Vim box location on early 1994 Monaco Exec.

[lukydude]

The Allison push button consol is not getting power therfore coach will not start, levelers won't go down. Have had this expierance over the years, cleaned the wire off wire at cutoff switch behind neg. post to remove corrosion and problems over.
Now, front chassis fuse all check out, Continuious sylinod replaced probably didn't need too but can't get answers. Monaco tech is telling me about a VIM box I cannot find.,even after driving the coach since '91. First he said it is by the battery and cut off switch, then in front run panel. The only scematic even showing a VIM is for a '95 Dynasty but doesn't show location.
To take off the shift control panel involves wireing for the two curise control switches, two mirror adjust switches, air dump switch, air brake handle, wiper switch. Tech said ther is a removable plate below shift consol or in FRP on the drivers side to access NOT! What I need to know if anyone else has this make and model the wire to shift consol is what color. Seems everyting in front run panel has power. In time past on the road a teck told me how to jumb from point a to point b but can't remember as some time ago. Does any one know which color wire goes from FRP to push button shifter to give it power?

[sjholt]

I have a 96 Windsor and the VIM box is in that console.
The PO had trouble with getting power to the shifter and it was because of a poor ground- in this case= the battery ground. The lug on the frame was rusted and poor contact was made. This caused him about $4000 as Allison overhauled the trans before checking what the real problem was.
There is also a grounding plate under the front of the MH that may have poor contact and that is where the VIM gets it's ground. It is a metal strip with a lot of white wires going to it. The strip has a copper lug that bolts to the frame- check there.
Also in my front run bay there is a contact with white wires on it- check it for tightness, it could possibly be loose.
My front run bay is in the center of the dash behind a magazine rack which pulls out. Is yours the same?
HTH

Skip- 96 Monaco Windsor 32'

[lukydude]

Thanks for the response. One of the fuse boxes is in a dash compartment divided domestic and chassis. All power to that point is fine.
Front run panal is outside compartment front drivers side. Contains continious snlynoid, (one orange wire which I think is coming from the neg side on cut off switch.and one white), two 80 amp breakers, six relays, two terminal strips. One coming down from gounded breaker other from where ever to where ever. Havn't counted number in the large bundle, one has to go to consol. All connections get power, had one 12ga red going to power looked kinda stuffed in so fixed that. In the past it has happened the console had no power but learned to keep the connection on back of battery cut off switch clean. Last thing I want to do is try to get to the box, there has to be a procedure process to check a,b,c,d and so on.
Many thanks for help. Bill Boone

[lukydude]

I just ran off images of Vim boxes 1 and 2. The white diagrams on the black box looks like duplicate information found in my dash fuse panal????

[ScorpioOne]

Hey, Chips Away Windshield repair....


I was wondering if you EVER found the location of that VIM???


I have a 94 National Dolphin 34D, (DIESEL) RV that has lived in Washington now for 8 years and have JUST NOW, (August) had the NO POWER to the Tranny Pushbutton Selector switch Problem.


I removed the Pushbutton Tranny Selector switch and brought it to the ALLISON Repair Facility and had them check to see if the computer was bad and they told me NO and that the ONLY Stored TROUBLE CODE that was in it was the code for “Computer has lost all Power”.


So after Reading EVERYTHING that I can find on this subject AND talking to the RV Tech, who also told me to find the VIM and inside of that there are a few FUSES and that one of them could have “blown”….. (Which I had no idea that the RV even had a VIM, Hmmm 1994 – 2004 – 2014, …. Almost 20 years AND I have NEVER seen it!). The RV Tech also Copied for me a few of his ALLISON Trouble Shooting Pages out of his manual, which ACTUALY do SHOW that connected to the Cable Bundle IS a VIM… Just not where it is located in/on the RV.


I have now looked for the last MONTH and a HALF and still I can’t seem to locate the ever elusive VIM!


So the search that I brought up pointed me to your earlier POST, that brings me to you asking and PLEADING Where the **LL did you FIND the thing?


If indeed you did.

Thank You!

