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dxg0001 · 04-05-2019, 09:39 AM

This morning after starting up the engine we usually wait for the air to build up but today the right needle did not move and stayed at 65 PSI. We waited for an additional 5 minutes with no movement so we put it into fast idle which moved the needle over 100 PSI.

Thinking back now, it seemed to take longer than normal the last time we aired up as well but eventually worked on its own.

We are currently at Freightliner waiting to get the transmission cooler replaced. They said they could look at it but it they find nothing wrong, we have to pay for the troubleshooting time.

So while we are waiting, we let all the air out and tried it again. No problem. We worry a bit that there is nothing they can find since it is now working.

One other thing, it's been cold here (upper 30s, low 40s) but not freezing.

Any thoughts - does this seem normal or do you think we need to have it looked at?

Thanks,
Dan

CoreyinWP · 04-05-2019, 09:42 AM

did you try hitting the jacks retract button? sometimes the valve gets stuck.

TJ · 04-05-2019, 09:50 AM

Doesn't "seem normal" to me. The coach should air up every time.

Now, whether this was just a one-time thing, you will never know...unless it happens again. You are taking your chances either way. You may incur the cost of "troubleshooting time" if they don't find anything, or you may just let it go and have the problem pop up again down the road.

How much are you willing to pay for peace of mind? Your call.

TJ

TJ · 04-05-2019, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoreyinWP

did you try hitting the jacks retract button? sometimes the valve gets stuck.

Great thought!

TJ

CoreyinWP · 04-05-2019, 09:54 AM

Thanks,,,,this is an issue that I have had on two different coaches with Equalizer jacks. If you retract the jacks without air pressure built up, the will raise but the valve doesn't changeover and the coach will not air up even if it "puffs off".

dxg0001 · 04-05-2019, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoreyinWP

Thanks,,,,this is an issue that I have had on two different coaches with Equalizer jacks. If you retract the jacks without air pressure built up, the will raise but the valve doesn't changeover and the coach will not air up even if it "puffs off".

May be I'm misunderstanding ... the jacks were still down. I always wait for it to air up before raising the jacks.

I assume if a valve is stuck I should be able to hear air escaping somewhere if this happens again, correct?

CoreyinWP · 04-05-2019, 11:10 AM

I don't think you will hear anything. Here is a write up from equalizer. May very well not be the issue,,but I would at least try to recycle the jacks as a first step when not airing up.

Important Note: The Auto-Level controller output is used to change the position of the
chassis master air dump valve. This valve, however, is air pilot operated and therefore
requires both adequate system air pressure and electrical signal from the controller in order to
change position. The controller output signal lasts for two minutes from the time the “All
Retract” button is pressed. If the primary chassis air system pressure is below the minimum
threshold, air pressure will not be available to the secondary air system to shift the position
master air dump valve even if controller signal is present.
Lack of system air pressure, during the two minute duration of the inflate signal, is the
most common cause of air bags not inflating.
Therefore, it is recommended that the coach be started prior to retracting the jacks.

GaryKD · 04-05-2019, 12:07 PM

Hi dxg0001,
The advice you have been given to change the coach/frame relationship with the valves that sense when air is needed is correct. Could be several problems. None will cause a complete failure of airing up. When it happens to me I just raise the front of the coach all the way up. Then store the jacks. Coach will begin to air up before the jacks leave the ground. Works every time.

Could be a valve sticking or you could be in a "dead" zone where the coach doesn't think adding air is necessary.