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RufussSewell · 02-02-2014, 04:50 PM

Another week, another expensive repair?

We've been camping in one spot for 3 weeks now. Yesterday we needed a propane refill so we drove into town. No problems.

This morning I tried to start the engine and it wouldn't turn over. The panel lit up fine and power came on. Voltage was good. But nothing when trying to start the engine. No click, no voltage drop, just nothing. I'm thinking bad ignition switch.

So I wait a few minutes and try again. This time it starts.

BUT! My tranny panel starts blinking. All lights on the read out including mode and service are blinking. With every blink it sounds like an air blast is coming from the engine compartment. The engine runs smooth otherwise.

Could this be related to the ignition switch? I'm pretty lost on this one.

1997 Beaver Patriot. Allison 6 speed tranny. Cat 330 diesel.

pumper9x9 · 02-02-2014, 07:58 PM

I have a 2002 Country Coach. It has a solenoid that the dash stuff runs through. It also has another one in the back that the runs the starter. My dash started doing something similar to your problem. I was able to isolate it to that solenoid that runs the dash and verified it with a tec at OMC who worked on our coach. Replaced that solenoid and everything has been working fine. I also found the other solenoid and bought a spare for when that one goes out.
First you have to figure out if you have such a solenoid. Mine had some smaller gauge wires running into it and one larger gauge one running out of it. Mine was located in the compartment in front of the LF wheel. Yes I did replace the ignition switch before I figured it out. To test it once you find it have someone try to start it and if it doesn't start tap on it and see if it works. Also look for the fuses that run to that switch and start pulling them out and replacing them sometimes that gets it to kick in and work. Good Luck Hope it helps See attached picture

RufussSewell · 02-02-2014, 07:59 PM

It looks like it may be a low voltage problem.

RufussSewell · 02-03-2014, 01:12 AM

Thanks Pumper!

The ignition has been working fine since the first time it started.

Now it's just the ECU. It basically sounds like it's starting over and over. It flashes on the all lights about once per second. I can't go into diagnostic mode because it turns off and on again.