[TurbineGuy]

I have just wrestled with this myself and my issue was with the ECU/shift panel. The VIM and relay box are located behind the kick plate left of the drivers feet on a '94 Executive. Power is routed straight through the relay box and that is where the fuse is located. Best of luck, my issue started as an intermittent problem and was a battle to finalize the troubleshooting. If you need schematics send me a PM and I'll share my meager collection.
Jerry

[ScorpioOne]

Hey Jerry, (Turbineguy),

Thanks for the quick answer, I might not have mentioned it, (here comes that BUT)...


BUT right after we hooked up the boat to the RV and pulled out of the driveway it acted like we blew a fuse, so the first thing that we did was to check all the fuses, Coach, (vehicle) AND House fuses and nothing was tripped or blown, so my next thought was to check all the fuses on the battery attachments and the batteries themselves, but to no avail.



Also all battery connections, Pos AND Neg were clean, (we actually had just replaced a few cables) along with all of the terminals. They were also checked just to make SURE that we hooked all the cables AND wires Back up to the correct places. UNFORTUNATELY they were!



So my next train of thought was that maybe something came "unplugged" so we pulled open that kick plate cover you mentioned earlier, (left of the drivers foot area) where the Allison pushbutton tranny computer is and looked in there and all of the plug-ins were tight.



Next thought was the computer blew, (ECU/shift panel) And as I stated above, I yanked it & took a trip to the Allison repair dept. and they gave it a good bill of health!



Long story, well LONG... Behind the kick plate on MY RV is, (wait for it)....
NOTHING!


Well there is the 4 Plug-ins, 2 of which plug into the ECU Push-button panel and two round ones that are, (as far as I Know) for the Remote Serial Interface Connector & the Diagnostic Data Reader. There are also the hook-ups for the Air Break, (JAKE BREAK), CB Radio, Level Air Jacks & the Electric Heated Mirrors and
THAT’S IT!!!


I know I have checked Three ... maybe Four Times as “Others” have also said that this is where there VIM is located in there particular RV....


National RV did NOT put it here for some ODD reason ... It would be Too LOGICAL to place it here, just in case one would have to access it to say, maybe change out oh, lets say a FUSE! that perhaps blew-out.

If anyone actually OWNS one of these and has FOUND the VIM....

PLEASE! for GODS sake POST IT! somewhere on the internet for others to FIND it!


Yes If I were a Postal worker I would in fact be going POSTAL about now!

[TurbineGuy]

Bummer to hear of the continuing issue Scorpio, to add a little more angst to the whole problem I should add that the umbilical cables coming from my ECU were 6-8 ft long. The VIMs could be anywhere behind your dash, even out of the cockpit in a bay below (isn't that a pleasant thought). At the risk of stating the obvious, have you tried following the cables from the ECU to see which direction they head? Which generation ECU do you have? I have a gen 2 unit and it is difficult finding someone to test or repair (I sent mine to Dallas TX) to be repaired.
Jerry

[ScorpioOne]

VIM FOUND!!!


OK!!! This is an UPDATE AND INFORMATION for EVERYONE out there who OWNS a 1994 DOLPHIN NATIONAL RV Diesel Pusher -who might be looking for their VIM - (V -vehicle I -interface M –module computer)

This is what my problem ended up being and how I Found and Fixed it!

After searching for weeks, I finally located this VIM; I was literally inside the generator compartment tracing wires when I came upon it.


My VIM was found tucked, (HIDDEN) DIRECTLY behind.... wait for it!!! ........ The Hydraulic BRAKE Fluid Reservoir!

Apparently my particular RV has the OPTIONAL Air over Hydraulic BrakeFEATURE

Now this being a Diesel Pusher, the Generator is located in the FRONT of the RV and Welded inappropriately to the DRIVER's side of the generator support structure is the LARGE Hydraulic BRAKE Fluid Reservoir!


Now this Reservoir is NOT tinny or small by any means...... I mean look at the SIZE of the vehicle this thing has to Stop!


Once I located the VIM, I immediately made the decision to relocate it as I was UNABLE to even access it to Check & or Change any of the Relays or Fuses that are contained within it, NOT to mention the Corrosive Brake Fluid!

