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SNOPRO711X's avatar
SNOPRO711X
Explorer
Jun 11, 2017

2003 Itasca DP does not always start

Last week I got the oil changed on my motor home. On the way home I stopped for fuel. When I tried to start the rig nothing happened when I turned the key. The next time I tried to start the rig it fired right up. It started just fine after that until today. Today it acted up again. About half the time nothing would happen when you turned the key. I checked the voltage at the battery and got 12.59 volts. That seems a little low to me. The batteries are not quite 3 years old.

When it does not start it does not even try to turn over

Any ideas.
  • Ours became sporadic, starting/not starting. The main wire bundle coming from the power plant in back was attached to the firewall in front. A slight tug on it and it came loose. Turns out it had never been crimped. The only thing holding it in placed was some shrink tubing. This after 11 years. So glad we found it as it had started to die going down the road. The connection was getting looser all the time. I had visions of going off a mountain after losing power. It would normally come right back, only being "disconnected" for a few seconds, but it was scary stuff. No more.

    Dale
  • When I turn the key all the normal lights on the dash come on. When I move the key to the start position the starter does not even engage.
  • If by nothing when you turn the key, you mean not even a click, but the dash lights come on, then I would suspect your neutral safety switch or the linkage to it. If you mean not even the dash lights, then the ignition switch itself. If you short across the starter will the engine crank?

    I had a sedan that would only start in cold weather. It needed a new neutral safety cable. The cable expanded just enough in hot weather to prevent the switch from activating. I was able to start the car for a while before the repair by hot wiring it.
  • your battery is a little low. but I,d start at the cables take both off clean ,also check water level in battery charge .might even have a load test done.
  • At one time I owned a 2003 Winnebago DP. As I recall, some owners had an issue with the ignition switch. Also, there are 2 or 3 relays mounted on the chassis near the starter that have had issues as well.