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kehodder · 06-09-2020, 11:48 PM

Hello, recent new to us purchase 2003 AC Eagle 42e, our first RV and first post. Lots of little issues that I’m addressing which is not surprising for a 17yr old coach. Enjoying so far though. Anyway, Not sure what this is device controls that is in the engine bay. Probably an easy one for ya but I have no good guess. Retracts something?

Also, there is a standard electrical switch at the foot of the bed I can’t determine what it controls. Anyone?

Edit...sorry meant to post to AC subforum...feel free to move there if you are a moderator

Meames1 · 06-10-2020, 04:13 AM

Top picture is a light. There is a switch to turn it on and a little latch near the bulb end that releases the light and you can pull it out, the cord is 3' long or so. Then use the crank to reel it back in. Not unusual for them not to work anymore, I see yours is switched on, but not illuminated. Check the bulb and power. They originally came from 90's era Chevy trucks.

oldnavycdr · 06-10-2020, 05:41 AM

Yes, engine compartment light. You should find one in the generator bay as well -- driver's side. There is an additional switch on the dash on mine so if yours isn't working check the dash switch. I'm not sure what the switch on the bed frame goes to unless it is for the engine block heater. Lift the bed to examine.

radar · 06-10-2020, 06:21 AM

Switch is for the block heater. It will probably have its own breaker marked as such. Should be a lighted switch. Turn it on (light comes on) then go find the breaker and turn it off light should go out.

Tha_Rooster · 06-10-2020, 02:05 PM

In my power cord compartment has a receptacle with a cord and plug in it which is the block heater and the bed switch turns that receptacle on and off.

kehodder · 06-10-2020, 11:22 PM

Appreciate the responses. The engine and generator retractable lights both actually work now that I know what they are. just had to flip the dash switch labeled “hood switch” and ensured these lights were in the on position at each device.

The engine block heater switch is not lighted on mine, or not lighting up at least. Good to know this is what this switch is for though. The breaker box doesn’t list a block heater..closest was “nuheat” which is supposed to be for ? A Heated flooring option? I don’t think this unit has nuheat if so. I’ll now pop the bed up and trace the wiring to see which breaker switch it goes to, plus ensure the switch is powered and block heater is working properly.

Thanks all, I’ll probably have more questions as no detailed user manual came with this coach. The online manuals I was able to track down (by searching these forums) didn’t have these details as to what is what on this specific model. Thanks again

radar · 06-11-2020, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kehodder

Appreciate the responses. The engine and generator retractable lights both actually work now that I know what they are. just had to flip the dash switch labeled “hood switch” and ensured these lights were in the on position at each device.

The engine block heater switch is not lighted on mine, or not lighting up at least. Good to know this is what this switch is for though. The breaker box doesn’t list a block heater..closest was “nuheat” which is supposed to be for ? A Heated flooring option? I don’t think this unit has nuheat if so. I’ll now pop the bed up and trace the wiring to see which breaker switch it goes to, plus ensure the switch is powered and block heater is working properly.

Thanks all, I’ll probably have more questions as no detailed user manual came with this coach. The online manuals I was able to track down (by searching these forums) didn’t have these details as to what is what on this specific model. Thanks again

I checked my breaker panel and you are right. I labeled mine once I found it. It is shared with another one. You’ll have to trace it. Yours may not be lit but it looks exactly the same as mine and in the exact same spot.

Cheers. Let us know how it goes.

kehodder · 06-12-2020, 07:31 PM

Pulled the bed up, geesh, lots o stuff down there...wiring galore, big electronics panel for all the internal lights, another genset controller (why an extra i have no idea), surge guard gear, slide controller, couple incandescent dimmer modules(?), and aquahot heater rad unit. Dusty as heck and doesn't look like anyone has been here cleaning anything since manufactured.

Anyway, traced the wires to that switch- goes to the breaker labeled "general purpose" She's live when switched "on" powers a receptacle that's also under the bed. A cord plugged into that goes through the floor toward the cummings ism. Assuming the block heater however tested and the cord doesn't have any electrical resistance. Next I'll climb under the coach and check where that cord goes and what it is.

After that I've got some aquahot burner issues to troubleshoot...then some sealing a few things on the roof with eternabond (if it ever stops raining here to dry up enough to do properly- when is summer coming to Kelowna?)

radar · 06-12-2020, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kehodder

Pulled the bed up, geesh, lots o stuff down there...wiring galore, big electronics panel for all the internal lights, another genset controller (why an extra i have no idea), surge guard gear, slide controller, couple incandescent dimmer modules(?), and aquahot heater rad unit. Dusty as heck and doesn't look like anyone has been here cleaning anything since manufactured.

Anyway, traced the wires to that switch- goes to the breaker labeled "general purpose" She's live when switched "on" powers a receptacle that's also under the bed. A cord plugged into that goes through the floor toward the cummings ism. Assuming the block heater however tested and the cord doesn't have any electrical resistance. Next I'll climb under the coach and check where that cord goes and what it is.

Keep in mind it’s a heater. So essentially a long coil of wire. So very low resistance.

That other generator box is probably the transfer switch.

Gary RVRoamer · 06-13-2020, 06:30 PM

In most American Coach models, the block heater switch controls an outlet, probably located in the shore cord bay. The block heater is plugged into that outlet, but most owners unplug it because the switch too often gets turned on accidentally. You can use that same outlet as an additional outside power outlet at the campsite.

Jake21 · 06-14-2020, 08:59 AM

I have an 02 Eagle. As far as I know there is no switch for the outlet in the power cord bay. Power is always on so I plug in the heater when needed.

kehodder · 06-14-2020, 09:27 AM

My 03 42e doesn't have a shore power bay. Shore cable is behind a small cover on the exterior that has only the cord and power reel in/out switch.

I've found the 110ac switch at the end of the bed controls an outlet that is also under the bed on mine. Then a block heater cord is plugged into that that snakes straight down through a hole to engine underneath.

RWeigant · 06-19-2020, 11:26 AM

Anyone know the bulb size? Mine has R19/10YF and I think it's a 1156. Not sure.

kehodder · 06-19-2020, 11:40 PM

They both still worked so I didn’t check to see, but pretty sure they are 1156s. Everything in anywhere in the basement were 1156s when I changed them over to LEDs a while back.