Results for "grounds"

Engine Hard 4-6 hours 509 👍 0

Ford F53 7.5L RV Won't Start: Fuel Pump Relay Voltage Drop Fix

Woke up to my 1996 Ford F53 7.5L motorhome eating through my patience and wallet with this no-start issue that keeps coming back. It cranks strong but absolutely will not start, and I've been chasing this problem for weeks now. The engine ran fine for about 3-4 minutes one day, then just died and hasn't started since.

I've already done quite a bit of diagnostic work:
- Replaced PCM and distributor
- Fuel pump works when powered directly
- Battery is fully charged
- Checked fuses and relays
- PCM relay voltage drops from 12.2V to 9.3V with key on
- Fuel pump relay only shows 3.3V at pin 86 (should be 12V)
- Inertia switch tested at 1.7V at connector
- ANL 178 fusible link fluctuates between 0.3-0.6V

The engine will only start with starter fluid when the SPOUT is removed. I'm getting only 5.5V at the fuel pump connector.

Has anyone dealt with this specific issue on an F53 chassis? I really need to get this RV back on the road and I'm running out of ideas! …more

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Electrical Easy 30 minutes 375 👍 0

RV 12V Lights Dimming: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

My neighbor insists it's the converter, the RV dealer swears it's bad wiring, and every YouTube video claims it's a dying battery—but my 12V ceiling lights keep dimming! One evening they're blazing bright like a casino, the next morning they're giving off all the enthusiasm of a sleepy firefly.

I've already checked my batteries, and they seem to be charging fine and in good shape. The converter is still humming and its fan is running normally. I'm pretty sure this isn't some fancy mood lighting feature I accidentally activated (though knowing my tech skills, anything's possible). The dimming seems totally random - sometimes they're fine, sometimes they look like they're on their last legs.

I've got a basic multimeter that I pretend to know how to use, but I'm not sure where to even start poking around. As a bonus weirdness, some of my under-cabinet light switches and the wall switch for the ceiling lights are getting really hot. Anyone know what typically causes this whole disco light show situation with 12V lighting systems? …more

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Electrical Medium 30-90 min 340 👍 0

No 12 Volt Power in RV: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Turned the key and nothing works on 12 volt — no lights, no water pump, no slides. Batteries show 12.6 volts on the multimeter so they're fully charged. House batteries seem fine but zero power is getting to any of the 12V circuits inside the coach. …more

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Electrical Medium 30 min read 332 👍 0

RV DC Electrical System: Expert Guide to 12 Volt Systems

Opened my RV this morning to find the 12V system going haywire — lights dimming randomly, fans slowing down, and the inverter shutting off despite full batteries.

Specifically, I need to understand the fundamentals of RV batteries - different types, proper sizing, charging requirements, and maintenance. I'm also confused about DC wiring best practices, what gauge wire to use for different applications, how to properly route and protect circuits, and where fuses and breakers should go. Voltage monitoring is another area where I'm lost - I see all these battery monitors and don't know what I actually need or how to interpret the readings.

I'm also planning some system upgrades down the road like adding solar or upgrading to lithium batteries, so I'd love to understand how all these components work together and what I need to consider for future modifications. Is there a comprehensive resource that covers all aspects of RV DC electrical systems from batteries and wiring through monitoring and upgrades? …more

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Engine Medium 2-4 hours 207 👍 0

Ford F53 No Spark: Complete Ignition Troubleshooting Guide

Halfway through a cross-country trip, my Ford F53 Class A motorhome with the 7.5L V8 cranks but won't fire, has zero spark, AND left me completely stranded. The issue began intermittently with starting problems, then progressed to a complete no-start condition with zero spark at both the coil and distributor.

I've systematically replaced the distributor, ignition control module (ICM), and coil, but the no-spark condition persists. This is an EFI system without a crank position sensor - my research indicates it relies on the pickup coil within the distributor for ignition timing.

