Coach Would Not Start

[Paul Meehan]

Pulled into Daytona International Speedway today for our first NASCAR race.  Before entering the infield we were staged for 1+ hour to complete the security check.  All bay doors were opened.  Once security completed their checks the bay doors were closed and we waited for everyone else in our row.  Then we were cleared to move on.  Tried to start the coach.  No sounds but the gauges did light up and on some the needles moved, but no start up.  We were running geny with one A/C running.  Turned off the A/C.  Left geny running.  DW told me all the bay door latches were not closed.  Did not feel this was an issue with top speed being 15 mph.  Did the knee bump on all doors and tried to start up once again.  It started!  Was this a coincidence or does an unlatched bay door not allow a coach to start?  TIA,

[Roy Warren Co-Admin]

Check to make sure your transmission is in neutral.  Can't start if not in neutral.
Roy Warren

[Dave Atherton]

Paul,
Don't know wiring of your motorhome but  I believe you have a neutral safety switch connected into your system. The unit will not start with the doors open. I have found that the neutral safety switch some times will give a person fits because of a dirty connection. Your neutral safety switch is located in the box with other fuses and switch’s. It has 8 little screws holding the cover in place.
Dave Atherton Retired Cat Mechanic

[Joel Ashley]

I drove halfway to Redmond from BCS in Bend unbeknownst with the electrical bay open, so apparently there is no cutout circuit.  A tech had not made sure the door was totally closed, yet the coach started.  The safety switch may apply only to the entry door, but i know at least it can be open with the engine already running.

Joel

[Keith Moffett]

Had a bay door pop open once while traveling but no engine cut out.  I don't know of any engine interrupt for bay doors. 

I was present when this no start happened once.  The engine was run for a two hour trip but when shut down briefly it would not turn over.  After several tries it tried to turn slowly but no start. 

I understand that the starter was dirty in and out due to the blow by tube being in just the wrong place.  Poor contacts and so on meant no power to starter.

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Check the large solenoid in the front electrical bay.
Steve

[Paul Meehan]

Tested the solenoid as you (Steve) detailed in a post last June.  All checked out 12volts on battery side (large cable on left) all other terminals no power.  Turned ignition switch to ACC, power as indicated on both sides.  Audible click as well.  Prayers being said in hopes coach will start on Sunday.  May test it tomorrow when the Xfinity race starts Friday evening.