fluid level, ignore that and push the Up and DOWN arrows again and you will read the trouble codes. Then come back and tell us what they are and we might be able to help.