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trd_yota · 01-17-2014, 01:17 AM

Hello everyone i am having a wierd issue with my dads coach. While on our driveto glamis we got a rnge inhibit light go on the dash and then an alarm started to go of and then the voltage dropped. Well to make a story short we made it to glamis but now the rv is limping around and we dont know wht to do. Where can i find the tcm? And where should i start trouble shooting? I will have access to an obd2 scanner tomorrow so i can read the check engine light that started to flash. The abs light also came on. Drivetrain consists of a cat c-9 and allison trans about 10k miles on them. Pleae any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sammie · 01-17-2014, 07:14 AM

Yota, Just a wild first guess. Check to see if you may have thrown a serpentine belt. I broke mine on a trip and it set off all kinds of warning lights along with showing low voltage on the dash monitor.

Sammie.

Mjay · 01-17-2014, 07:27 AM

The first warnings could have been from an overheat situation, then low voltage warning as Sammie stated, may have thrown a belt.
ABS brakes need full voltage to controller, so that belt hope fully is the problem.
Did you notice the temp gauge creeping up, or the volt gauge dropping prior to the warning lamps, buzzers?

vraines · 01-17-2014, 07:42 AM

My vote is on the belt. Been there, done that.

moisheh · 01-17-2014, 07:46 AM

Your Diesel does not use an OBD2 connection. You would need a special diesel code reader. If the bets are intact and you do not see anything obvious I think it is time for either a tow or mobile mechanic.

stuhly · 01-17-2014, 08:21 AM

With a Cat you will find most Mechs don't have a Cat code reader. Usually wind up at a Cat facility.

trd_yota · 01-17-2014, 08:48 AM

well it went on for like 10+miles and no overheating issues where present it stayed cool. but I have not checked the belts is there any fuses on the alternator? recently I installed an external battery tender on the house and coach batteries could that be a problem?

Family Time · 01-17-2014, 09:36 AM

If the belt is ok check the charging voltage with a voltmeter at the batteries. If its not charging check the connections at the alternator.

trd_yota · 01-17-2014, 10:51 AM

belt seems ok. going to check the charging system. any components to look at? like certain fuses or locations?

trd_yota · 01-17-2014, 10:56 AM

at idle im getting 12.93 volts from at the coach batteries I think that might be bad?

trd_yota · 01-17-2014, 10:59 AM

but I tested the alternator and its pumping out 13.6 volts? what could it be?

Family Time · 01-17-2014, 02:43 PM

I think the voltage is close enough @ 12.9 Is the volt gauge on the dash low now?. Check all fluids oil, coolant , trans. Is this a freightliner chassis? Do you have the medallion info display? If so you may be able to access codes though it.

Tha_Rooster · 01-17-2014, 02:44 PM

In the engine compartment facing the rear is a grey round cover which covers the computer plug. Where you can plug in a lap top with cat software to diagnose any problems. Have the fuel filters been changed aleast yearly.

akeyzoo · 01-17-2014, 05:45 PM

Sorry, I am a computer guy, have you tried rebooting the system? You have a batter disconnect AT the engine near the grey plug Tha Rooster mentioned, then disconnect the house batteries using the disconnect by your entry door. I know, I know, it shouldn't help, but takes 30 seconds to try.

On my Spartan C9 (05 rev) there is a way to check codes via the display on your dash, but I believe you need to call Spartan to get the access codes to enable the display. You could also buy a scangauageD that will read them and is useful otherwise for about $160.

Good luck!
Chris