2005 tropical starting problem

[mikeb4cac]

I'm new and very impressed by the amount of experience shared in these forums...I have a model T398, cat 350 C7 Freightliner Xc chassis, Allison MH 3000......replaced both 12v chassis batteries, both are fully charged, when I turn ignition on panel lights go on, WAIT light..... then goes out, I turn ign to start, nothing.... I can't physically locate the start relay to see it is getting picked....(ST connection on ign switch gets 12v but the solenoid on top of the starter gets no voltage therefore no start) I have the schem for the ign and start circuits....I can put power to the solenoid and start the rig. I called Freightliner yesterday and asked where the start relay is but it wasn't to be found where they said it was......help please...mb

[bdpreece]

I know this may sound stupid but; have you checked to make sure your battery disconnect switch is not in the off position? Next have you tried holding in the switch that ties all your batteries together when trying to start?

[GaryKD]

Hi Mike,
Welcome to iRV2. I do not know your brand of coach. Based on your OP it seems like you are right on target looking for the start relay. The coaches I have worked on all seem to have the automotive components in three places.

1. A weather protected (basement?) location. The automotive fuses are usually in this location along with other relays.

2. Between the front cap and the firewall. Opening the front "hood" gains access to this location.

3. The bay where the coach electrical cord is stored. Some automotive fuses may also be in this location.

My coach has 3 different ignition relays and a fuse on the cicuit. Good luck with your search.
Sorry I can not be more help.

[mikeb4cac]

Originally posted by bdpreece:
I know this may sound stupid but; have you checked to make sure your battery disconnect switch is not in the off position? Next have you tried holding in the switch that ties all your batteries together when trying to start?

thanks for your input...I have eliminated both...mb

[mikeb4cac]

Originally posted by GaryKD:
Hi Mike,
Welcome to iRV2. I do not know your brand of coach. Based on your OP it seems like you are right on target looking for the start relay. The coaches I have worked on all seem to have the automotive components in three places.

1. A weather protected (basement?) location. The automotive fuses are usually in this location along with other relays.

2. Between the front cap and the firewall. Opening the front "hood" gains access to this location.

3. The bay where the coach electrical cord is stored. Some automotive fuses may also be in this location.

My coach has 3 different ignition relays and a fuse on the cicuit. Good luck with your search.
Sorry I can not be more help.

Thanks for your thoughts...I have eliminated 1 and 3...however I didn't look very close to #2 because my gen is there. I'll look more closely..mb

[GaryKD]

I am located in the West Palm Beach area of Florida. Are you near WPB?

[jbowers]

Had a start problem with 05 Journey. The position sensor on the transmission was not adjusted properly. Every time I shut down after backing up, shifted to N and turned off the key, the coach would not start. Try this trick which works for me. Turn key to start and wait for the "wait" light to go out. With the parking brake still on, put in the following sequence into the transmission N R N D N D N and try to start. Good luck>

[mikeb4cac]

Thanks for all that provided your thoughts and experiences. I found ALL the links very informative and am especially appreciative to a Brian I think that gave me a site to download 13 pages labeled Starter Control System 54.25 from the Business Class M2 Workshop manual. The schem I had been working with did not have the same or as much info as this Section. Not only was I able to locate that mysterious Starter relay (also called the Magnetic switch or mag switch)located by the front passenger side of the engine accessed thru the removable panel in the bedroom between the bed and the rear mirrored closet. The manual ALSO identified a BHM (Bulkhead Module) which I found in the top right corner of the compartment (rear pass side) housing the inv/conv. This black box contained 3 relays and several fuses. the top left relay was not pushed in all the way. How it popped out sitting still I don't know ...What I do know it now starts and knowing what it was gives me a peace of mind that I'm sure you all can relate to. Again THANKS to you all and to this forum. mb

To the mods that keep threads organized ..thank you and how do I close this topic or is that your pleasure??

[MikeandClaudia]

I have a '99 Dutch Star on a Freightliner chasis and the starter relay is on the outside of the rail on the passengers side about 4 feet from the end of the frame. It looks very different from any other starter switch I have ever seen, I initially thought it was a battery isolator.

Good luck! These DPs will drive you crazy sometimes.

[bdpreece]

Ahh. A man who asks for help and then is ready to read the material and actually fix the problem. Well done.

[Traveler52]

How about a link to this manual?
Please
Bill

[mikeb4cac]

the link I was given is http://secure.freightliner.co...nent/ma5425000wm.pdf. hopefully the material will help you as much as it did me...mike