Community Forums

jrburch1946 · 12-01-2013, 07:59 PM

We recently purchased a 1997 HR Imperial. Sometimes the engine will not start. There is a push button hidden behind the left side of the console drawer. If you press this button and turn the ignition key at the same time it starts just fine. Does anyone know what this is all about? Also, If the slide malfunctions and won't slide in, is there a way to manually slide it in? Thanks for any info.

BFlinn181 · 12-01-2013, 10:26 PM

Sounds like a work-around for a worn ignition switch. The ignition switch powers a lot of functions besides the engine, steps, T.V. cut off, and perhaps others. I had to replace mine, about $20 and the old tumbler worked so I kept the key I had. I can't help with the slide, I don't have any.

bruceisla · 12-02-2013, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrburch1946

We recently purchased a 1997 HR Imperial. Sometimes the engine will not start. There is a push button hidden behind the left side of the console drawer. If you press this button and turn the ignition key at the same time it starts just fine. Does anyone know what this is all about? Also, If the slide malfunctions and won't slide in, is there a way to manually slide it in? Thanks for any info.

Are these two questions related?

Can you provide a picture of the switch?

My 1997 HR Endeavor, has a switch somewhere near the console (according to the owner's manual) that allows override of the slide safety switch if the slide fails to come in. I've never looked for the switch so I can't comment on it's actual location. I'll check the manual when I'm at the RV ... probably Wednesday.

Old Bounder · 12-02-2013, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrburch1946

We recently purchased a 1997 HR Imperial. Sometimes the engine will not start. There is a push button hidden behind the left side of the console drawer. If you press this button and turn the ignition key at the same time it starts just fine. Does anyone know what this is all about? Also, If the slide malfunctions and won't slide in, is there a way to manually slide it in? Thanks for any info.

The switch simply picks the isolator solenoid and bridges your house batteries to your chassis battery to assist in starting the engine.

BFlinn181 · 12-02-2013, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loulong

The switch simply picks the isolator solenoid and bridges your house batteries to your chassis battery to assist in starting the engine.

Why would the battery boost switch be "hidden behind the left side of the console drawer" and not plainly marked on the dashboard?

palehorse89 · 12-02-2013, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrburch1946

We recently purchased a 1997 HR Imperial. Sometimes the engine will not start. There is a push button hidden behind the left side of the console drawer. If you press this button and turn the ignition key at the same time it starts just fine. Does anyone know what this is all about? Also, If the slide malfunctions and won't slide in, is there a way to manually slide it in? Thanks for any info.

Hello and welcome, Is the switch in question a "override" switch to allow the engine to start with the slide out?
Does it not start with the slide "in" also sometimes?
Some mfg.'s install a contact switch so the engine cannot start with the slide out.

spritz · 12-02-2013, 06:46 PM

My 82 has the button right next to the key. If I run the battery's down or dead, I can push the button and then turn the key and I have juice to start the rig.
Is this what you mean?

jrburch1946 · 12-08-2013, 12:40 PM

Thanks for all the input. As it turns out it is a slide-out override switch allowing the engine to be started with the slide-out extended. With all that we have been learning, we just didn't make the connection. Next question: There are indicator lights on the dash showing when the antenna is up or the compartment doors under the slide-out are up but they don't work. I have located switches/sensors in those locations. They are about 2" long, 1/2" diameter,with 2 wires. Does anyone know what these are called and where I can buy replacements.

BFlinn181 · 12-08-2013, 12:48 PM

Have you checked for continuity at the switch? A multimeter is your friend in this kind of problem. Also check the lights on the dash. You'll first have to figure out if the switch controls (+) or ground. You could do this by seeing how the light gets activated. Also, are all the doors 'daisy chained' in the circuit or individually wired?

spritz · 12-09-2013, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrburch1946

Thanks for all the input. As it turns out it is a slide-out override switch allowing the engine to be started with the slide-out extended. With all that we have been learning, we just didn't make the connection. Next question: There are indicator lights on the dash showing when the antenna is up or the compartment doors under the slide-out are up but they don't work. I have located switches/sensors in those locations. They are about 2" long, 1/2" diameter,with 2 wires. Does anyone know what these are called and where I can buy replacements.

Next time, go vintage;
No slides
No heat in the basements
"TV antenna up" sticker on Dash
No sensors for storage compartments except when they fall and hit you in the head.

because your arm gives out from holding them up so long.

Yes go Vintage...

bruceisla · 12-09-2013, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spritz

Next time, go vintage;
No slides
No heat in the basements
"TV antenna up" sticker on Dash
No sensors for storage compartments except when they fall and hit you in the head.

because your arm gives out from holding them up so long.

Yes go Vintage...

We don't need no stinkin' warnings

ahicks · 12-10-2013, 07:24 AM

Bruce, I think that bypass switch is in the galley area somewhere? Behind a drawer maybe? Pressed once it's activated until the engine starts one time. I read about it, then found it, but too many miles and too much time elapsed to remember any more about it.... It's in the owners manual though.

Regarding the switches that activate the alarms/lights for the antenna and doors, those are mercury switches. When the switch is tipped one way, the mercury rolls to the end of the tube and shorts 2 contacts together to close the circuit. Tipped the other way, there's an open circuit. I've never seen or heard of one going bad. It's always the circuit going to/from them - or the sensor itself has been bent or come undone somehow.

bruceisla · 12-10-2013, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahicks

Bruce, I think that bypass switch is in the galley area somewhere? Behind a drawer maybe? Pressed once it's activated until the engine starts one time. I read about it, then found it, but too many miles and too much time elapsed to remember any more about it.... It's in the owners manual though.

Regarding the switches that activate the alarms/lights for the antenna and doors, those are mercury switches. When the switch is tipped one way, the mercury rolls to the end of the tube and shorts 2 contacts together to close the circuit. Tipped the other way, there's an open circuit. I've never seen or heard of one going bad. It's always the circuit going to/from them - or the sensor itself has been bent or come undone somehow.

I keep forgetting to look for the switch. If I remember correctly, the manual had a description but no picture/drawing. Another "to do".

greystroke · 12-10-2013, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrburch1946

Also, If the slide malfunctions and won't slide in, is there a way to manually slide it in? Thanks for any info.

If yours operates like mine, it has an electric motor underneath in the storage comp. You should be able to get to the motor and gears and loosen such to manually put the slide ine. Never tried it but I am sure it will work. My take a couple of guys to do it.