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On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting [message #334533] Tue, 03 July 2018 19:46 Go to next message
Brian K is currently offline  Brian K   United States
Messages: 75
Registered: May 2017
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA
Karma: 0
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Hi everyone. I just drove my GMC from Seattle to LA. It was (thankfully) a rather uneventful trip mechanically, except for one hiccup. I am hoping I can get some 2-cent feedback here while I try to fix/diagnose the problem before the trip back. Sorry in advance for the detail.

On the way down from Seattle, I stopped ¾ of the way into Oregon for a Walmart pit-stop. While I was there, I left the roof fan running (which I assume draws on the house batteries) but did have a couple minor chassis battery draws (the radio and compressor) that are powered on. When I got back after about 45 minutes, and tried to start the MH nothing happened (i.e. no turn over or sound). I had about 12.5 showing on my various voltage meters. I tried boost, and nothing happened. I then used my "Jump Starter" and nothing happened. Finally someone offered a jump. The voltage meter went to 13, and it started. I stopped for gas, and it restarted. I got to campground #1 and I plugged in (I also used a battery tender on the chassis battery).

The next day I stopped at a rest stop outside of Redding, Ca. This time, I left the roof fan running again, but turned everything else off. Same thing happened and nothing worked to get it started. I tried disconnecting the wires from the battery and connect it directly to my "jump starter" and that didn't work. When I put the connectors back on the battery, the only eventful item was I hit the chassis and sparked the battery. I went back in, and lo and behold it started. I stopped for gas, and I left the motor home running. I made it to the campground in Sacramento, and shut off the engine. I then tried to restart, and nothing. I took the dogs for a walk, plugged in, came back 10 minutes later, it started. I also noted that my house batteries were drained much more than usual. I tried starting several times over the next 12 hours and it worked each time (battery tender hooked up).

Day 3: I drove straight to LA from Sacramento. I made two short stops (rest stop and gas) and kept the engine running the whole time. I made it to my mom's house, and turned off the engine. This time I didn't have the roof fan running the entire time. My voltage showed 12.3-12.5. I tried to restart, nothing. I plugged in the battery tender, hooked it to the chassis battery......got inside and cranked it....the motorhome turned over.

A few other things: In January my alternator was replaced, there were new wires put in, and a new battery. About 8 months ago I put in a new isolator. Finally, whenever I used to turn the key to start, I'd hear a buzzing sound for a second (which I am assuming was the boost solenoid). I didn't hear that buzzing over the last couple days, even when fully charged.

So I'm planning to run through all the connections I can, and make sure that the connections are good and clean. The other alternative is that my "new" battery is not holding a charge, but that seems odd since when I hooked up the lines directly to my jump starter, it still didn't start. Finally, I'm wondering if the boost solenoid is bad. Although I don't know enough if that would cause this kind of problem. The good news is I'm in LA until next Monday, so I can hopefully make any "small fixes" while I'm here.

Also, I'm assuming the item with the Blue Arrow below is the boost solenoid? I also have two other batteries (Green Arrow) that are hooked up, as well as two batteries next to the generator. I'm assuming the Green Arrow batteries are for extra boost?

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p64949-boost-solenoid-and-batteries.html

Finally, if I need a new boost solenoid, does anyone have an idea of the part I order and where? I saw in earlier forum posts someone mentioned a Napa part, but when I checked it, it said it was a "starter solenoid".

Any suggestions would be appreciated.


Brian K 1977 Eleganza II, TZE167V100261 Sherman Oaks, CA Rebuilt 455, New brake system, a lot of Original Equipment ready to fall apart (discovering more as I go along....)
Re: On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting [message #334536 is a reply to message #334533] Tue, 03 July 2018 20:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mrgmc3 is currently offline  mrgmc3   United States
Messages: 210
Registered: September 2013
Location: W Washington
Karma: 2
Senior Member
A little more description during the "won't start" event may go a long way toward helping diagnose this. When it doesn't start does it;
- go completely dead (items like lights and gauges go dead too)
- no noise but dash lights and other electrical items work (like the ignition switch isn't connected to anything)
- there is a definite "click" but starter doesn't crank
- starter cranks but no start (no cyl firing)

Based on your description i interpret it is #2 but please verify (and I'd suspect an ignition switch or neutral switch.)