The placement of this unit, (VIM) was/is EXTREMELY ODD. I mean who in the H3ll would place a computer component that contains RELAYS and FUSES Hidden DIRECTLY behind the BRAKE Fluid Reservoir in a position that you can’t even see it, yet alone remove the cover off of it to inspect it is beyond me.

And why they didn't place it inside the RV out of the weather within EASY Access to be ABLE to at least Check to see if any of the Fuses or Relays are Bad or Blown is just.... well, Totally ignorant!

Is this or rather was this someone NOT paying attention to detail in the design/engineering department? OR was this as I like to call it from my ARMY Days, Triple "P" (as in - Piss Poor Planning)…


I don’t know and I will probably never know as the NATIONAL RV Company has long since gone out of business....

Thankfully as it happens I am VERY Grateful for the internet & web sites like this one who have People that are OUTSTANDING & HELPFULL to EVERYONE who owns older RVs, as I myself do.

Anyways I digress....

As I stated earlier after I found it, (Yaaay! ) I was now INTENT on MOVING the Location of the VIM Box, in order that I might be able to inspect, check and if need be replace any of the relays, (of which there are SIX of) and the fuses, (TWO Fuses) that are found inside this box to a much easier point of access.

In order to remove the VIM from its current location I actually had to use my X-Ray Vision to see THROUGH the Reservoir in able to unbolt and remove the TWO screws that are HOLDING the two Plug-ins in, which by-the way I found, has TWO DIFFERENT Size Screws in them ¼ (8mm) AND I think 9/32 and the Three bolts holding the VIM on-to the frame.


After removing the VIM from the frame I shoved the TWO Plugs through the frame into the Spare Tire Compartment and mounted the VIM onto the TOP of the compartment, (which is wooden and is the bottom of the floor).


This actually works out Extremely well, because after lowering the spare Tire to the ground I was then able to sit on the tire, (not bad as seats go, better than the ground) and work on the VIM box and any of the wiring, so if I need to work on it in the future, I will NOW have EASY Access to it.

While I was in the Spare Tire compartment I DID find the LARGE BULKHEAD CONNECTOR, Located along the Drivers Side Main Frame Rail, this is also good to know where it’s located if having Wiring/Electrical problems.


After mounting the VIM, I checked all of the fuses and relays and I checked the hot/power line and I discovered that it was energized and had power to it, SOooo I disconnected the batteries and reinstalled the Pushbutton computer and ensured that EVERYTHING was connected and tight. I then went topside, reconnected the batteries, climbed into the driver’s seat and stuck the key in, crossed my fingers and gave the key a crank…

And if you cynical people out there are now laughing well your RIGHT it was NOT that easy I got NOTHING, Bumnpkiss, zilch, nada, not even a beeping warring buzzer, SO back to the VIM box to check the wires with a multi meter… and nothing, there was NO power, at all!

Now if the Power wire going to the VIM is DEAD you get NO power to the IGNITION OR the NEUTRAL START Wire to even turn over the engine as those also run through the VIM, according to Allison a Low, Dead OR Bad Battery can also cause this problem.

I knew that the batteries were good AND charged, but for some inexplicable reason my 10 Gauge Wire that runs from my battery had power to it UNTIL the Key on the steering column was turned and then the power was gone, so after looking over the schematics and talking to several people about this I finally ended up just running a brand NEW Separate 10 gauge wire with a 10 Amp Fuse.

After the new wire was installed I once again checked the OHM Meter and I DID have 12 Volts to the VIM Box… SO I climbed back inside grabbed the key, said a silent prayer and turned the key, and what do you know, the damn thing fired right up and started purring like a kitten… this apparently fixed the problem.



OK Now for the curios people out there who might be having a similar PROBLEM and that being that there Pushbutton Transmission Computer is BLANK – IE NO POWER….
According to Allison the Pushbutton Transmission Computer gets its power directly from the VIM!

Now if the Power wire going to the VIM is DEAD you get NO power to the IGNITION OR the NEUTRAL START Wire to even turn over the engine as those wires also run through the VIM.

