Author Topic: Headlights and brake lights not working  (Read 2838 times)

Albert Balika

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Headlights and brake lights not working
« on: August 01, 2020, 06:46:41 PM »
I have a 2007 42ft Contessa Bayshore with C-9. With engine running, park brake on, I have no headlights or brake lights. All other lights are working. Any thoughts?
07 Contessa 42'
C9

Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: Headlights and brake lights not working
« Reply #1 on: August 01, 2020, 07:36:25 PM »
Albert,
Interesting. Are you sure everything else is working?? The ign has to be on for headlights to work but brake lights should work with it off. Only common point for both is connector VCL, the one in the upper right (Frnt) corner of the front elect bay PCB. Make sure it is connected. Other areas on the front elec bay PCB that I'd check are F24- Headlight battery voltage, F 81 - Brake light battery voltage, F28 - Brake Switch battery voltage and Relay R11 - Headlights, and Relay R19 - Brake lights.
Steve
Steve
2015-          07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp

Albert Balika

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Re: Headlights and brake lights not working
« Reply #2 on: August 02, 2020, 12:52:59 AM »
Steve, Thanks again, for your help. I checked all fuses you suggested and fuse F-81 was bad. I replaced it and I now have brake lights, but no headlights. I presume the relays you suggested checking R-I1 and R-19 (which I don't have), are actually RL-11 and RL-19 (which I do have). Interestingly, I do not have an RL-11 relay (it is missing and not laying on the bay floor). I have no clue as to why it is missing. Is it the same as the RL-19 relay? If so, I will purchase one. Let me know what you think. Also, what does the VCL connector look like so I can chech that possibility.
07 Contessa 42'
C9

Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: Headlights and brake lights not working
« Reply #3 on: August 02, 2020, 01:25:39 AM »
Albert,
VCL connector circled on attached photo. If you don't have an R11 relay you won't have headlights. Remove R12, (porch light) and insert in R11 socket to see if that fixes headlight problem. If so, get one just like it at any auto parts store. Just be sure the new one has the same number of connector blades (5) as the one in your coach. It is an RL45 relay.
Steve
Steve
2015-          07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp

Eric Maclean

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Re: Headlights and brake lights not working
« Reply #4 on: August 02, 2020, 03:00:06 PM »
Albert
Have you tried the head lights with the parking brake released?
Some Day time running light systems are tied into the parking brake so that the lights aren't on when the park brake is on.
Just a thought
Eric
1997 Patriot Yorktown
3126-B
2009 Chevy HHR
Roadmaster falcon tow bar
Demco Air Force one tow brake.

Albert Balika

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Re: Headlights and brake lights not working
« Reply #5 on: August 06, 2020, 11:30:31 PM »
Jim and Eric, Thank you both for your help. I did not have an R-11 relay (still a mistery to me as to why). I used the R-12 relay as you suggested Jim, started the coach, released the park brake and everything works. I tried several auto parts stores to duplicate the R-12 relay, came close but not the exact relay. Mine is a 12VDC Tyco 0-1432785-1. Any thoughts as to where I can purchase the relay? I would like to get a chart (not a wiring diagram) which indicates what all fuses and relays are for. Is there such a chart available? As I mentioned, my previous coach was a Monaco Dynasty and it had a chart on the bay door describing the use for each relay and fuse.
07 Contessa 42'
C9

Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: Headlights and brake lights not working
« Reply #6 on: August 07, 2020, 12:35:41 AM »
Albert,
Glad I was able to help.
A couple of sources for the relay;
https://www.autozone.com/electrical-and-lighting/relay-and-resistors&filterByKeyWord=rl+45+relay&fromString=search&isIgnoreVehicle=false&model=RL
https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-88069-Universal-Pin-Relay/dp/B00NF0ICSO/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=Rl45+relay&qid=1596755910&sr=8-5

The diagrams you are looking for are in Coach Assist.
Log in and go to the Private BAC Members Only board and select the Coach Assist post. Click on the hyperlink.
Page down to the Contessa section of Wiring Diagrams.
Select 2007 - 2008 Wiring diagrams and open it.
The 3rd entry should be 2007 Contessa Frnt Elec Bay Fuse ID.
The 5th entry should be 2007 Contessa Frnt Elec Bay PCB Layout.
Steve
Steve
2015-          07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp

Eric Maclean

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Re: Headlights and brake lights not working
« Reply #7 on: August 08, 2020, 01:12:37 AM »
Albert
Glad to hear you got it sorted out
Eric
1997 Patriot Yorktown
3126-B
2009 Chevy HHR
Roadmaster falcon tow bar
Demco Air Force one tow brake.