Community Forums

dawoody · 10-04-2022, 11:40 AM

While installing new starting batteries in my 2002 Damon Escaper I reversed one of the two batteries causing a direct short and a shower of sparks. After correcting the polarity issue all idiot lights flash and the gages swing back and forth continually. I am sick and have no idea where to start. The chassis is a spartan with Cummins engine.

Jim_HiTek · 10-04-2022, 01:35 PM

Oh, wow. I feel for ya buddy.

I'd suggest removing the ground from the batteries, both sets. Maybe call around to any mobile techs in the area and explain what you did to see if they are okay with working on it. I'd sure look for a RV certified tech. If that's a no go, you may need to tow it somewhere (avoid any Camping World or Gander or any other locals bought out by CW). It sounds like there's a problem with the engine ECU but it might just be faulting due to something burnt out in the wiring. A full visual inspection is called for, depending on your weather, would be best on a cement pad.

If you have travel plans in the RV, I would suggest arranging your schedule around the repair.

Where are you and the RV located?

RealNiceTent · 10-04-2022, 01:47 PM

Call you local Cummins dealer and tell them what happened. It sounds to me like you may have hit the ECU with 24V, a Cummins dealer will be able to tell you if the ECU Fried or is in a self-protect mode, and whether you need a new ECU or just a re-set procedure.

Good Luck, Dave

OldWEB · 10-04-2022, 02:48 PM

Can also try these fine people, phone call can never hurt.
https://siaelec.com/

Good luck

DicknBambi · 10-04-2022, 04:06 PM

A friend did the same thing. We unhooked all leads, waited a bit and hooked everything back up right. Luckily the only damage was the alternator. Got it repaired and all was good. Good luck with yours

Dick

dawoody · 10-04-2022, 05:31 PM

Good news. After speaking with a very helpful tech named David at spartan he emailed a 89 Page wiring diagram, which is pretty technical. Before getting into the diagram I checked fuses and found two blown on the rear engine fuse block ,fuel and transmission. That was it , thank you spartan.

OldWEB · 10-04-2022, 07:08 PM

WOW! Good on you!
When working on any electrical circuits, a person has to be aware and batteries produce fireworks no one wants to see.

saddlesore · 10-04-2022, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawoody

Good news. After speaking with a very helpful tech named David at spartan he emailed a 89 Page wiring diagram, which is pretty technical. Before getting into the diagram I checked fuses and found two blown on the rear engine fuse block ,fuel and transmission. That was it , thank you spartan.

DUDE!! Ya NEED to go Buy More Lotto Tickets!!!