Now the VIM gets its power from a 10 Gauge Wire that supposedly runs directly from one of the batteries to the VIM, So if you have a dead, low or bad battery you will have a Blank Pushbutton Transmission Computer.

This is what actually happened to me, for some inexplicable reason my 10 Gauge Wire that runs from my battery had power to it UNTIL the Key on the steering column was turned and then the power was gone, so I ended up running a NEW Separate 10 gauge wire DIRECTLY from the Battery TO the VIM’s HOT wire and this totally fixed the problem.

To date I still have NO IDEA as to why that wire is doing what it is doing, BUT my RV is Starting and Running Properly, SO like an OLD Army saying, I “Aint” fixing it if it “AINT” Broken.

SO if you have this problem I suggest that you RUN a Brand NEW 10 Gauge Wire from your main Battery DIRECTLY to your VIM.

And Don’t forget that 10 Amp FUSE! Or you might have to be replacing a computer module, (VIM) and that is EXPENSIVE!

AND SOLDER, Solder, Solder & Heat Shrink! Especially if you live in WET weather & NEVER use those stupid wire crimp connectors! Unless it is an on the road emergency, "Quick Fix" Then once your home do it right!

So Good Luck!

P.S. I DO have Pictures that are avalible upon request.

[bruceisla]

Originally Posted by ScorpioOne

VIM FOUND!!!


OK!!! This is an UPDATE AND INFORMATION for EVERYONE out there who OWNS a 1994 DOLPHIN NATIONAL RV Diesel Pusher -who might be looking for their VIM - (V -vehicle I -interface M –module computer)

This is what my problem ended up being and how I Found and Fixed it!

After searching for weeks, I finally located this VIM; I was literally inside the generator compartment tracing wires when I came upon it.


My VIM was found tucked, (HIDDEN) DIRECTLY behind.... wait for it!!! ........ The Hydraulic BRAKE Fluid Reservoir!

Apparently my particular RV has the OPTIONAL Air over Hydraulic BrakeFEATURE

Now this being a Diesel Pusher, the Generator is located in the FRONT of the RV and Welded inappropriately to the DRIVER's side of the generator support structure is the LARGE Hydraulic BRAKE Fluid Reservoir!


Now this Reservoir is NOT tinny or small by any means...... I mean look at the SIZE of the vehicle this thing has to Stop!


Once I located the VIM, I immediately made the decision to relocate it as I was UNABLE to even access it to Check & or Change any of the Relays or Fuses that are contained within it, NOT to mention the Corrosive Brake Fluid!

The placement of this unit, (VIM) was/is EXTREMELY ODD. I mean who in the H3ll would place a computer component that contains RELAYS and FUSES Hidden DIRECTLY behind the BRAKE Fluid Reservoir in a position that you can’t even see it, yet alone remove the cover off of it to inspect it is beyond me.

And why they didn't place it inside the RV out of the weather within EASY Access to be ABLE to at least Check to see if any of the Fuses or Relays are Bad or Blown is just.... well, Totally ignorant!

Is this or rather was this someone NOT paying attention to detail in the design/engineering department? OR was this as I like to call it from my ARMY Days, Triple "P" (as in - Piss Poor Planning)…


I don’t know and I will probably never know as the NATIONAL RV Company has long since gone out of business....

Thankfully as it happens I am VERY Grateful for the internet & web sites like this one who have People that are OUTSTANDING & HELPFULL to EVERYONE who owns older RVs, as I myself do.

Anyways I digress....

As I stated earlier after I found it, (Yaaay! ) I was now INTENT on MOVING the Location of the VIM Box, in order that I might be able to inspect, check and if need be replace any of the relays, (of which there are SIX of) and the fuses, (TWO Fuses) that are found inside this box to a much easier point of access.

In order to remove the VIM from its current location I actually had to use my X-Ray Vision to see THROUGH the Reservoir in able to unbolt and remove the TWO screws that are HOLDING the two Plug-ins in, which by-the way I found, has TWO DIFFERENT Size Screws in them ¼ (8mm) AND I think 9/32 and the Three bolts holding the VIM on-to the frame.