What are the most likely causes for this complete ignition failure, and what diagnostic steps should I follow to isolate the root cause? I need a methodical troubleshooting approach since parts replacement hasn't resolved the issue. …more

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Engine Medium 60 minutes 199 👍 0

P068A Code Ford V10 RV: Complete ECM Power Relay Control Circuit Fix Guide

Check engine light came on with a P068A code on my Ford V10 motorhome. Scanned it at AutoZone and they said ECM power relay control circuit — but the engine runs fine and I have no drivability issues. Not sure if this is something I need to fix immediately or if it can wait. …more

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Electrical Medium 1-2 hours for diagnosis 191 👍 0

HWH Levelers Flashing Blue Light: Complete Battery Reset & Troubleshooting Guide

Opened three different browser tabs trying to figure out why my HWH levelers are flashing blue — neighbor says dead batteries, dealer claims sensor issue, YouTube insists wiring problem. The blue light keeps flashing and the jacks won't respond at all - they won't go up or down. The only thing that seems to work is disconnecting the house battery for about 15 minutes until all the panel lights go dark, then reconnecting it.

I'm worried this might be a sign of something serious going wrong with the electrical system or the levelers themselves. Could this indicate low voltage issues or bad connections that might be unsafe? I really don't want to damage anything expensive or put my family at risk. What should I be checking, and is this something I need to call HWH about immediately? …more

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Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 187 👍 0

How to Fix RV Rear Brake Lights and Hazards Not Working - Common Grounds & Connections

Spent months planning our cross-country trip leaving next week and my RV's rear brake lights and hazards just completely stopped working. My 1998 National Tropical (on a '97 Ford F53 chassis with the trusty 460 V8) has decided to get creative with its lighting situation. The rear brake lights and 4-way hazards have completely given up the ghost - nothing, nada, zero response from the back end. But plot twist: the turn signals work just fine back there, and everything up front (brake lights, hazards, turns) is working perfectly.

I'm scratching my head because if it was a fuse issue, wouldn't ALL the lights be affected? The fact that some work and others don't has me thinking it's something more specific. Any ideas where I should start poking around to solve this electrical mystery? …more

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General Easy 15 minutes to verify 183 👍 0

Southwire EMS Built-in vs External Surge Protector: Do You Need Both?

Opened my 2022 Holiday Rambler 38N DP and discovered it's eating through surge protectors way faster than normal, despite having the built-in Southwire system. Dealer says I might not need an external surge protector like a Watchdog since it's already built in.

Does a built-in Southwire surge guard provide the same protection as a standalone EMS unit? Should I still install an external surge protector or is the built-in system sufficient? Want to make sure I have proper protection without buying unnecessary equipment. …more

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Electrical Medium 1-2 hours research 175 👍 0

1995 Ford F53 RV Chassis Wiring Diagram: Complete Guide & Sources

Between my multimeter reading 10.2V at the battery and the manual saying my 1995 Winnebago Vectra F53 chassis should show 12.6V, I'm confused why the starter still won't crank. Nothing like being stranded at a campground to remind you that you're living in a 30-year-old house on wheels!

I'm trying to track down proper wiring diagrams to troubleshoot this mess. Should I be looking for Ford F53 chassis diagrams, Winnebago coach wiring, or both? And while I'm at it, any suggestions on what to check first for starter issues? My mechanical skills are about as reliable as my RV's electrical system right now! …more

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Engine Medium 1-2 hours 168 👍 0

RV AGS Generator Shutdown Trips Inverter Off - Complete Fix Guide

Opened my 2006 Fleetwood Providence yesterday to find my Onan 7500 generator automatically shutting down and tripping my Xantrex Freedom 458 inverter off every time.

The AGS does its job perfectly - kicks on when needed, charges the batteries, then shuts down like a good little robot. But here's where things get spicy: about half the time when the generator shuts off, my inverter decides to throw a tantrum and shut itself off too. Then I get to do the walk of shame to hit the reset button like I'm apologizing to a moody teenager.

