Community Forums

BLAdventurer · 06-26-2017, 05:16 PM

Today after fighting performance issues, everything was going great. Then the Auto Park alarm went off going downhill in a construction zone. By the time I got it off the the road, smoke and flames are coming from underneath. Fire was put out. No one injured. Any advice on what I can expect next. Thanks

vettenuts · 06-26-2017, 06:13 PM

That sounds like your hydraulic pressure was released on the parking brake and it locked up. If that is the case, contact Jon at Brezels.

LETMGROW · 06-26-2017, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLAdventurer

Today after fighting performance issues, everything was going great. Then the Auto Park alarm went off going downhill in a construction zone. By the time I got it off the the road, smoke and flames are coming from underneath. Fire was put out. No one injured. Any advice on what I can expect next. Thanks

Expect to pay about $70 for a switch which is well known to fail plus a few bucks to have it changed unless you do it yourself. It is commonly known as the Rotten Green Switch. When this switch fails it will act exactly as you described. AC Delco / GM# 15961566. Yes, it is available from Amazon.
Check the stickies at the top of top of this thread page and you will find all sorts of information on the Auto-Park system and the location of this switch.
Roger Haag is the guru on these brakes. AKA: Old Used Bear.
Contact him if you want. He is eager to help.
Lynn

Brazel's RV Performance · 06-26-2017, 08:01 PM

Why buy another switch that will just fail again when you can buy lifetime warranty switches? We offer a ton of technical support on park brake issues as well as all of the parts needed.

DriVer · 06-26-2017, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLAdventurer

Any advice on what I can expect next. Thanks

It appears that you have a failed electric-hydraulic switch and the hydraulic fluid that releases the brake has leaked not allowing your brake to retain pressure releasing your brake shoes.

The recommendation up-thread here to contact Jon is a good one. UltraRVProducts has (I am told) permanent switches that may be the last of those that you will ever buy. Give them a call and check it out. I would be disinclined to buying the stock GM replacements since those will fail again, the unknown factor is when.

Jon ... Beat me to posting about the switches.

tmw188 · 06-27-2017, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ultra RV Tech

Why buy another switch that will just fail again when you can buy lifetime warranty switches? We offer a ton of technical support on park brake issues as well as all of the parts needed.

Is it the pump solenoid valve and coil kit your talking about?
Does this replace the so call Rotten Green Switch?

LETMGROW · 06-27-2017, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmw188

Is it the pump solenoid valve and coil kit your talking about?
Does this replace the so call Rotten Green Switch?

This is what they are referring to:

https://www.ultrarvproducts.com/Auto...ake&filter=479

A few more dollars but if you plan on keeping the MH for a while probably worth the extra expense. If you decide to go this route be sure you call Jon and have your VIN handy.
The same would be true if you decide to replace the switch with the original type. It never hurts to be sure.
Lynn

George Schweikle · 06-27-2017, 03:16 PM

Bummer. You may have damaged the brake drum that mounts on the driveshaft right behind the transmission. My understanding is that this is not cast iron like a normal brake drum, rather thin stamped steel only intended to hold a stationary vehicle and not intended for use while in motion.

Here is a source for the brake drum and hub assembly. Sorry to note it's over $600 so hopefully yours is not damaged or Brazels has a better deal.
https://www.millsupply.com/emergency...804.php?p=1372

Here's the web page of Roger Haag (Old used bear) the acknowledged autopark expert http://www.autoparklibrary.com/
You may want to read about your system to better understand what happened

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLAdventurer

... Any advice on what I can expect next. Thanks

LETMGROW · 06-27-2017, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLAdventurer

Today after fighting performance issues, everything was going great. Then the Auto Park alarm went off going downhill in a construction zone. By the time I got it off the the road, smoke and flames are coming from underneath. Fire was put out. No one injured. Any advice on what I can expect next. Thanks

I should have asked before. What year and model is your chassis?
Lynn

vettenuts · 06-27-2017, 05:18 PM

My assumption, based on his first post, was he had a J72 system.

LETMGROW · 06-27-2017, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vettenuts

My assumption, based on his first post, was he had a J72 system.

Mine too. I just don't want to pass along bad information and cause the OP more grief than he has had already. After reading many of your responses I am sure you feel the same as I do.
Lynn

BLAdventurer · 06-27-2017, 06:30 PM

I have a 06 Winnebago on a 05 Workhorse W24 chassis. Yes it it is J72 brake system. Still trying to figure out how to get it fixed . I am 140 miles south of Salt Lake City. Everything I check is booked due to the July 4th coming. There is no acknowledged Workhorse center in Utah. I think I have a line on one. Recreation RV say they work on them but no definite time yet

LETMGROW · 06-27-2017, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLAdventurer

I have a 06 Winnebago on a 05 Workhorse W24 chassis. Yes it it is J72 brake system. Still trying to figure out how to get it fixed . I am 140 miles south of Salt Lake City. Everything I check is booked due to the July 4th coming. There is no acknowledged Workhorse center in Utah. I think I have a line on one. Recreation RV say they work on them but no definite time yet

You could call Jon and see if he can overnight a switch to you. You'd have to hook up with someone for a shipping address though.
Check for a Navistar (formally International which bought Workhorse out) truck dealer nearby. They should be able to get a switch (OEM) and I am sure they could install it. The job only requires two wrenches and a little care to not loose the pin under the switch inside the adapter when you remove the switch. A ten minute operation if you take your time.
Lynn

There is a way to disable the park brake so it is released and inoperative but because of liability concerns I won't suggest you do it.

If you really get into a bind I have a brand new OEM switch in the original packaging I carry as a spare. I would be willing to UPS it to you if you needed it. Replacement cost plus the shipping charges.

BLAdventurer · 06-27-2017, 07:23 PM

Thanks everyone for your offers and advice. The problem is much bigger than just tge brake failure. There was a fire under the coach caused by the Auto Brake locking. There is more damage to lines and harnesses that I will not tackle. I have filed an incident report with my insurance. Now just trying to find a place to work on it and a place to stay. With a 2 week lead time and the 4th coming, it has been difficult. Thanks for your moral support.