Author Topic: Allison transmission  (Read 1884 times)

Tom Csibor

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Allison transmission
« on: March 10, 2023, 05:59:35 PM »
2000 Beaver Monterey. The transmission started to shift erratically and lights came on the shift control pad. The voltage showing kept going down until it was down at 9 volts. Yet when I load test the chassis batteries, they test fine and show 12.5 volts.

Any ideas?

Eric Maclean

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Re: Allison transmission
« Reply #1 on: March 10, 2023, 09:09:00 PM »
Tom
The TCM has fuse in the battery bay which feeds the TCM with constant 12 volt however the fuse holder and wiring are in the battery bay where battery off gassing can cause corrosion of the wiring and fuse holder .
The ignition feed to the for the TCM is supplied  from a circuit breaker in the electrical bay below the driver's station.
The TCM is located in the driver's console below the shift pad and the VIM module is located in the electrical bay.

To help diagnose your problem it's best to follow the procedure in the troubleshooting manual which you can find here in the coach assist section of the forum.

First check out the voltage at that fuse and the breaker before moving on to pinning out the TCM.

Hope this helps
Eric
1997 Patriot Yorktown
3126-B
2009 Chevy HHR
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Demco Air Force one tow brake.

Joel Ashley

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Re: Allison transmission
« Reply #2 on: March 10, 2023, 10:26:50 PM »
You might also check for voltage, Tom, on either side of the large posts on the solenoid in the electrical bay mentioned by Eric, streetside forwardmost.  There should be full voltage on both sides with the ignition key turned on, and it should stay consistent if you physically bump or “jiggle” the solenoid to emulate roadway flaws while traveling.  If things don’t seem right, replace the solenoid and get a spare to have on hand.

Joel
Joel and Lee Rae Ashley
Clackamas, Oregon
36.9 ft. 2006 Monterey Ventura IV, aka"Monty Rae"
C9 400HP Cat

Dan Johnson

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Re: Allison transmission
« Reply #3 on: March 10, 2023, 11:09:16 PM »
Joel
Is there a part number for soleniod?    That diode would be helpful to have also. Thanks for labeling the picture.
Dan
2002 Beaver Marquis Emerald
Cat C-12
Nebraska

Frank Bergamo

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Re: Allison transmission
« Reply #4 on: March 10, 2023, 11:36:44 PM »
Dan,

This might help, https://www.amazon.com/Cole-Hersee-24059-Insulated-Continuous/dp/B000Y82X4E  Reinstall the diode the same direction it came off.
« Last Edit: March 10, 2023, 11:47:43 PM by Frank Bergamo »
Frank & Paulette Bergamo
2019-       : 2007 Marquis Topaz IV  C-15 600 HP Allison 4000
2014-2019: 2002 Marquis Emerald C-12 505 HP Allison 4000
2004-2014: 1986 Executive Diplomat 3208 250 HP Allison MT-643
Grand Junction, CO.

Joel Ashley

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Re: Allison transmission
« Reply #5 on: March 10, 2023, 11:59:02 PM »
Tom will need to run the suggested voltage checks first, and if it's bad the replacement commonly used is Cole Hersee SPST 12v 85A Continuous Duty #24059BP or similar.  However you should check the info on your current solenoid before going after one.  It's important in this application that it is a "continuous duty" version.  These solenoids are a common failure point, as a Search of this Forum will reveal.  A more expensive but reliable electronic alternative is available (Cole Hersee solid state 48785), but most of us just carry a spare solenoid as they are easy to switch out.  If you do replace one, make certain that you get the diode in the correct orientation, with the gray stripe on the left (toward the "Hot" side.  Cut the Chassis Main switch in the battery bay before attempting the change-out to avoid inadvertent short circuiting.

All that said, for Tom, Eric's Transmission Control Module fuse check procedure and reference to a troubleshooting guide in Coach Assist should be given primary attention.  Simply checking voltage at the batteries is not covering all the bases, but asking here was the next right move. 

My experience with common unsealed wet cell deep cycle house batteries reinforces Eric's that their gassing under charge pressure will corrode proximal metal coach components.  Though my original Interstates lasted 12 years, they ate up metal tie down buckles and melted plastic ones, and ate into the battery slide-out tray.  AGM's resolve that issue, as would Lithiums.  On our coach, major fuses and electronics are in a box immediately above the battery tray;  luckily corrosion did not infect anything in that box.  But if Tom's TCM leads run nearby to standard watered batteries, I can easily understand Eric's point.

https://www.amazon.com/Cole-Hersee-24059-BP-Insulated-Continuous/dp/B0064MX7US/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428011897&sr=8-1&keywords=12v+continuous+duty+solenoid

A note of caution here:  there are some listed versions of the 24059 that say they are 65 amp, and you want the 85 amp.  The 24059BP I ordered as a spare will show with an "24059-08-BP" at Amazon, but the package doesn't have the "-08" on it and it's 85A.  Apparently, according to one chart online, the "-08" designation is for 65A versions.

https://www.littelfuse.com/products/dc-solenoids-and-relays/standard-high-current-relays/continuous-duty-spst

Joel
« Last Edit: March 12, 2023, 01:12:57 AM by Joel Ashley »
Joel and Lee Rae Ashley
Clackamas, Oregon
36.9 ft. 2006 Monterey Ventura IV, aka"Monty Rae"
C9 400HP Cat

Tom Csibor

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Re: Allison transmission
« Reply #6 on: March 11, 2023, 02:13:50 AM »
Thank you all for all the great information. I will report back.


Dan Johnson

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Re: Allison transmission
« Reply #7 on: March 11, 2023, 11:22:46 PM »
Thanks for the great information. I printed a copy for my Beaver files

Dan
2002 Beaver Marquis Emerald
Cat C-12
Nebraska

Tom Csibor

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Re: Allison transmission
« Reply #8 on: March 11, 2023, 11:26:49 PM »
So far the voltage at the solenoids is at battery voltage.

Since it seems that while running, the battery voltage does not increase past 12 volts, I decided to check the alternator output. Lo and behold, it is only putting out 6 volts. Since the RV is in storage and I cannot get back to it until Monday, would anyone have the part number for a replacement alternator?


Frank Bergamo

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Re: Allison transmission
« Reply #9 on: March 11, 2023, 11:46:01 PM »
Best bet is to rebuild with Leece Neville original parts. Look for somebody local that can do the job. Ask a lot of questions. It is probably a 160 Amp alternator. Whatever you do, don’t let go of your original alternator. Hope this helps.
Frank & Paulette Bergamo
2019-       : 2007 Marquis Topaz IV  C-15 600 HP Allison 4000
2014-2019: 2002 Marquis Emerald C-12 505 HP Allison 4000
2004-2014: 1986 Executive Diplomat 3208 250 HP Allison MT-643
Grand Junction, CO.

Fred Brooks

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Re: Allison transmission
« Reply #10 on: March 12, 2023, 03:25:44 PM »
    Tom, Frank is giving you solid advice. Find a local alternator rebuild shop and have them rebuild  the unit. Should cost between $200 to 275.00 and make sure they test the "sense" wire. Fred
Fred & Cindy Brooks
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