Chris Geils - Twin Cities / W Wa 1978 26' Kingsley w/ very few mods; PD9040, aux trans cooler, one repaint in stock colors, R134a, Al rad, Alcoas, 54k mi
Re: On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting [message #334537 is a reply to message #334533] Tue, 03 July 2018 21:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
C Boyd is currently offline  C Boyd   United States
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
Senior Member
Brian K wrote on Tue, 03 July 2018 20:46
Hi everyone. I just drove my GMC from Seattle to LA. It was (thankfully) a rather uneventful trip mechanically, except for one hiccup. I am hoping I can get some 2-cent feedback here while I try to fix/diagnose the problem before the trip back. Sorry in advance for the detail.

On the way down from Seattle, I stopped ¾ of the way into Oregon for a Walmart pit-stop. While I was there, I left the roof fan running (which I assume draws on the house batteries) but did have a couple minor chassis battery draws (the radio and compressor) that are powered on. When I got back after about 45 minutes, and tried to start the MH nothing happened (i.e. no turn over or sound). I had about 12.5 showing on my various voltage meters. I tried boost, and nothing happened. I then used my "Jump Starter" and nothing happened. Finally someone offered a jump. The voltage meter went to 13, and it started. I stopped for gas, and it restarted. I got to campground #1 and I plugged in (I also used a battery tender on the chassis battery).

The next day I stopped at a rest stop outside of Redding, Ca. This time, I left the roof fan running again, but turned everything else off. Same thing happened and nothing worked to get it started. I tried disconnecting the wires from the battery and connect it directly to my "jump starter" and that didn't work. When I put the connectors back on the battery, the only eventful item was I hit the chassis and sparked the battery. I went back in, and lo and behold it started. I stopped for gas, and I left the motor home running. I made it to the campground in Sacramento, and shut off the engine. I then tried to restart, and nothing. I took the dogs for a walk, plugged in, came back 10 minutes later, it started. I also noted that my house batteries were drained much more than usual. I tried starting several times over the next 12 hours and it worked each time (battery tender hooked up).

Day 3: I drove straight to LA from Sacramento. I made two short stops (rest stop and gas) and kept the engine running the whole time. I made it to my mom's house, and turned off the engine. This time I didn't have the roof fan running the entire time. My voltage showed 12.3-12.5. I tried to restart, nothing. I plugged in the battery tender, hooked it to the chassis battery......got inside and cranked it....the motorhome turned over.

A few other things: In January my alternator was replaced, there were new wires put in, and a new battery. About 8 months ago I put in a new isolator. Finally, whenever I used to turn the key to start, I'd hear a buzzing sound for a second (which I am assuming was the boost solenoid). I didn't hear that buzzing over the last couple days, even when fully charged.

So I'm planning to run through all the connections I can, and make sure that the connections are good and clean. The other alternative is that my "new" battery is not holding a charge, but that seems odd since when I hooked up the lines directly to my jump starter, it still didn't start. Finally, I'm wondering if the boost solenoid is bad. Although I don't know enough if that would cause this kind of problem. The good news is I'm in LA until next Monday, so I can hopefully make any "small fixes" while I'm here.

Also, I'm assuming the item with the Blue Arrow below is the boost solenoid? I also have two other batteries (Green Arrow) that are hooked up, as well as two batteries next to the generator. I'm assuming the Green Arrow batteries are for extra boost?

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p64949-boost-solenoid-and-batteries.html

Finally, if I need a new boost solenoid, does anyone have an idea of the part I order and where? I saw in earlier forum posts someone mentioned a Napa part, but when I checked it, it said it was a "starter solenoid".

Any suggestions would be appreciated.



C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
Re: On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting [message #334538 is a reply to message #334536] Tue, 03 July 2018 21:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Brian K is currently offline  Brian K   United States
Messages: 75
Registered: May 2017
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA
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Member
Chris,

Yes. #2. I get no clicking or sound. Lights and other 12v items work. The Volt meters read about 12v. The odd thing, like I mentioned, is it works fine once I stop and recharge


Brian K 1977 Eleganza II, TZE167V100261 Sherman Oaks, CA Rebuilt 455, New brake system, a lot of Original Equipment ready to fall apart (discovering more as I go along....)

[Updated on: Tue, 03 July 2018 21:04]

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Re: On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting [message #334539 is a reply to message #334537] Tue, 03 July 2018 21:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
C Boyd is currently offline  C Boyd   United States
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
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Sir, I just went thru this no start sometimes sorta thing with a very intelligent friend. Me here and him there and wanting me to diagnose. I said to check battery connection and go from there. Guess what, he shook the good looking battery cable and it fell off. A blind monkey gets a nut sometimes..

