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Ca356406 · 03-10-2022, 07:59 PM

We put the RV in storage the end of November and my husband took the batteries out to keep them charged and when he hooked him back up we can’t get the RV to run it will only turn over on starter fluid and our ECU light is on. The mechanic checked our fuses in the back and they seem to all be OK but we don’t seem to have power going from the fuse box to the ECU so we just don’t know where to go. Can anyone help or has anyone else had this issue so we know where to even look or what to even check? Has to be something simple I would think! Thanks in advance or any help!!!

HarryStone · 03-10-2022, 08:18 PM

You don't indicate what kind of RV it is, gas or diesel, old or newer. Sounds like battery connection error. Did you take pictures of the battery cables before disconnecting?

inlineskater · 03-10-2022, 08:26 PM

Are you in cold weather? Has your fuel gelled?

Ca356406 · 03-11-2022, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryStone

You don't indicate what kind of RV it is, gas or diesel, old or newer. Sounds like battery connection error. Did you take pictures of the battery cables before disconnecting?

2007 Fleetwood Discovery, we did mark all the cables when we disconnected the batteries. We don’t seem to have power running to the computer.

Ca356406 · 03-11-2022, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inlineskater

Are you in cold weather? Has your fuel gelled?

We live in Ohio, don’t think it’s the fuel? We are all new to this.

GBB · 03-11-2022, 04:53 AM

Have your batteries load tested.. Double check your cable hook ups.

dizcom · 03-11-2022, 04:59 AM

Have you turned the battery switches back on?

mackwrench · 03-11-2022, 05:04 AM

Take another look at the batteries.
I'm assuming since you say your using starting fluid (bad idea) that it's a diesel engine.

There's some smaller wires that should have been connected to the positive post of battery. Usually 2 or 3. There'll be a fuse holder in them, these wires supply power to the engine and transmission ECM. They connect directly to positive post on battery.
Most of them I've seen are white wires.

Are you certain there connected? If so check the fuse in the holder.

Bigd9 · 03-11-2022, 06:01 AM

My coach should be similar. Can you please post or send pictures of the starting battery's? I could check them against mine for proper wiring and battery orientation.

A few thoughts.
Using starting fluid is not a good idea. There is a electric heating element that heats the diesel fuel before it goes into the engine (you remember the "wait to start light" on the dashboard?) Using starter fluid could explode when it reaches the heating element.

You do not need to remove the battery's for winter storage. That is way too much work. If you have electricity at the motorhome storage area, just plug it in and it will keep all batteries charged.

RVtravelz · 03-11-2022, 06:03 AM

Removed both house and chassis batteries? Why?
Really need more info about RV. Diesel or gas? All disconnects and switches on?

Bigd9 · 03-11-2022, 07:13 AM

I know you mentioned the "mechanic checked our fuses in the back ". In these coaches there are fuses everywhere! Easy to miss one.

In one of the pictures I sent to you, there is one showing the EMC fuse. Its in the "Black Box" located passenger side, in the compartment right behind the rear wheels. There are two black boxes, and one is for the trailer plug fuses and relays. The other black box has engine fuses. See these pictures. (Pictures shown with the covers removed)
Check fuse "F6"

Also, inside the coach up front where the cup holders are located, swing the center console out and behind that is two set of fuses/relays. One set is freightliner, and the other set is for Fleetwood. In the box marked Freightliner there is a fuse marked "IGN 3 Power (Eng) 10 amp". Slim possibility that one could be blown.

Injuneer · 03-11-2022, 07:16 AM

If the check engine lamp is illuminated, you have power to the ECU.
Perhaps some meth head siphoned all of your fuel from your tank?

Grizzly73 · 03-11-2022, 08:00 AM

Do you have a picture of the batteries? Any chance you wired them all in parallel, so it's only 6v?

bigb56 · 03-11-2022, 08:14 AM

The original information is confusing, you said we can’t get the RV to run it will only turn over on starter fluid and our ECU light is on, so by turning over that means the engine is cranking which indicates the batteries are good but I have a feeling you are saying "turning over" when you really mean it starts and runs even if only for a few seconds while on starting fluid, is that correct? Also it is normal on every vehicle for the ECU light to be on when the key is on but engine off, this is a self test to verify the ECU light works. If it is indeed "cranking" ie: "turning over" but not actually starting and running it sounds like a fuel issue not an electrical issue. If it is really cold you may have to wait for warmer weather or tow it to a shop to get it inside and warmed up. You could also try changing fuel filters but checking fuel pressure would be best if you have a way to do that.
If you have a block heater I would try plugging that in for a few hours or even overnight.