Results for "no headlights"

Electrical Medium 2-4 hours 136 👍 0

RV Dash AC Blower Motor Not Working? Check These Hidden Fuses First

Last week I'm trying to decide between shelling out hundreds for an RV tech or tackling this myself after my F53 chassis motorhome's dash A/C blower motor completely died. I've checked all the obvious fuses in the main fuse panels, but nothing seems blown.

I discovered something crucial that might help others: Fleetwood added a hidden 25 amp fuse wire-tied above the emergency brake, not shown in standard Ford chassis diagrams. In my case, this was the culprit. As a temporary fix, I even ran a wire directly from my lighter plug with a switch to get some air movement.

I'm wondering if other RV owners might have similar hidden electrical components that aren't in standard chassis wiring documentation? Before taking it to a shop, I recommend carefully checking behind panels and tracing wires, especially looking near the dashboard area above the emergency brake for manufacturer-specific fuses. …more

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Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 134 👍 0

Ford F53 RV Chassis: All Headlights Out - Complete Diagnosis & Repair

Pulled out my multimeter on this dead F53 headlight situation and I'm getting 12.4V at the relay when every Ford manual says it should read 12.6V. My 1999 Mountain High Pinnacle Class A with 76,000 miles on a Ford F-53 chassis has me stumped - ALL four headlights (both high and low beams) just went completely dead, but here's the weird part: every single other light works perfectly. Taillights, brake lights, turn signals, markers - they're all fine.

When the headlight switch is on, there are no headlights at all, and the blue high beam indicator remains constantly lit. I noticed a strange clicking sound from under the hood about every 20-25 seconds, which continued even after disconnecting the coach and chassis batteries.

I've already replaced the headlight switch thinking that was the culprit, but the same problem persists. No headlights whatsoever when I flip the switch, whether I'm on high or low beam. I'm starting to think it might be the combination switch or maybe a relay with a potential dead short, but I don't want to start throwing parts at this thing without some guidance.

Has anyone dealt with this exact scenario on a late 90s Ford chassis? What should I be checking first? I really need to get this sorted out before my next trip. …more

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Electrical Medium 2 hours 119 👍 0

Thor ACE F53 Chassis Wheel Bearing Service & Propane Detector Replacement Guide

During my pre-trip inspection on my Thor ACE F53 chassis, discovered grinding wheel bearings and a dead propane detector that needs immediate replacement.

First, I desperately need to get my wheel bearings serviced/greased, but I'm having trouble finding someone who will work on them. Camping World told me they only service trailers, not motorhome chassis. I'm worried about driving much further without proper maintenance - where should I be looking for this type of service?

Second issue has me even more concerned: my propane detector started beeping constantly and wouldn't stop, so I had to pull the fuse. Now I discovered that with the fuse pulled, my slides won't operate at all! This seems like a safety feature, but I'm not sure if the detector just needs replacement or if there's a bigger problem. Are these systems really connected, and is it safe to replace the detector myself? …more

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Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 118 👍 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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Electrical Medium 2-4 hours 113 👍 0

Ford F53 V10 Cam Sensor No Start: Step-by-Step Repair Guide 2024

Somewhere between last week's torrential downpour and this morning, my 2014 Bounder Classic 36H with the 2013 Ford F53 V10 chassis developed what appears to be a cam sensor failure preventing startup. The engine cranks over strong but absolutely will not start. I've been chasing this for weeks and I'm really hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

Here's what I know: Forscan is showing cam sensor faults while cranking, even after I replaced the cam sensor. I've got fuel pressure, the crank sensor is new, and there are no stored codes. The tachometer moves during cranking attempts, so I know I'm getting some signal. After crank attempts, there's a strong fuel smell. I've disconnected the battery ground for over 5 minutes to reset any hanging codes.

I'm starting to suspect this might be a wiring harness issue or possibly something with the timing chain. I have a tone generator on the way to check for potential wire breaks. The frustrating part is that everything seems like it should work, but it's like the PCM isn't getting the right timing information.

I really need guidance on the most likely culprits for cam sensor faults on these V10s. What should I be focusing on to get this thing running again? …more

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Electrical Medium 4-6 hours for complete installation 113 👍 0

F53 Triton V10 High Output Alternator Upgrade - 250A Install

Before I drop $800 on having a shop install a 250A high output alternator on my mid-2000s F53 Triton V10, wondering if this is something I can DIY without breaking anything. I need to upgrade from the stock alternator to handle a large inverter battery bank, and I'm looking at high-output units in the 250A range.

I found this Tucson alternator that puts out 190A at idle for under $500, but I'm worried about whether the existing wiring and belt system can handle it safely. Could I damage the engine or electrical system if I just swap it in? What upgrades would I absolutely need to do this safely?

I've worked with high-output alternators on boats before, but RV chassis systems seem different and I don't want to create a fire hazard or burn out expensive components. Has anyone successfully done this upgrade without major issues? …more

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Electrical Medium 30 minutes 107 👍 0

2017 Ford E450 Alternator Output: Complete DC to DC Charger Sizing Guide for RVs

Somewhere between installing my DC to DC charger and realizing I don't know my 2017 Ford E450's alternator output, I'm wondering if this setup could be dangerous with my kids living in our RV full-time? I've been down every rabbit hole - VIN lookups, parts catalogs, service manuals - and I keep getting conflicting information or just replacement part numbers instead of actual specifications.

I'm planning to install a DC to DC charger for my LiFePO4 house batteries, but I absolutely need to know the real alternator output before I size the charger. I've seen everything from 120 amps to over 200 amps mentioned for the E450, but nothing definitive for my specific year and configuration.

