Alpine 2004: Dash Warning Buzzer quit working, can't find it!

[Mike & Mike]

Hello all!

Our dash warning buzzer/alarm quit working. This is the buzzer for low air susbensiojn, jacks down, etc. I have looked at many posts regarding this issue but the posts that talk about "repairs" seem to only work for Actia brand gauges and I'm pretty sure I don't have Actia gauges (see photos below).

We do have the Vansco system and other posts, as well as the Vansco Input/Output guide on the ACA Tech site makes me think it is not Vansco related.

Before you say it, yes, I've tried the magic cure-all of turning off the Master House and Chassis battery switches for a few minutes and turned them back on. No help there.

The buzzer sound didn't just quit, it quit, then worked again for a few weeks, then quit for a day, then worked for a few days, and now hasn't worked the last couple of trips.

I have removed the screws holding the burl wood (plastic) dash to look at the back of the gauges and to see if there are any electronic devices (buzzer?) nearby and didn't find anything. There are no little "speaker holes" on the back of the gauges for any sound to come out of. And I looked on the back of the "dash light (idiot light) cluster" and again find nothing that looks like a buzzer.

I have asked another 2004 owner where their buzzer seems to be and they say theirs sounds like it's on the firewall to the right of the steering column. I have looked there and don't see anything that looks like it is designed to make noise (no buzzer, piezo buzzer, black box, etc.) So, now I wonder if any of you 2004 owners know what this gizmo looks like (photos anyone?) and where it lives? Or maybe what it connects to so I could follow some wires leading out of an item I can identify. Thanks all!

Here are a couple of photos of what the dash looks like. These gauges don't have any brand name on them:






Cheers!

[Wayne R]

On my 05 it is in one of the gauges. Look for what appears to be some venting slots. I cant remember where it was in my late 2000.

[EngineerMike]

FWIW the pre Vansco chassis schematics show two devices (I'm looking at those on the theory that your rig is a hybrid between all Vansco & all analog, as the 2004 m.y. coaches have 2003m.y. gauges). One is called Chime & the other is called Buzzer. Both are operated with a single common +12v.
That doesn't give you anything definitive but hope it helps.

[Jim A]

I think I would be happy if mine died!

I also heard that the '04's are on the firewall near the steering column and a dedicated buzzer, not part of a gauge, but never looked for it very seriously. Sorry.

[Mike & Mike]

Thanks for the replies!

Wayne, I looked on the backs of the gauges and didn't see any ventilation holes or speaker holes.

Mike, Interesting thought about it being a hybrid. You know, I've got the original manual and the 12V House Schematics but no chassis schematics. Are those on ACA Tech or your DVD?

Jim, The last time I went out to the rig I checked and the turn signals also make no noise but I don't think they ever did. Considering all of the posts from people wishing they HAD a turn signal clicker, I tend to agree with you that silence is golden! For some things I'm glad I'm not being bothered by a noisemaker but if it was Low Oil, I'd probably wish I was getting that noise. Where does your alarm seem to be coming from in your 2004? I'll bring my mechanics stethoscope to the next rally and ask if I can listen under your dash!

Cheers!

[Jim A]

The next time I am at the coach I will see if I can help pinpoint the location. And you are always welcome to check my coach at the next rally.

My turn signal never made a sound from day one. A little noise from that one would be nice.

[EngineerMike]

Jim- of the 04's follow the 03 pattern for functions not yet supplied by the Actia gauges, you have two Flaherty relays, one for the turn signals & one for the hazard flashers. I believe you can replace those w/a unit that clicks more loudly or run a relay to a buzzer as has been discussed in threads on 03- rigs.