IDS Leveling system won't retract

[Bill Johnson]

The IDS jacks on our 02 Patriot will not retract nor extent.  They are currently in the extended position.  The reservoir is full and the pump runs but nothing happens.  We were able to level the coach last week but now when we try to raise (or lower) the only sound we get is of the jack pump running.  Note, with the jacks extended I was able to add about a quart of hydraulic fluid to the reservoir but the jacks still will not retract (on our coach the pump/reservoir is located behind the right rear tires, behind the fuel and oil filters and is a real bear to reach).  Any suggestions and advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Edward Buker]

Bill,

You may end up with a bit of a mess when the jacks do retract and push fluid back to the reservoir but hopefully not. The only thing I can come up with is a stuck solenoid valve. It is unsafe to get under the coach and rap on any valve while supported on the jacks with the pump running trying to retract. You might try starting the engine, building air, hopefully the air springs are in a position to inflate. Perhaps with the load off of the cylinders, if something was binding, they may retract. I would call BCS on Monday and see what they have to say. Be careful and do not be tempted to get under the coach without it being adequately supported and blocked.

Later Ed

[Bill Johnson]

Hi Ed,
Thanks for the suggestions.  I have inflated and deflated the aiirbags (3 times) but so far no luck in getting the jacks to move.  I thought there miight be a problem with the pump, so I extended the slide and it worked fine.  A stuck solenoid sounds reasonable but my problem is in knowing where a "master" solenoid would be located.  I can find the solenoids for the individual jacks, but since none come up, I'm wondering if there is a "master" valve/solenooid somewhere.
Again, thanks for the suggestions (and warnings about getting stuck under the rig), if tappiing doesn't work, I will give BCS or Tom Halter (Advantage RV in Bend) a call on Monday.

[Edward Buker]

Bill,

I assume you are also trying the manual retract button. The fact that the slide works answers the question about the pump operation providing pressure. Sounds like the valves are not opening and allowing flow to the cylinders that force retraction. I have not had to work on any of the hydraulics or pump so I have no real knowledge of what one might try..... given that I went to the tap it with a hammer when all else is an unknown :-) All I have done, work wise on this system, is to replace some of the push button retract switches that sense when a cylinder is fully retracted.

 Keep us posted, we will all learn something here.

Later Ed

[Bill Johnson]

Ed. I have tried manual retract and semi-automatic leveling, both to no avail.  So, next I will try tapping on the solenoids.  But, first I will l have to dig a trench under the rig to give me "space" so if the jacks retract (with the air bags inflated) I won't be flattenend.  
Again, Ed, thanks for your input.
Bill

[Karl Welhart]

Bill,

What are the lights doing on your control panel when you try to retract or level?

[Bill Johnson]

Karl,
When I try to level, the lights on the control panel cycle through the four corners and then the two front ones light and the center "level" light blinks.  This occurs after the air is dumped from the air bags.  When the system tries to level the coach, the pump is activated, but no pressure is applied to any of the jacks.  When I go to retract (manual or automatic) the rear, left and right lights blink off and on, as the pump runs and nothing else happens.

[Karl Welhart]

Bill,

I am assuming that you are level when this situation occurs?  I appears that your control panel is working.  Just a suggestion, you may want to unscrew your control panel and disconnect the power connector from the panel.  Wait a few minutes than connect back the control panel.  Your other option may be to manually retract each jack.

[Bill Johnson]

Karl, the control panel seems to be working fine.  How do you manually retract each jack?
Bill

[Karl Welhart]

Bill,

Loosen the line from the top of the jack.  You do not need to take it completely off.  The hydraulic oil will come out of the fitting slowly as you push the jack up in the cylinder. Then tighten the fitting before driving away. The air bags should be pressurized during this operation. BTW. I would still try to reset your control panel before going to the trouble of manually retracting the jacks.

[Bill Johnson]

Thanks Karl, I will try resetting the control panel before doing the manual retract and will let you know the result.
Bill

[LarryNCarolynShirk]

Bill,

I think there is a side panel covering your pump that is removable. There should be 2 screws holding the bottom.  Remove those screws and swing the panel up out of the way to gain better access to the pump/valves.  If yours has a removable panel, it sure beats digging a trench.  It must be frustrating trying to excape 100 degree weather, and not being able to move the coach.  I wish you success.

Larry

[Bill Johnson]

Hi Larry,
Our pump is behind the fuel filters, behind the passenger side rear tires.  If only they had put it under the step!
And yes, it would be nice to get out of the 100 degree (plus) weather.  Thanks for the good wishes.  We will hopefully get out of here as soon as this issue is resolved.
Bill

[Bill Johnson]

IDS update:
I removed the touchpad as suggested -- Unfortunately that made no difference.  Then with a small hammer I tapped each of the solenoids, again nothing happened.  I then replaced the touchpad with a new one, again no difference.  
This is not the update I wanted to share with you, but as it stands, I'm at a dead end.  It looks like I will be phoning Bend tomorrow.
Bill

[Jerry and Kay Hudson]

Hi,

I have two of the spare brains for the IDS system. Let me know if you need one. All I want for them is what I paid.

Good luck with this system.

Regards,
Jerry