Can someone please tell me what the actual alternator rating is for the 2017 E450, and more importantly, what size DC to DC charger I can safely run without overloading the alternator? I really don't want to fry anything, but I also don't want to undersize the charger if I have more capacity available than I think. …more

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Electrical Medium 2-4 hours 105 👍 0

How to Fix Dashboard Gauges & Lights Not Working - 1999 Monaco La Palma F53 RV Troubleshooting

Our 1999 Monaco La Palma F53's dashboard gauges and lights are completely dead — can't afford a $300+ shop diagnosis, is there a DIY fix for under $50? No power getting to fuses #6 and #12 in the driver-side fuse box under the dash.

What's the most common cause of this issue and what should I check first? Looking for the right troubleshooting sequence to track down whether it's a relay problem or power supply issue. …more

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Electrical Easy 30 minutes 104 👍 0

1997 F53 Chassis AC Fuse Location: Complete Hood Fuse Box Guide & Replacement Tips

According to every YouTube video I've watched, finding the AC fuse in my 1997 Pace Arrow F53 chassis should be easy, but I'm completely lost staring at this hood fuse box. The AC stopped working completely and I'm pretty sure it's just a blown fuse, but I've been staring at this under-hood fuse box for an hour and can't figure out which one controls the dash AC.

I see tons of fuses in there but none are clearly labeled for AC that I can tell. Is there a specific name I should be looking for? And what amperage should this fuse be? I really hope someone can point me in the right direction because this heat is killing me and I know it's probably something simple I'm missing! …more

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Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 104 👍 0

1991 Ford E350 Winnebago Battery Ground Wire Location: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Wondering if anyone else has dealt with corroded battery cables on their Class A before — replaced them easily last time, but this 1991 Ford E350 Winnebago's ground wire location has me completely stumped. I've traced the ground cable to a tie strap on the fender, but that's obviously just a routing point, not the actual termination.

Where does the battery ground cable actually terminate on these E350 chassis? Need to find the real connection point so I can clean it properly and install the replacement cable with a solid ground connection. …more

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Electrical Medium 1-2 hours research 104 👍 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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Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 103 👍 0

Holiday Rambler Windshield Wipers Not Working: Fuse & Relay Troubleshooting Guide

Wondering why my 2019 Holiday Rambler Vacationer 36F windshield wipers went completely dead yesterday and now won't budge at all? System shows no power to wipers - no movement, no motor sound, no response from switch positions.

Initial diagnosis indicates potential fuse or relay failure. Located under-dash fuse panel and identified wiper-related fuses and relays, but suspect there may be additional fuse locations in the electrical system that require inspection.

Require confirmation of all fuse box locations for wiper circuit on Ford chassis Holiday Rambler, specifically engine compartment power distribution box accessibility and proper relay testing methodology for systematic troubleshooting approach. …more

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Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 102 👍 0

Ford F53 Chassis Marker Light Problems: Complete RV Troubleshooting Guide

Nobody wants to deal with the same front marker light issues on their 2013 Forest River Georgetown 377XL's Ford F53 chassis every single camping season.

The lights work sometimes but not others, and I can't figure out the pattern. I've already checked fuses and replaced the bulbs, but I'm hesitant to start pulling apart wiring without knowing what I'm doing. I keep reading about electrical problems getting worse if you don't fix them right, and I really don't want to create a bigger issue.

What are the most likely causes for intermittent marker light failures on F53 chassis? I'm hoping there's a systematic way to troubleshoot this without risking damage to the electrical system. …more

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Electrical Medium 2-3 hours 100 👍 0

How to Convert RV Pull Light Switch to Toggle Switches - Step by Step

After getting quoted $180 to replace my sticky pull switch on my 2001 Monaco Knight dashboard, I'm wondering if I can just convert it myself to two separate toggle switches for the headlights and marker lights instead.

Before I start tearing into the dash wiring, I want to make sure I understand the proper approach for this conversion. I'm particularly concerned about getting the wire connections right and ensuring the new toggle switches can handle the electrical loads properly. The current pull switch seems to control both lighting circuits, so I assume I'll need to separate those functions when I wire in the individual toggles.

What's the correct procedure for converting from a single pull switch to dual toggle switches for headlights and marker lights? I want to make sure I don't create any electrical issues or damage anything in the process. …more

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Electrical Medium 2-3 hours 100 👍 0

Ford F53 RV Dashboard Not Visible in Sunlight - Complete Fix Guide

Three instrument cluster replacements, countless connection cleanings, and multiple dashboard covers later — I still can't see anything on my 2018 Holiday Rambler Vacationer 35K's Ford F53 dashboard in sunlight. The instrument cluster - specifically the speedometer and tachometer - becomes completely invisible during bright daylight conditions. It's not just hard to read, it literally disappears from view. Taking off sunglasses doesn't help at all, and the issue persists regardless of the angle I'm viewing from.

I've contacted both Ford and Holiday Rambler about this, but surprisingly neither manufacturer claims to have heard of this problem before. However, I've seen some older forum posts from other RV owners mentioning similar issues with their F53 chassis motorhomes. As a temporary workaround, I've actually velcroed a small flashlight to my steering column to illuminate the gauges, but this is hardly a permanent solution since the batteries drain quickly on long trips.

Is this actually a known issue with Ford F53 instrument clusters? I'm wondering if it's related to the LCD display technology, some kind of polarization problem with the windshield, or maybe something with the dimmer settings that I haven't tried yet. What are the real solutions for fixing this visibility problem permanently? …more

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