Community Forums

artrosch · 03-20-2019, 08:35 PM

We live in a 98 Newmar Mt. Aire gasser. We've been in one place for almost six years. Lately I've been lax about starting the coach up monthly and let the battery discharge. It's old, ollldddd. We've had a bit of sinking to one side and I want to level the coach. I know the batt won't do it. but I reasoned that a jump start from my Jeep would work. The coach starts fine. I couldn't level us, however. The lights go on at the leveler control (HWH)panel. It shows a yellow on the driver's side and all the reds. There is no response to my pressing any button. I guess I'm going to call a pro, but thought I'd post here first. Will lit make any difference if I buy a new battery? Thanks. Pic shows our exact control panel layout.

CoachC · 03-20-2019, 09:37 PM

Hi artrosch,
I'm just assuming you have been plugged into shore power all this time so batteries should have been charging without running the engine. However, if they are wet, lead acid batteries and have not been serviced (water level kept up, connections clean and free of corrosion) in a long time batteries could be an issue.
Poor ground or blown fuse could also keep the pump from operating.
When was the last time you leveled/re-leveled your coach? You may want to look for signs of fluid leakage at each jack. Seals may have deteriorated.
Start with the simple which will be battery condition. Get those in shape first.

Best of luck!
Let us know what you find.

CoachC · 03-20-2019, 09:42 PM

You may want to try storing the jacks and then re-leveling too! Make sure you don't crush anything you might have stored under the coach.

Cheers

Outbound · 03-20-2019, 09:48 PM

Ditto with CoachC. Good luck

artrosch · 03-20-2019, 11:33 PM

Well, first I checked the jack fluid level. Whoa! Almost empty. We're having several issues at once, due to the prolonged rain. But, getting back to the jacks. Tomorrow I top off the fluid. IF that doesn't help I'll consider hitting Store and start over. Thanks!

veraken · 03-21-2019, 05:46 AM

If topping off the fluid doesn't solve your problem, contact Paul at AZPETE on the Irv2 forum. He works for HWH and can answer your questions. His email is pfmaddox@att.net and his phone number is 602-549-3638. He is a Commercial Member and has posted that his phone is always on, and if not answered, leave a message.

He has helped others on this forum and I am sure he can help you.

Bfmorgan · 03-21-2019, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by artrosch

Well, first I checked the jack fluid level. Whoa! Almost empty. We're having several issues at once, due to the prolonged rain. But, getting back to the jacks. Tomorrow I top off the fluid. IF that doesn't help I'll consider hitting Store and start over. Thanks!

The level will be lower with the jacks extended. When you retract the jacks the oil level will increase. If you fill the reservoir with the jacks extended it may overflow when you retract the jacks.

GEM1N1 · 03-21-2019, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bfmorgan

The level will be lower with the jacks extended. When you retract the jacks the oil level will increase. If you fill the reservoir with the jacks extended it may overflow when you retract the jacks.

This. Do not top off your reservoir with your jacks extended. You’ll end up with a big ole mess when you retract them.

Gordiegaffer · 03-21-2019, 09:17 AM

If your batteries went dead remove the jack panel remove plugs for 20 seconds replug this should reset the board

Domo · 03-21-2019, 11:52 AM

I always suspect corroded electrical connections.

Grab a can of CRC contact cleaner and lubricant - as well as some dielectric grease. Remove all the old push on connectors (spade lugs), spray them with CRC, wait to dry, dab a minor amount of dielectric grease and reconnect. Hit all the connectors you can find for the circuits involved. Recrimp the cripmed connection while you're at it and don't forget to remove/sand any grounds that go to the chassis/frame.

My MH is an '08 - this simple procedure has fixed; cluster gauges and warning lights, water heater, electric steps, water separator alarm, basement lights, etc.

Jim_HiTek · 03-21-2019, 01:41 PM

I agree with checking your grounds...I believe you'll find all yours very near to the hydraulic system on one big welded on stud.

Then, while you're down there, look for a big 40 amp inline fuse. Those also corrode and sometimes open circuit from the corrosion. Mine was so bad I clipped it out of there and bought a new 40 Amp with spade lugs from Napa. Then used new crimp on mates to that large spade lug, also from Napa. Stripped the wire back beyond the corrosion, added the crimp terminals, surrounded them with heat shrink, then plugged in the fuse. Good as new.

artrosch · 03-22-2019, 11:42 AM

Thanks for all of your sage replies. Corrosion? Yes! We've been in this one location for five years and a lot of things have worn down. Now I've developed a leak in my fresh water pipes.

Art

artrosch · 03-29-2019, 12:49 PM

So far I've tried resetting the board, buying a new battery, etc etc. I've got an auto mechanic helping me. He knows nothing about jacks etc but he's talented and loves to figure out puzzles. I suspect corrosion but it's been raining like crazy here. Sunshine today. I really need these jacks. Also called/emailed Paul Maddux but missed his early a.m. return call.

Art

Jim18655 · 03-29-2019, 01:12 PM

Do you have hydraulic slides? Do they work? Probably the same pump and motor so if they move you know the pump is good.
There might be two solenoids on the pump assembly. One will run the leveling system and one for the jacks. Tell your mechanic they work like the solenoids on a starter. If you get voltage on the control (small) terminal on the solenoid then the control box is working. The other control wire will be grounded. Check continuity to ground. If all is working you should feel/hear the solenoid close the circuit. Check for power at the pump motor terminal and see if the solenoid closes the circuit.