American Coach: Smart wheel

[natc]

I have a 2002 American Eagle 40MS. The issue is the smart wheel controls for the wipers and horn. The horn operates continuous. The wiper will not stop once initiated. I have changed the SM209 twice and the steering wheel controls once. Does anyone have a clue as to what it could be. Spartan can not tell me.
Thanks,
Nat

[Chargerman]

Sounds like it may be an issue with the clock spring.

[natc]

Thanks very much. I did not realize this model had a clock spring. I pulled the cowling from the steering wheel. The clock spring had two connectors with several white wires attached to them. After unplugging them, the horn still blows and the wipers wipe continuously. I did notice when I pulled the headlights switch, the wipers went to high speed. Not sure why. I know the horn relay is energized without me pressing the horn bar. The horn contact is clear until I press. Not sure where to go from here. The signals are coming from the steering wheel master controller. I replaced it twice and the steering wheel bar once. Any help would be appreciated.
Natc

[Chargerman]

There is a gentleman on the “Bill D’s Monocoers” forum that I think can help you. Real great group there with many of the same members here too. He goes by “throgmartin”. Very knowledgeable in regards to Smartwheels. I think he may be able to guide you through some tests to determine the root cause of your issue.

Good Luck!

[jacwjames]

Here is a link to the VIP troubleshooting page, select you steering wheel and download the troubleshooting guide.

https://www.vipwheels.com/technical-support
You can check voltages at certain pins to help pin point the problem.
The clock spring is one of the most common problems. My steering column is made by Douglas Autotec. You will have to determine your steering column and right clock spring number but my clock spring is like this https://shop.findmyrvparts.com/clock...3-p/190063.htm
Attached is a bulletin showing how to replace the clock spring.

[Rob_M]

The above trouble shooting link does not work any more . Our windshield wipers quit working Thursday night on our way to the coast, thankfully it had just quit raining. Controls on the other side of the wheel still work.
2002 American Tradition 40’.
We looked for but could not find a wiper motor fuse or relay. All fuses under the step are good, and I swapped all relays to other spots hoping to isolate the culprit. Checked for loose connections but since no rain in the forecast for the 3-hour trip home I’ll tackle intensive trouble shooting when we get back.

Open to ideas and suggestions.

[Rob_M]

Is the smart wheel setup from Spartan or Fleetwood?

[jacwjames]

I would look at the manufacturer/supplier of the steering column.

Mine is a Douglas Autotech. It provided the steering column to Monaco who installed the VIP controller and wiring. In my case I was able to get a parts page showing it and using vendor part numbers able to track down the information. If you can see the label on the steering column you might be able to do the same thing.

[texasrs]

Just be glad that the toilet doesn't flush when going to "high beam".
My wipers turn on when I set cruise control. Although, I am able to turn wipers off and not affect cruise.

[Rob_M]

Well I have to be on the road this weekend with it, so wiring in a temporary 3-way switch for the wipers. I pulled the connector off at the motor and the motor works fine. High and low speed just no intermittent obviously.

[rvbiker45]

Access the Smart Wheel module. There are several multi-pin connectors attached to the SW module. Remove them and spray with electrical contact cleaner and visually inspect each pin connector to verify that none are bent out of proper position. Reinsert the pin connectors and retest functions of the SW.

[Rob_M]

I pulled and cleaned the connectors when the wipers first quit working. Weird that pushing the wiper buttons still turns on the headlights. Everything on the left side of the wheel still works as it should. I wired in a new rocker switch for the wipers last night. Had a blank hole for it. Looks like it belongs there. That smart wheel module will be a bear to change out. (if that’s the problem) Like they built the rv around it lol.

I really liked how the intermittent function worked. Infinitely adjustable.

[vtwinwilly]

I know this thread is almost a year old, but did you ever figure out your Smart Wheel problem.

Seems every Smart Wheel thread is the same:

1) description of problem
2) handful of recommendations and suggestion.
3) thread dies on the vine! (No follow-up).

[Rob_M]

I bypassed it and haven’t had time to do anything else. Recovering from a broken back.