C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
Re: On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting [message #334540 is a reply to message #334533] Tue, 03 July 2018 21:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Brian K is currently offline  Brian K   United States
Messages: 75
Registered: May 2017
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA
Karma: 0
Member
Yes....connections are going to definitely be the first thing I start going through

Brian K 1977 Eleganza II, TZE167V100261 Sherman Oaks, CA Rebuilt 455, New brake system, a lot of Original Equipment ready to fall apart (discovering more as I go along....)
Re: [GMCnet] On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting [message #334541 is a reply to message #334533] Tue, 03 July 2018 21:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rob is currently offline  Rob   United States
Messages: 651
Registered: November 2013
Location: Victoria, BC
Karma: 3
Senior Member
Brian:

Yes - the blue arrow is pointing at the boost solenoid.

When the boost solenoid is “turned on” - it connects the large terminals on either side together. One side is normally the chassis and the other side is the coach/house/RV. When turned on, it’s kind of like connecting booster cables from the coach to the chassis. It’s basically a starter solenoid, being used to connect two circuits together (briefly).

The dash switch that turns on the boost solenoid would normally only be used in rare (!) cases where the chassis battery is too low to start, or possibly when coach battery is too low to start the generator. When you turn on the boost switch, the boost solenoid should “click” as it connects both sides together. When turned off - it should “click” again as they are disconnected from one another.

The boost solenoid should not normally be clicking or buzzing when turning on the ignition or during starting. It wouldn’t normally be enabled during a typical start - only when you click “boost” and try to start. And it wouldn’t normally buzz - unless perhaps the voltage is so low the solenoid turns off and on as the voltage fluctuates. You can manually turn on the boost solenoid by applying 12V to it - it should “click” and connect both large terminals together.

If your connections are good (which they may not be!) - the boost switch will gang all connected batteries together to get you started. In my Royale - I have one group 27 chassis battery (front) and two coach batteries - a 24 (front) and 27 (rear). My coach batteries are switched - so in theory I could gang all three of my batteries together to get me started.

The isolator keeps also keeps the chassis and coach separate - it keeps one side from draining the other side (which could also happen if the boost solenoid was turned on when not needed), unless charging.

I can’t really tell from you picture how the green batteries are connected. I assume that you have just one chassis battery? The chassis battery should be connected to one side of the boost solenoid and one terminal of the isolator. The coach batteries will be on the other side of both the boost solenoid and the isolator.

Hope it helps - likely not!

Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath

> On Jul 3, 2018, at 5:46 PM, Brian Krikorian wrote:
>
> Hi everyone. I just drove my GMC from Seattle to LA. It was (thankfully) a rather uneventful trip mechanically, except for one hiccup. I am hoping
> I can get some 2-cent feedback here while I try to fix/diagnose the problem before the trip back. Sorry in advance for the detail.
>
> On the way down from Seattle, I stopped ¾ of the way into Oregon for a Walmart pit-stop. While I was there, I left the roof fan running (which I
> assume draws on the house batteries) but did have a couple minor chassis battery draws (the radio and compressor) that are powered on. When I got
> back after about 45 minutes, and tried to start the MH nothing happened (i.e. no turn over or sound). I had about 12.5 showing on my various voltage
> meters. I tried boost, and nothing happened. I then used my "Jump Starter" and nothing happened. Finally someone offered a jump. The voltage meter
> went to 13, and it started. I stopped for gas, and it restarted. I got to campground #1 and I plugged in (I also used a battery tender on the
> chassis battery).
>
> The next day I stopped at a rest stop outside of Redding, Ca. This time, I left the roof fan running again, but turned everything else off. Same
> thing happened and nothing worked to get it started. I tried disconnecting the wires from the battery and connect it directly to my "jump starter"
> and that didn't work. When I put the connectors back on the battery, the only eventful item was I hit the chassis and sparked the battery. I went
> back in, and lo and behold it started. I stopped for gas, and I left the motor home running. I made it to the campground in Sacramento, and shut off
> the engine. I then tried to restart, and nothing. I took the dogs for a walk, plugged in, came back 10 minutes later, it started. I also noted that
> my house batteries were drained much more than usual. I tried starting several times over the next 12 hours and it worked each time (battery tender
> hooked up).
>
> Day 3: I drove straight to LA from Sacramento. I made two short stops (rest stop and gas) and kept the engine running the whole time. I made it to
> my mom's house, and turned off the engine. This time I didn't have the roof fan running the entire time. My voltage showed 12.3-12.5. I tried to
> restart, nothing. I plugged in the battery tender, hooked it to the chassis battery......got inside and cranked it....the motorhome turned over.
>
> A few other things: In January my alternator was replaced, there were new wires put in, and a new battery. About 8 months ago I put in a new
> isolator. Finally, whenever I used to turn the key to start, I'd hear a buzzing sound for a second (which I am assuming was the boost solenoid). I
> didn't hear that buzzing over the last couple days, even when fully charged.
>
> So I'm planning to run through all the connections I can, and make sure that the connections are good and clean. The other alternative is that my
> "new" battery is not holding a charge, but that seems odd since when I hooked up the lines directly to my jump starter, it still didn't start.
> Finally, I'm wondering if the boost solenoid is bad. Although I don't know enough if that would cause this kind of problem. The good news is I'm in
> LA until next Monday, so I can hopefully make any "small fixes" while I'm here.
>
> Also, I'm assuming the item with the Blue Arrow below is the boost solenoid? I also have two other batteries (Green Arrow) that are hooked up, as
> well as two batteries next to the generator. I'm assuming the Green Arrow batteries are for extra boost?
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p64949-boost-solenoid-and-batteries.html
>
> Finally, if I need a new boost solenoid, does anyone have an idea of the part I order and where? I saw in earlier forum posts someone mentioned a
> Napa part, but when I checked it, it said it was a "starter solenoid".
>
> Any suggestions would be appreciated.
>
> --
> Brian K
> 1977 Eleganza II, TZE167V100261
> Bellevue, WA
> Rebuilt 455, New brake system, a lot of Original Equipment ready to fall apart (discovering more as I go along....)
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Rob - Victoria, BC - 76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
Re: On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting [message #334542 is a reply to message #334533] Tue, 03 July 2018 21:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Brian K is currently offline  Brian K   United States
Messages: 75
Registered: May 2017
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA
Karma: 0
Member
Rob,