This has been going on for literal years, and I'm tired of playing referee between my electrical components. Anyone know what's causing this voltage drama and how I can make these two play nice together? Is it a transfer switch timing issue, some kind of sensitivity setting, or do I just have the world's most dramatic RV electrical system? …more

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Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 168 👍 0

RV LED Clearance Lights Turn Off When Headlights On - Grounding Fix Guide

Replaced all the clearance lights on my 2002 Bounder 39Z Diesel with LEDs yesterday but something still doesn't seem right — they work perfectly with the clearance light switch but shut off completely when I turn on the headlights. But the moment I turn on the headlights, every single LED clearance light goes dark! This is driving me crazy - the old incandescent bulbs never did this.

I've checked the fuses, swapped out different LED bulbs, and even tested the voltage at the fixtures. Everything seems fine until those headlights come on. I'm really hoping someone has seen this before because I'm running out of ideas. What could cause brand new LED clearance lights to shut off only when the headlights activate? …more

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Engine Medium 2-3 hours 167 👍 0

How to Fix Ford RV Headlight Low Voltage (10.3V Under Load) - Complete Diagnostic Guide

Apparently replacing the headlight relay, cleaning all ground connections, and checking alternator output means nothing when my 2000 Fleetwood Southwind Ford V-10 still drops to 10.3V under headlight load. The headlights have been consistently dim despite replacing the bulbs. My multimeter readings show 12.5V at the headlight connector when disconnected, but this drops to 10.3V when the headlight is plugged in and operating.

This 2.2V drop under load seems excessive and correlates with the poor light output I'm experiencing. What causes this level of voltage drop in RV headlight circuits, and does this require immediate repair for safety reasons? …more

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Electrical Medium 2-3 hours 162 👍 0

Fix LED Tail Light Problems on a Workhorse RV Chassis

Last week my Workhorse chassis LED tail light upgrade started flickering and the RV tech wants $800 for a complete wiring harness replacement. The original discolored lights were getting hard to see, so the LED upgrade seemed like a smart move, but now I have three main problems that are driving me crazy.

First, my turn signal indicators are flashing extremely slowly - almost like they're struggling to work properly. Second, when I turn on my running lights or tail lights, the indicators stop flashing altogether and just stay on solid, which obviously defeats the purpose of having turn signals. Third, and perhaps most concerning, when I press the brake pedal, my main tail/brake lights actually turn OFF instead of getting brighter, leaving only the center high-mounted brake light working.

I made sure to match the wiring exactly - the stop/tail lights have 3 wires each, and the reverse/indicator lights have 2 wires each, just like the original incandescent bulbs. The connections seem solid and I followed the same wire routing. I'm wondering if this is a common issue with LED conversions on Workhorse chassis, and what specific components or modifications I need to make this work properly. What's the complete solution to fix these LED tail light problems? …more

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Engine Hard 3-4 hours 162 👍 0

1988 E350 Class C 460 EFI Won't Start - Advanced Fix

Got stuck with this 1988 E350 Class C 460 EFI that the previous owner left me — thing absolutely refuses to start. My 1988 E350 Class C with the 460 EFI decided to throw the ultimate tantrum right as we were heading out for a trip - just completely died and refuses to start.

Here's where it gets fun (and by fun, I mean expensive): I've got spark, I've got 40 psi fuel pressure at the rail, timing looks good, and I've already thrown money at fuel pumps, filters, plugs, wires, TFI module, distributor, and even the inertia switch. The thing will occasionally act like it wants to fire but never actually starts. The real kicker? Even when I give it a shot of ether, absolutely nothing happens - not even a sputter!

At this point I'm wondering if there's something more advanced going on that I'm missing. When you have spark, fuel pressure, and timing but even ether won't make it fire, what else could be the culprit on these 460 EFI engines? …more

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