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Don and Kim · 09-05-2011, 04:48 PM

At the entry door there's a 3 position toggle switch labeled "light"that turns on a small light that illuminates the switch panel. It also turns on the stepwell light. My question is that the switch has another position that doesn't seem to do anything. Just curious what its supposed to do?
Also, are there wiring diagrams available for National Motorhomes? I can see it coming in handy when troubleshooting is neccesary.
Don

njs42 · 09-05-2011, 05:05 PM

Sometimes there are switches that do nothing---I have an auxillary on my dash like that----soon it will power anything I can think of---soem gadget I want.

Pull the switch and see if the third pole has a wire?

ga traveler · 09-05-2011, 05:12 PM

Most of the time the switch by the door controls the outside light and many times one inside overhead light. (So you don,t have to come into a dark coach.)

Don and Kim · 09-05-2011, 05:25 PM

I looked at the back of the switch and it does have a third wire on it that goes into the harness. I suppose it could be an extra and not used, but seems strange that National utilized a 3 position switch and ran wiring to it.
There's a separate switch that turns on the ceiling lights in the front of the coach .

garym114 · 09-05-2011, 05:38 PM

There is some wiring info at the Yahoo National RV group. You have to join to get to the 'files' section. NationalRV : National_RV

JJH3rd · 09-05-2011, 08:19 PM

On my 05 Dolphin a similar switch energizes lights in the basement comparrtments.

Ken C · 09-05-2011, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don and Kim

At the entry door there's a 3 position toggle switch labeled "light"that turns on a small light that illuminates the switch panel. It also turns on the stepwell light. My question is that the switch has another position that doesn't seem to do anything. Just curious what its supposed to do?
Also, are there wiring diagrams available for National Motorhomes? I can see it coming in handy when troubleshooting is neccesary.
Don

Don,

On our 03 LTC, the up position turns on the same lights only when the door is open. In the down position, the lights are on all the time. It took me a while to figure this out as the magnetic switch in the door frame that controls this function was not working as there was too much distance between the door and the door frame. I ended up attaching a small magnet to the door side with glue which fixed it. Hope this helps.

Don and Kim · 09-06-2011, 06:49 PM

Thanks for the replies. Ken, I believe your setup is how ours is wired. I was looking in the RH front wheelwell and it appears someone has cut some wires and possibly replaced one the magnetic switches in the door jamb. Ken, could I ask if you know how many magnetic switches are installed in your door jamb? I have 2, the lower one is defective, it always measures a short circuit whether there's a magnet next to it or not. Above it, is another switch of a different style that operates the steps. This is the switch I believe was replaced.
Thanks, Don

Ken C · 09-06-2011, 11:06 PM

Don, I have 2 switches and they look different from another. You are correct that one is for the step. The upper switch on mine controls the light. The portion on the door is in a black rectangular plate attached with 2 screws.

Don and Kim · 09-07-2011, 08:41 AM

Thanks Ken for the feedback. Mine sounds similar, except my step switch(which is square and fastened w/2 screws) is mounted above the round switch. Now if I only had the wiring diagrams!

Ken C · 09-07-2011, 10:12 PM

Don, If you don't already belong, there is also a NRV Yahoo group which has a few wiring files for later model Tropicals that might be of help. Free to join. Look on the left side of the page and select the "file" section

Try this link or do a Google search:
NationalRV : National_RV

DaveG39 · 09-08-2011, 12:13 AM

Has anyone replaced the top light that illuminates the panel? Mine is out (just the light illuminating the stepwell is working). Do you have to remove the entire panel to get at the light?

Don and Kim · 09-14-2011, 06:44 PM

Dave,
I was in the switch panel today and the light snaps into the panel. The 6 screws that hold the panel need to be removed and the panel pulled out. The bulb and holder have 6" wires that have push on terminals. It has a small bulb inside of the holder, but its not designed to be replaced since its crimped into the wire leads and doesn't use a socket. I replaced ours with a white LED so it can be done if you're patient and use a solder iron.
Don

DaveG39 · 09-14-2011, 11:35 PM

Don
Thanks for the input. I think I'll leave well enough alone until I have to get into the switch panel for something else. I have lived without it since I bought the coach.