After removing the VIM from the frame I shoved the TWO Plugs through the frame into the Spare Tire Compartment and mounted the VIM onto the TOP of the compartment, (which is wooden and is the bottom of the floor).


This actually works out Extremely well, because after lowering the spare Tire to the ground I was then able to sit on the tire, (not bad as seats go, better than the ground) and work on the VIM box and any of the wiring, so if I need to work on it in the future, I will NOW have EASY Access to it.

While I was in the Spare Tire compartment I DID find the LARGE BULKHEAD CONNECTOR, Located along the Drivers Side Main Frame Rail, this is also good to know where it’s located if having Wiring/Electrical problems.


After mounting the VIM, I checked all of the fuses and relays and I checked the hot/power line and I discovered that it was energized and had power to it, SOooo I disconnected the batteries and reinstalled the Pushbutton computer and ensured that EVERYTHING was connected and tight. I then went topside, reconnected the batteries, climbed into the driver’s seat and stuck the key in, crossed my fingers and gave the key a crank…

And if you cynical people out there are now laughing well your RIGHT it was NOT that easy I got NOTHING, Bumnpkiss, zilch, nada, not even a beeping warring buzzer, SO back to the VIM box to check the wires with a multi meter… and nothing, there was NO power, at all!

Now if the Power wire going to the VIM is DEAD you get NO power to the IGNITION OR the NEUTRAL START Wire to even turn over the engine as those also run through the VIM, according to Allison a Low, Dead OR Bad Battery can also cause this problem.

I knew that the batteries were good AND charged, but for some inexplicable reason my 10 Gauge Wire that runs from my battery had power to it UNTIL the Key on the steering column was turned and then the power was gone, so after looking over the schematics and talking to several people about this I finally ended up just running a brand NEW Separate 10 gauge wire with a 10 Amp Fuse.

After the new wire was installed I once again checked the OHM Meter and I DID have 12 Volts to the VIM Box… SO I climbed back inside grabbed the key, said a silent prayer and turned the key, and what do you know, the damn thing fired right up and started purring like a kitten… this apparently fixed the problem.



OK Now for the curios people out there who might be having a similar PROBLEM and that being that there Pushbutton Transmission Computer is BLANK – IE NO POWER….
According to Allison the Pushbutton Transmission Computer gets its power directly from the VIM!

Now if the Power wire going to the VIM is DEAD you get NO power to the IGNITION OR the NEUTRAL START Wire to even turn over the engine as those wires also run through the VIM.

Now the VIM gets its power from a 10 Gauge Wire that supposedly runs directly from one of the batteries to the VIM, So if you have a dead, low or bad battery you will have a Blank Pushbutton Transmission Computer.

This is what actually happened to me, for some inexplicable reason my 10 Gauge Wire that runs from my battery had power to it UNTIL the Key on the steering column was turned and then the power was gone, so I ended up running a NEW Separate 10 gauge wire DIRECTLY from the Battery TO the VIM’s HOT wire and this totally fixed the problem.

To date I still have NO IDEA as to why that wire is doing what it is doing, BUT my RV is Starting and Running Properly, SO like an OLD Army saying, I “Aint” fixing it if it “AINT” Broken.

SO if you have this problem I suggest that you RUN a Brand NEW 10 Gauge Wire from your main Battery DIRECTLY to your VIM.

And Don’t forget that 10 Amp FUSE! Or you might have to be replacing a computer module, (VIM) and that is EXPENSIVE!

AND SOLDER, Solder, Solder & Heat Shrink! Especially if you live in WET weather & NEVER use those stupid wire crimp connectors! Unless it is an on the road emergency, "Quick Fix" Then once your home do it right!

So Good Luck!

P.S. I DO have Pictures that are avalible upon request.

Thanks for the update! Good to know.

[Hooligan]

Often a wire that shows 12 volts then loses it when a load is applied has a corroded connection somewhere.??

For my 2000 Chassis, the VIM, VDC and Transmission module are all located in the rear compartment passenger side. Behind a panel... Mfgr's may put them anywhere..(As you have found)




Below is the VIM box and also a view of the inside relays & fuses.