Thanks. That is hepful.

So, I have a chassis battery in the driver side compartment. Then there are these two batteries (in the picture, and I'm guessing two 6vs). I think they go to the boost side. Then i have two house batteries in the back. This is how I got the coach


Brian K 1977 Eleganza II, TZE167V100261 Sherman Oaks, CA Rebuilt 455, New brake system, a lot of Original Equipment ready to fall apart (discovering more as I go along....)
Re: [GMCnet] On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting [message #334543 is a reply to message #334542] Tue, 03 July 2018 21:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
James Hupy is currently offline  James Hupy   United States
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
Senior Member
The next time it won't start, put the gear shift selector in 1, then into P
and tilt the steering wheel towards the windshield. Let us know what
happens.
Jim Hupy

On Tue, Jul 3, 2018, 7:52 PM Brian Krikorian wrote:

> Rob,
>
> Thanks. That is hepful.
>
> So, I have a chassis battery in the driver side compartment. Then there
> are these two batteries (in the picture, and I'm guessing two 6vs). I think
> they go to the boost side. Then i have two house batteries in the back.
> This is how I got the coach
> --
> Brian K
> 1977 Eleganza II, TZE167V100261
> Bellevue, WA
> Rebuilt 455, New brake system, a lot of Original Equipment ready to fall
> apart (discovering more as I go along....)
>
> _______________________________________________
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> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>
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Re: On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting [message #334544 is a reply to message #334536] Tue, 03 July 2018 22:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
Senior Member
You have a lot of extra (different) stuff there from the way the coach was designed. The extra stuff makes remote diagnosis difficult because we do not know exactly what you have there. So my approach will be to explain the two 12 DC electrical systems that you have in the coach as shipped by GM in 1977.

There are two 12 volt DC systems. They are the engine side and the house side. There is NO Boost system with it's own batteries. There is a VERY SELDOM USED boost function that temporarily attaches the house and engine batteries together for extra starting power in the case of one battery (house or engine) being low. This is so seldom used that on my coach I have never, ever needed it. This function is activated by pressing and holding down a rocker switch on dash.

So back to the two systems.

The engine side normally has one battery located above the right front wheel. I supplies all power for starting the engine and things you expect to see in a car. Things like headlights, brake lights, clearance lights, front only interior lights, radio, and heater fan. If it is an outside light or and item located in front of the cockpit step is is probably powered by the engine 12 DC system.

The house side in a 1977 26 ft coach is normally powered by one or two batteries located in the left rear of the coach next to the Onan. Everything not mentioned in the previous paragraph is probably powered by the house battery(s) system.

