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NavlAv8r · 01-11-2014, 03:23 PM

Took my '03 Pace Arrow gasser to CW cause the relay that controls the steps when the ignition is turned on doesn't work. They say the relay in the battery control box is bad and it is impossible to replace just the relay. (I think the box they are talking about is the big box that is mounted above the chassis battery on the drivers side).

They say they have to replace the entire battery control box (that has a bunch of other "electrical stuff" in it) and the part alone is $800 plus labor.

Does this diagnosis (that they can't replace just the relay) and price sound right? If it does sound right, is there someway to install a relay that just bypasses the defective relay?

NavlAv8r · 01-11-2014, 03:27 PM

FWIW

The above post was originally in the Workhorse forum but it was recommended there that I move it to this forum.

ga traveler · 01-11-2014, 07:47 PM

Run don't walk from this dealer. There is nothing in the main box (ECC)that can't be changed. You have to remove the board to get to the relays, but they are either stupid or dishonest.

NavlAv8r · 01-11-2014, 08:52 PM

Thanks for the advice.

This 3+ month fiasco is my first experience with CW and believe me, after 3+ mod of bad experiences with this CW I will never use CW again, once they fix the things that seem to "coincidentally" break after I take my coach in to them.

mgscott4 · 01-13-2014, 07:30 AM

How do you know the relay that controls your step does not work? Did you figure it out, or did someone else. On my MH, the BCC under the hood does supply power to the steps. It is powered through the (replaceable chassis disconnect relay) but the ignition override is powered through a small (ignition) relay built into the circuit board (not replaceable). But that same relay also powers backup camera, jacks down alarm, and TV cutoff.

If what you say is true, then run a new relay and wire that is powered when the key turns on. The steps are looking for a 12 volts to the yellow wire when the key turns on to make sure the steps retract (if the door is closed).

Here is a manual, look on page 7 for troubleshooting.

NavlAv8r · 01-14-2014, 09:37 AM

mgscott4

Thanks for the info.

On my MH with the chassis disconnect switch OFF I should be able to turn the ignition to the ON position, the chassis disconnect will turn ON, and the stairs, if extended, will retract.

The problem is, with the ignition in the ON position nothing happens . . . the stairs stay extended, and the disconnect switch inside the MH remains OFF.

The Camping World Ft Myers FL diagnosis was that the relay mounted on the circuit board in the battery control box needs to be replaced ($1,200). However, after to poor quality and rude service I received over the course of the last 3 months as my MH sat at their yard just to replace a water heater, I definitely do not trust their diagnosis and will NEVER take it there again. I just wanted to get the MH off the CW property and back to mine before they screwed something else up. I felt there must be a cheaper work-around solution for a simple relay than $1200.

CW never mentioned the chassis disconnect relay (where would that be located?). The back up camera does work as it should but I didn't know to check the jacks alarm or tv power cutoff. According to your post, if the camera, alarm, etc still work it must be the separate chassis relay.

Did I read your post correctly?

Cat · 01-19-2014, 04:58 PM

What relay? Is everything else powering up? All the controls for the step are in the step control. If you aren't getting power to the step control then it could be a problem with where the power comes from the coach. You get signal from the key from what I remember to the step control to close the steps if the ignition switch is turned on.