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Dutch1999 · 01-25-2021, 04:22 PM

Looking for a little insight. We recently purchased a previously loved 1999 Newmar Dutch Star model 3884 and have been personalizing. We have found a great amount of info here and other locations, so thanks to all. When backing our girl in she stalled and wouldn't start so I jumped her. I noticed the shifter looking like hyroglifics. I did get it in the drive way but I think the TCM needs love. I have read its possibly a fuse or can be rebuilt ( I hope its a fuse). Problem is I can't find it. They say they never put them in the same spot.
Does anyone have experience with this issue.

Skip426 · 01-25-2021, 06:52 PM

Welcome to the world of vintage Dutch Stars .

Is your DSDP on a Freightliner or Spartan chassis ?

On my Freightliner chassis ; I've found fuses in 10 different locations , 4 chassis and 6 for Newmar installed items .

For trans shifter , I believe you have the condition of " Cat's eyes " , I'll see if I can post a link on info .
For fuses related to trans control , you'll have to get under the bed and into the engine compartment and look for the VIM ( Vehicle Interface Module ) that has fuses and relays for trans control .
Pictures below , VIM is next to the Allison ECM ( yellow circle ), and cover of VIM removed.
Hope it's just a fuse , but usually if the fuses blow you'll not be able to select any gear ( no display ), and engine won't start.

Skip426 · 01-25-2021, 07:03 PM

Ok , a couple of links with regard to the ; Cat Eye ; issue.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f115/alli...e--350979.html

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f125/alli...rt-425208.html

I'll review both these threads and look for more info .

EDIT : Note the pictures are of my Freightliner chassis placement of the modules , If your coach is on a Spartan chassis , everything could be placed differently.

Dutch1999 · 01-26-2021, 03:10 PM

Mine is a Spartan DP. No power to the shift pad, no display so I cant see neutral so it wont start. Going to pop cover off if and when it stops raining and look for fuse. I see the metal box next to your black box (VIM) but no the black box itself. I do recall seeing the crazy shift pad figures ( cats eyes) before she went blank. Thank god I got her back in the driveway. Been sitting here for a month while I learn

twinboat · 01-26-2021, 03:19 PM

Some tap the trans Mission controller right off the chassis battery.

Then they hide a fuse a foot into the bundle of cables.

If you were jump starting or messing with the chassis batteries, take a look there.

Skip426 · 01-26-2021, 03:25 PM

Spartan may have used a different VIM .
Like the one pictured below .

I'd say contacting Spartan Motorhome Support with your serial number , and asking for wiring diagrams and schematics is in order, too.

1-800-543-4277

Skip426 · 01-26-2021, 05:44 PM

Dutch , the context of your, thanks message, was a little confusing , the aluminum housing VIM with the bolt on lid does have two , 10 amp fuses.

Hooligan · 01-26-2021, 07:29 PM

Not Newmar, But My 1999 Freightliner chassis, GeorgieBoy had them behind a panel inside the last compartment at the rear, passenger side. nicely hidden. They can be anywhere, FWIW- The weight of the wiring harness was pulling on the plugs and I had instrument panel errors. tied the harness up and reseated the connectors and no problems. Hope yours is as easy.

Skip426 · 01-26-2021, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hooligan

Not Newmar, But My 1999 Freightliner chassis, GeorgieBoy had them behind a panel inside the last compartment at the rear, passenger side. nicely hidden. They can be anywhere,

Limited by the length of the wiring that Freightliner built into their wiring harness , your location probably within 8/10 inches of my location .with a compartment wall in between , from your description , that's where my batteries and muffler are .
Spartan chassis is the unknown here .

Hooligan · 01-26-2021, 08:14 PM

My GB was 36 ft, I had enough harness coiled up to go another 6 feet. I didn't know the panel was there until I followed the harness and the air lines.
Someone here must have had a Spartan Newmar.

Dutch1999 · 01-27-2021, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

Some tap the trans Mission controller right off the chassis battery.

Then they hide a fuse a foot into the bundle of cables.

If you were jump starting or messing with the chassis batteries, take a look there.

I did have to jump the coach and remove the batteries to get to the latch that was broken. The is approx 2" clearance above batteries. I will look in the wires behind the tray for a fuse.

Dutch1999 · 01-27-2021, 08:17 AM

[QUOTE=Dutch1999;5609874]Looking for a little insight. We recently purchased a previously loved 1999 Newmar Dutch Star model 3884 and have been personalizing. We have found a great amount of info here and other locations, so thanks to all. When backing our girl in she stalled and wouldn't start so I jumped her. I noticed the shifter looking like hyroglifics. I did get it in the drive way but I think the TCM needs love. I have read its possibly a fuse or can be rebuilt ( I hope its a fuse). Problem is I can't find it. They say they never put them in the same spot.
Does anyone have experience with this issue.

[/QUOTE. I found these in my rear bay beside the batteries. I dont see the 2 fuses seen in the pics sent

Skip426 · 01-27-2021, 10:04 AM

Ok , Spartan has used entirely different wiring and fuse blocks .

I'll see if I can blow up the photos you've posted to identify , any possible supply for the trans and shifter.
Otherwise , it's dig out the volt meter or 12 volt test light and check them all.
EDIT: Back in time to add the photo here .
While Freightliner used the fuse/relay box the I posted as a VIM , Spartan has used the box on the left in your photo , and the fuse in the yellow box for trans battery power supply and a number of fuses for engine battery supply .
Check the fuse I've marked and if you still don't have shifter display , we'll have to check the front fuse boxes for an ignition power fuse to the trans controller.