That is it and things like blue and green arrows and a battery mounted on the driver's side front mean nothing to us because they are non-standard add-ons.

All of that said, I can not see why these non-standard add-ons would be on the engine side of things. People usually install that stuff to extend / expand the house system. There is really no reason that they would be needed on the engine side.

So I would check the engine battery and check it's connections and ignore everything else we think is on the house side. From your symptom I strongly suspect that one of the following items are failing or out of adjustment in the following order. The neutral safety switch, the ignition switch, the start solenoid coil, and wires/ connections to any of them.

They next time that you have the failure, while it is failing turn on the headlights and try starting the engine. If the engine fails to crank and the headlights stay on then you do NOT have a battery power supply problem. If the headlights dim, then you need to go find the bad battery connection or weak battery.

That should get you started diagnosing the problem. Also the next time is fails try moving the gear shift up and down while trying to crank. That will move / exercise the neutral safety switch a bit.

Good Luck

Ken B.


Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting [message #334545 is a reply to message #334533] Tue, 03 July 2018 22:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Brian K is currently offline  Brian K   United States
Messages: 75
Registered: May 2017
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA
Karma: 0
Member
Thanks everyone for the tips and advice.

Ken, I understand what you're saying. I think the two front, passenger side batteries ARE there for the house. But I do see wires going from them to one side of the boost solenoid. Again it's a hodgepodge mess for me, so I certainly understand it making no sense remotely or by description.

That said I'm going to start with the easiest and look at the wires and connections. I will follow your and Jim's suggestions if it happens again after that.

Brian


Brian K 1977 Eleganza II, TZE167V100261 Sherman Oaks, CA Rebuilt 455, New brake system, a lot of Original Equipment ready to fall apart (discovering more as I go along....)
Re: On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting [message #334546 is a reply to message #334545] Tue, 03 July 2018 23:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
Senior Member
There is no problem with the hodge podge as long as you understand what is doing what.

I will suggest that the heaviest current draw item in the coach is the starter. For that reason you want the cables to be as short and clean as possible to the battery. So the engine battery should located on the passenger side front.


Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: [GMCnet] On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting [message #334552 is a reply to message #334539] Wed, 04 July 2018 07:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
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Senior Member
Chuck,

Good advice but you got to get your sayings straight, they are; "a blind monkey sometimes gets a banana" and "a blind squirrel
sometimes gets a nut."

:-)

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808



-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Charles Boyd
Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2018 9:07 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting

Sir, I just went thru this no start sometimes sorta thing with a very intelligent friend. Me here and him there and wanting me to
diagnose. I said to check battery connection and go from there. Guess what, he shook the good looking battery cable and it fell
off. A blind monkey gets a nut
sometimes..
--
C. Boyd


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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting [message #334553 is a reply to message #334544] Wed, 04 July 2018 07:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Anonymous   United States

> On Jul 3, 2018, at 11:43 PM, Ken Burton wrote:
>
> From your symptom I strongly suspect that one of the following items are failing or out of adjustment in the following order. The neutral safety switch, the ignition switch, the start solenoid coil, and wires/ connections to any of them.

No suggestions but an anecdote...

After gassing up my Dakota, ignition gave one click, then nothing. Same again. I turned the wheel, shifted back and forth to Park, put my foot on the brake and when I turned the key again, it started right up.

Happened again a week or so later with same result. Week or so later, happened again but this time it took more of the turning, shifting procedure to work, Started happening more frequently, and more difficulty to start. As my mechanic just started his vacation, I stopped by an Auto Electric shop I know, and asked them to test the alternator. Alt and battery both tested good, and he suggested it might be the neutral safety switch.

During mech’s vacation, one morning it wouldn’t start at all. I did check around the internet and neutral safety switch did look like a good possibility. Taking stock of my mechanical skills, I wisely decided to not try replacing it myself. Upon his return, one morning I did get it started and drove it to his shop. I imparted my wisdom of likely neutral safety switch and left him to it. He called later, said it was the starter, replaced it and I haven’t had an issue since.

