Community Forums

we_rv · 11-14-2005, 09:23 AM

I have searched the forum for this, but did not find this specific problem. I am preparing the motorhome for our winter trip and tried to go to town for propane. I brought the slide in, turned the key on to start, MH ran for 2 seconds, died and refused to start. Have fully charged batteries, gas smell coming from exhaust but it will not start, it is as though there is no spark?????? I have read of the 8.1 dying on the road but never heard of this problem, and it ran like a dream yesterday when I started it. Any Ideas?

we_rv · 11-14-2005, 09:23 AM

I have searched the forum for this, but did not find this specific problem. I am preparing the motorhome for our winter trip and tried to go to town for propane. I brought the slide in, turned the key on to start, MH ran for 2 seconds, died and refused to start. Have fully charged batteries, gas smell coming from exhaust but it will not start, it is as though there is no spark?????? I have read of the 8.1 dying on the road but never heard of this problem, and it ran like a dream yesterday when I started it. Any Ideas?

troth · 11-14-2005, 10:08 AM

Just guessing here, but did you happen to adjust the tilt steering wheel in that first two seconds? There are past posts about wires chafing in the steering column, shorting out and playing havoc with the engine and ECM.

we_rv · 11-14-2005, 10:45 AM

Ahhhh! I remember I bumped it when I reached for the key. I just went out and changed positions of the column and tried it again but don't think that is the problem. Good suggestion though, I did have to have that problem fixed when the coach was 2,000 miles old. TKS.

"007" · 11-14-2005, 11:17 AM

Did you put a piece of wire quard around wires going over the bend at top of steering post? May have a burr on bend shorting wire blowing 30 amp fuse. If not that, check all heavy batt cables both batt and gnd at batts,starter and chassis frame.

"007"

we_rv · 11-14-2005, 11:33 AM

Ok, New development: After another attempt to start, I got a new warning on the instrument cluster, which is "RANGE INHIBIT". '007' Wilco! TKS.

Tenn.Vol. · 11-17-2005, 10:20 AM

I have read the 8.1 have a CRANK SENSOR problem!
TENN.VOL.

rcwalther · 11-17-2005, 03:58 PM

My first non-start was on a trip and took a lunch stop at a highway rest area. Attempted to start for the final leg of the trip. Turns out to be the fuel pump was bad and required replacing on Workhourse's dime and towing to nearest WH repair shop. The second non-start was because the fuel pump got bad gas from a national-brand gas station. By the way my RV is a 2003 Sea Breeze with a bit over 4,600 miles.

Richard

we_rv · 12-14-2005, 09:11 AM

Engine starting problem solved after one month, a tow, and about $700.00 spent. Workhorse wiring harness was about two feet too short and they extended it by splicing in an extension, which was poorly soldered and the wires corroded and were intermittently shorting out. I hope the retard who did it no longer works for them because it is time to trade.

YosemiteBobR · 12-14-2005, 09:28 AM

Where exactly did WH or whom ever add this extention? At what part of the loom is it located would be a better way of putting it. How long is your coach? This would be pertinent only if the extention is toward the rear.

JnGOnTheGo · 12-14-2005, 09:57 AM

By the way, you mention you have a 2002 MH. What Make/Model and is it a W20 or W22?

Just curious

OCMAN · 12-14-2005, 11:00 AM

I had he same problem. I turned the key and nothing . Call the workhorse dealer repair and they told me it was the inginition switch. Took it to the dealer and have the new and improved inginition switch installed. $120.63 Worehorse pick up 1/2 of the cost.

Ocman

we_rv · 12-14-2005, 02:25 PM

"Where exactly did WH or whom ever add this extention? At what part of the loom is it located would be a better way of putting it. How long is your coach? This would be pertinent only if the extention is toward the rear."

The splice was about 2.5' from the gas tank. The coach is 38' This was one of the first W-22 chassis Mountain Aire Newmar built. (should not have made any difference though, because Newmar did not (should not) change the chassis.

"I had he same problem. I turned the key and nothing . Call the workhorse dealer repair and they told me it was the inginition switch. Took it to the dealer and have the new and improved inginition switch installed. $120.63 Worehorse pick up 1/2 of the cost."

After hearing this I am nervous again. What coach do you have?

JnGOnTheGo · 12-14-2005, 04:14 PM

I have a 2002Winnebago Brave 34 foot on a W20. I have not had any problem with starting. But I will be keeping an eye out for it. In fact I will be taking a look at the steering column wiring harness just to see if it looks tight.