New Monaco owner here...needing some help!

[Tshirtguy1]

First off, let me say thanks for all the good tidbits of info ive been reading on all this and i hope i might in some way be able to give back at some point. Im 36, live in missouri, grew up on travel trailers and have totally redone and rebuilt a class C, work on my friends Newmar Essex for him and am a machinist. So projects are up my alley! Traded into this latest one....a 1991 Monaco Dynasty. I heavy tow so am very familiar with these from a towing standpoint. This particular one has sat for approx 8 years and im bringing her back! 89k miles. Heres my problem. It wont crank with key or switch in back. Brand new batteries...house and chassis. When i turn the key, lots of the gauges roll back and nothing happens. Now, i can jump the solenoid under the bed and it will start. Randomly seems like its in gear, but that might be nothing. Ive replaced solenoids, traced wires, read read read, replaced solenoid on front firewall, checked black plugs that have twist caps on them, etc. Now, when i put new house batteries, it started 3 times front...2 times back, then back to its old self. Tonight i messed with those black harness plugs on the firewall...3 times front....1 time back, same deal. It also has a brand new ignition and switch. Still nothing. Help!

[Tshirtguy1]

And as far as gauges...speedo, tach, boost, radio, dont work. Running lights do, headlights dont. Left turn works, right just stays in. It acts like a big grounding problem.

[ama009]

I had a similar issue with my 98 tradewinds. I replaced solenoids several times and still got sporadic starts. I even got the starter to work with the screwdriver. Ultimately, problem was solved by replacing the starter. Got it from a local oreilly's auto part after crossing the number. Might not be your case, but worth a try because the starter may have have issues inside.
Welcome to forum by the way! This place is incredible with infinite knowledge and awesome people!

[tinstar 1114]

I still have my old m/h and it has the same issue. I know what it is but it's hard to trace where the problem is. The white wire that goes to the relay that controls the start solenoid is not getting power about 1/2 of the time (same as yours). Measure for 12 volt power at the small wire lug on the start solenoid. If it does not have power when you hit the key, you've found your problem. I've been told that the ignition switch has a little bit of adjustment in it and it might not be making good contact. I'm going to have to pull mine and see if that is the problem. It could be in a wire loom, which would be a nightmare to find. It would probably be easier to run a new wire IF it's in the wire instead of the ignition switch adjustment.

[Tshirtguy1]

Its something screwy. Has even a mechanic friend baffled

[tinstar 1114]

That wire I'm talking about only has power to it when the switch is in the START position. The rest of the time there is no voltage. Like I said; that relay gives power to close the solenoid. In other words, power is activated to the relay with the push rod on the ignition switch.

BTW, this is on a '94 Allegro Bus and not on my Monaco.

[Tshirtguy1]

White one you say? Gonna call Monaco in the am for a schematic too.