Tim Conway
LI NY 78 PB



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Re: On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting [message #334555 is a reply to message #334533] Wed, 04 July 2018 08:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JohnL455 is currently offline  JohnL455   United States
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
Senior Member
You should not travel without a $10 DVM (meter) and understanding of the DCV function. At this point I would charge all the batteries via an external charger and have them load tested. Replace as needed. Then after cleaning all terminals (connect negative last remove first for no arcs) start the motorhome. Meter across all your 12V batteries. You should see 13.4-14.2V. If you see below 13.2V your system is not charging and needs further diagnosis. A 12V battery sitting fully charged should read 12.6V approx. If it reads 12V it is mostly dead and needs full charging or replaced

John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
Re: [GMCnet] On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting [message #334562 is a reply to message #334553] Wed, 04 July 2018 08:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
Senior Member
I did not suggest the starter in his case because he is not hearing the solenoid click. I am assuming that he is not getting +12 to the solenoid coil or the solenoid coil is going bad.

Isn't remote diagnosis fun? It is all a guessing game.

Ken B.

delbert lecky via Gmc wrote on Wed, 04 July 2018 07:22

> On Jul 3, 2018, at 11:43 PM, Ken Burton wrote:
>
> From your symptom I strongly suspect that one of the following items are failing or out of adjustment in the following order. The neutral safety switch, the ignition switch, the start solenoid coil, and wires/ connections to any of them.

No suggestions but an anecdote...

After gassing up my Dakota, ignition gave one click, then nothing. Same again. I turned the wheel, shifted back and forth to Park, put my foot on the brake and when I turned the key again, it started right up.

Happened again a week or so later with same result. Week or so later, happened again but this time it took more of the turning, shifting procedure to work, Started happening more frequently, and more difficulty to start. As my mechanic just started his vacation, I stopped by an Auto Electric shop I know, and asked them to test the alternator. Alt and battery both tested good, and he suggested it might be the neutral safety switch.

During mech's vacation, one morning it wouldn't start at all. I did check around the internet and neutral safety switch did look like a good possibility. Taking stock of my mechanical skills, I wisely decided to not try replacing it myself. Upon his return, one morning I did get it started and drove it to his shop. I imparted my wisdom of likely neutral safety switch and left him to it. He called later, said it was the starter, replaced it and I haven't had an issue since.

Tim Conway
LI NY 78 PB



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Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: [GMCnet] On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting [message #334568 is a reply to message #334552] Wed, 04 July 2018 09:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
C Boyd is currently offline  C Boyd   United States
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
Senior Member
Yes Rob, but I don't have any banana trees, just nuts.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p64954-bad-cable.html




USAussie wrote on Wed, 04 July 2018 08:24
Chuck,

Good advice but you got to get your sayings straight, they are; "a blind monkey sometimes gets a banana" and "a blind squirrel
sometimes gets a nut."

Smile

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808



-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Charles Boyd
Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2018 9:07 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting

Sir, I just went thru this no start sometimes sorta thing with a very intelligent friend. Me here and him there and wanting me to
diagnose. I said to check battery connection and go from there. Guess what, he shook the good looking battery cable and it fell
off. A blind monkey gets a nut
sometimes..
--
C. Boyd


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C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
Re: On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting [message #334572 is a reply to message #334533] Wed, 04 July 2018 10:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
Actualy, you can laer more from an analog meter:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/TY-360-Ohm-Ampere-Volt-Diode-Measuring-Analog-Electrical-Meter-Multimeter/323102379979?epid=1538794366&hash=item4b3a670fc b:g:J4YAAOSwvmRalD2n

/because with these old toys we're usually more interested in trends than absolutes, and they're easier to see with a needle than a display. It's alsoa good idea topinclude at least a chassis ammeter. Which I'm ashamed to admit I haven't put on the current coach.

--johnny


Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
Re: [GMCnet] On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting [message #334579 is a reply to message #334568] Wed, 04 July 2018 10:40 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rob is currently offline  Rob   United States
Messages: 651
Registered: November 2013
Location: Victoria, BC
Karma: 3
Senior Member
I think I see your problem.

Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath

> On Jul 4, 2018, at 7:12 AM, Charles Boyd wrote:
>
> Yes Rob, but I don't have any banana trees, just nuts.
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p64954-bad-cable.html
>
>
> --
> C. Boyd
> 76 Crestmont
> East Tennessee
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Rob - Victoria, BC - 76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
Re: On the Road Electrical Trouble-shooting [message #334580 is a reply to message #334533] Wed, 04 July 2018 10:51 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
SteveW is currently offline  SteveW   United States
Messages: 538
Registered: June 2005
Location: Southern California - Ora...
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Brian -

Where in LA are you ??

If you can get near Orange County this weekend - we could help with some diagnosis...

Steve W
1973 23
Southern California



Steve W 1973 : 23' Southern California
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