Smart Wheel Controller Location

[Peter Whiting]

I read an older thread which said the 2008 Beavers may not have a Smartwheel controller box but may use a chassis control box. Where can I find this?  We have no wipers or cruise control.  The windshield washer works intermittently so I suspect there may be a loose connection somewhere but don't know where to look.

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Peter,
Look in the 2008 Contessa Wiring Diagrams in Coach Assist. The Smart Wheel controller, per the diagram, is designed to be mounted in the passenger compartment of the vehicle and not exposed to engine type temperatures. https://www.beaveramb.org/resources/Documents/Technical%20Forum/Coach%20Assist/Wiring%20Diagrams/2008-Contessa-Chassis-Wiring-Diagrams.zip
Possible locations are in the dash via the access panel, in the console to the left of the driver, or behind a panel in an overhead cabinet. If I remember correctly, the late model Patriots and Marquis had the controller approach you referenced.
Steve

[Peter Whiting]

Hi Steve,

I have removed the access panel to the left of the driver's seat, a panel in the overhead above the driver's seat and also removed the radio to look behind.  I see nothing that looks like a controller box.  Not sure where to turn next.

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Peter,
Sorry for sending you on a "wild goose chase." If your 08 is like my 07 the controller is in the front electrical bay beneath the driver's position. Mine is mounted on the front wall of the bay. On the 07  fuse F5 is for the controller.
Again, sorry for the mis-information.
Steve

[Bill Lampkin]

Mine is in the front run bay, outside compartment forward of left front wheel.

[Peter Whiting]

That was the first place we looked.  I don't see it there.  The SmartWheel troubleshooting sheet and wiring schematic found in Coach Assist specifically say the controller should be mounted in the passenger compartment.  Still looking.

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Peter,
Unless they changed the design for 2008, this is what you are looking for.
Steve

[Peter Whiting]

I didn’t see anything that resembled that.  I did find a control box for the Alladin system behind a panel in the overhead cabinet above the driver’s seat.  That may come in handy some day.

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Peter,
Your symptoms may well be a poor connection at the clock spring in your smart wheel. BTW, the controller indicated in the diagram has the same part and revision # as the one I sent a picture of.
Steve

[Peter Whiting]

If I could only find it.....

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Peter,
Some basic questions re your cruise control;
•   Has is worked in the past?
•   Does it work with the exhaust brake on and off? Depending on how the coach is programmed some cruise control units will not work if the exhaust brake is turned on.
•   Will your check engine light come on if you push the cruise control On switch multiple times? (It should if the unit is working like the 07s).
•   Does the High Idle function work? (see pg 184 of the owner’s manual). Engine running and transmission in neutral. Turn CC on and press/hold Set button. Engine RPM should increase. Press/hold Resume button and RPM should decrease.
•   My CC takes a few seconds, up to 15 or so, to turn on after the On switch is pushed. It also takes a few seconds to engage after I push the Set switch.

Steve

[Peter Whiting]

Peter,
Some basic questions re your cruise control;
•   Has is worked in the past? The CC has worked flawlessly since we purchased the coach some 5000 miles ago.
•   Does it work with the exhaust brake on and off? Depending on how the coach is programmed some cruise control units will not work if the exhaust brake is turned on. Yes, works (or did work) with or without the exhaust brake being on.
•   Will your check engine light come on if you push the cruise control On switch multiple times? (It should if the unit is working like the 07s).Check engine light does not come on.
•   Does the High Idle function work? (see pg 184 of the owner’s manual). Engine running and transmission in neutral. Turn CC on and press/hold Set button. Engine RPM should increase. Press/hold Resume button and RPM should decrease. I will check this today
•   My CC takes a few seconds, up to 15 or so, to turn on after the On switch is pushed. It also takes a few seconds to engage after I push the Set switch.Ours always came on instantly and responded right away to pressing the set button.

Steve

[Peter Whiting]

I have removed the 2 plastic sleeves below the steering wheel and wiggled the wires going up into the SmartWheel.  Everything seems to work now.  However, I want to remove the horn pad and make sure the connections are good at the clock spring.

I cannot find the "cleverly hidden" (as another poster described it on another forum) 5mm screw to loosen so the pad can be removed.  I have searched repeatedly.  I have attached images of the bottom of the steering wheel.  If anyone has an idea of where the screw is located, I would be forever grateful to learn of its location.

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Peter,
Be sure to remove 12v to disable the steering wheel air bag.

From page 183 of the 08 Contessa Owners Manual: "The steering wheel system consists of electronic modules enclosed in the steering wheel and the Master Controller typically located behind the access panel on the driver’s console."      If your console is like the 07 there are 2 panels and you have to remove both to see everything that is packed into the area.

Glad you located the problem. My questions were to see if the switche were making contact through the clock spring.
Steve

[Peter Whiting]

Hi Steve,

I had seen the information in the owner’s manual.  I think the operative word in the statement is “typically”.  I had removed the access panel and looked inside with a flash light and did not see a controller.  If it is in there, it is very far forward and out of sight. 

Still haven’t found the 5mm screw to release the padded horn button.