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twojunior · 01-21-2021, 07:49 AM

2003 Fleetwood Discovery 38p, my slides will not work off the battery in or out, but they work perfectly with the engine running, where would you start to trouble shoot? Thank you in advance for the help I will receive

**Lt Dan** · 01-21-2021, 08:10 AM

I don't know specifically about the Fleetwood procedures, but a lot of manufacturers say to only operate the slides with the engine running. There is a high amperage draw by the slide motors that won't work on battery alone. The engine alternator supplies the higher amp draw. If they normally operate on battery only, then it's probably a sign of failing or weak batteries.

mrboyer · 01-21-2021, 08:44 AM

My 2006 Fleetwood requires the engine to be running to have enough voltage to operate the slides. Occasionally, when I have been connected to shore power for several days which would charge the batteries completely, I can operate the slides one time. As your batteries get older, you may find that you cannot do that.

alank · 01-21-2021, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twojunior

2003 Fleetwood Discovery 38p, my slides will not work off the battery in or out, but they work perfectly with the engine running, where would you start to trouble shoot? Thank you in advance for the help I will receive

Generally speaking, Fleetwood wants the engine running for the extra electrical power, just as stated above. The slide circuitry doesn't know the difference between having the engine running, or just having the key turned on to the running position, but the key being turned on is what provides power on downstream to operate the slides.

Flyer15015 · 01-21-2021, 02:02 PM

Well here is one for you to ponder.
I just acquired a 2004 Fleetwood pace Arrow 37c.
Has 3 slides, all of which were demonstrated to me several times at the dealership prior to doing the paperwork.
So, I drive it home (500 miles) and open the slides to give everything a new grease job, and the 2 opposing slides up front work fine.
The bedroom slide goes out but will not come back in, engine running or not.
So I tear out the carpet and 1/4" plywood cover under the bed, and see that the motor has a lever on the back side that says "brake" on it. and that is the position it is in. I slide the lever over, and all of a sudden the wall switch for the slide works. She goes in and out with no problem with the ign key on or the engine running.
I could not find anything that would trip that switch. No tab hanging down or operating rod connected to it. Nothing.
Question is, why did it work several times at the dealer and then not for me ? How did that lever get moved ?
Maybe someone was hiding under the bed ? If so, I'm going to tan his hide.............

Mike in Colorado

mttop · 01-21-2021, 02:08 PM

Our 2003 Bounder requires the engine running and parking brake set...

twojunior · 01-21-2021, 05:09 PM

Thank everyone for their input it does work with the key turned on, so as the old saying goes "if you learned something new today is a good day"

I had a good day today!!!!

mevman · 01-22-2021, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyer15015

Well here is one for you to ponder.
I just acquired a 2004 Fleetwood pace Arrow 37c.
Has 3 slides, all of which were demonstrated to me several times at the dealership prior to doing the paperwork.
So, I drive it home (500 miles) and open the slides to give everything a new grease job, and the 2 opposing slides up front work fine.
The bedroom slide goes out but will not come back in, engine running or not.
So I tear out the carpet and 1/4" plywood cover under the bed, and see that the motor has a lever on the back side that says "brake" on it. and that is the position it is in. I slide the lever over, and all of a sudden the wall switch for the slide works. She goes in and out with no problem with the ign key on or the engine running.
I could not find anything that would trip that switch. No tab hanging down or operating rod connected to it. Nothing.
Question is, why did it work several times at the dealer and then not for me ? How did that lever get moved ?
Maybe someone was hiding under the bed ? If so, I'm going to tan his hide.............

Mike in Colorado

Mike, that brake is electro-mechanical and is supposed to be 'On' at rest. When 12vdc is applied to the motor/brake the brake is supposed to energize to release. Since they are mechanical they are the first point in troubleshooting movement failures usually.
They are removable and replaceable as a separate part. REV sells them at the best price I have found. I've attached a pdf of the replacement document as it may help you understand the function.

Flyer15015 · 01-22-2021, 01:01 PM

+
Mevman,
So, does the brake act as a "holding stop " when the slide is in ?
I sure don't want the slide to move out when I make a left turn............

It is easy to get to now, so maybe I need to crawl back under the bed and see if she needs a rebuild / replacement.
Mike

mevman · 01-22-2021, 01:31 PM

Yes....it holds the slide in any position when not energized by 12vdc. I'm thinking it just got stuck...but it's possible its faulty. Normally these brakes fail when exposed to elements like for jack legs etc.
Don't lube it...as the friction material inside the brake is what holds.

Tha_Rooster · 01-22-2021, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twojunior

2003 Fleetwood Discovery 38p, my slides will not work off the battery in or out, but they work perfectly with the engine running, where would you start to trouble shoot? Thank you in advance for the help I will receive

Weak batteries not enough voltage without engine running which is suppose to be running anyway per fleetwood.