Headlight short

[crocodylus52]

I have a 2003 National Tropical and have what appears to be a headlight short circuit ... most likely a ground wire issue. I recently was traveling and turned on the headlights and it caused the RV to go into neutral. In addition the engine wouldn't rev. After turning out the lights and turning the engine off and then on, the RV returns to normal. When the headlights are engaged the transmission control panel light gets very dim ...hence, some type of short. I have talked to several experienced mechanics who believe it is a ground wire issue. Of course, there is no diagram of the headlight wiring in any of the manuals. I am told that the ground wires are not too far from the lights and mounted on the chassis. It is very hard to see up into the front of the RV to find the ground wires. I have access through the drop down generator door, but can't figure out where the ground wires for the lights are attached to the chassis. I was hoping someone might have had experience with this problem ... thanks, Bruce

[Skip426]

Welcome to iRV2.

Sorry your first post is about problems .

First , " short circuits" in electrical systems , blow fuses or trip circuit breakers ; so your problem is probably power supply to the dash board systems being low due to a poor connection in the chassis battery wiring to the dash, when the head light system draws power , the volts available drop to the point where the electronic systems ( trans shift pad and throttle control ) act up.
Poor dash system ground is possible , but each headlight has a separate ground independent of the dash ground so they shouldn't interfere in the way you describe.

Do you have a multi meter and a 12 volt test light ?
Is your coach on a Freightliner chassis?