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eadeal55's avatar
eadeal55
Explorer
Sep 28, 2019

Bounder Does Not Start

Does anyone have an ignition wiring diagram for a 2004 Ford F53 motorhome chassis?

I can get the Bounder to run if I put the ignition to on and cross the lugs at the starter but it will not start turning the key.

I have verified that AGM chassis battery is good (new) ignition switch (new), park/neutral switch (new), starter and starter solenoid (both pulled, cleaned and re-installed) and ignition fuses are all good.

I'm looking for a loose wire, ground or possibly broken ignition interlock. I've looked around the web for a specific 2004 F53 ignition wiring diagram but no joy. I also asked Fleetwood for tech assistance since I am the original owner, but nothing heard back from them.

I know there are some real technical wizards on this site that can tell me just where to check next.
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  • eadeal55's avatar
    eadeal55
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2019
    RLS7201 wrote:
    Also...........on the left side of your transmission is a neutral safety switch/range sensor, that could have failed.

    Richard


    Thanks Richard...I replaced the transmission mounted park/neutral safety switch back in Jan, and had it fine adjusted in Mar. MH has started since then so unless a new part failed, I'm looking for another culprit.
  • RLS7201's avatar
    RLS7201
    Explorer II
    Sep 29, 2019
    Also...........on the left side of your transmission is a neutral safety switch/range sensor, that could have failed.

    Richard
  • tropical36's avatar
    tropical36
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2019
    eadeal55 wrote:
    Gents...thanks for all the replys...

    I do have the electric jacks stowed, and slides and steps in. I have started the motorhome before with jacks down and slides out, so I don't believe there are ignition interlocks there.

    I have replaced that on frame starter solenoid between the steering column mounted ignition switch and the starter. It is located in the passenger side wheel well. The primary wire was loose on the small post, so I tightened it up, and also cleaned up the two large post wires.

    I have not replaced the key switch yet, but that might be my next item. Of course there is still high probability it is a ground somewhere in the ignition circuit. I'm still trying to find a usuable ignition wiring diagram without having to buy a $250 2004 F53 shop manual.

    So, with this, you're saying that there is no voltage on the aux. solenoid coil pos term and assume you're in command of a voltmeter?
    That being the case, is there voltage on the ignition sw. term.?
    If so, running a new wire from the sw. to the solenoid should do the trick. Try a temporary run for just touching it with 12v for beginners. If that doesn't get it, then possibly the sw. itself isn't making contact, when the key lock is turned.
    My old P30 chassis coach, had a steel rod down the side of the steering column, between the key lock and the ign. sw. that required some adjustment.
  • cavie's avatar
    cavie
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2019
    when you are tired of throwing parts at it. call an auto mechanic.
  • doxiemom11's avatar
    doxiemom11
    Explorer II
    Sep 29, 2019
    Yes that starter relay by the passenger wheel well failed on our too - replaced.
  • eadeal55's avatar
    eadeal55
    Explorer
    Sep 28, 2019
    Gents...thanks for all the replys...

    I do have the electric jacks stowed, and slides and steps in. I have started the motorhome before with jacks down and slides out, so I don't believe there are ignition interlocks there.

    I have replaced that on frame starter solenoid between the steering column mounted ignition switch and the starter. It is located in the passenger side wheel well. The primary wire was loose on the small post, so I tightened it up, and also cleaned up the two large post wires.

    I have not replaced the key switch yet, but that might be my next item. Of course there is still high probability it is a ground somewhere in the ignition circuit. I'm still trying to find a usuable ignition wiring diagram without having to buy a $250 2004 F53 shop manual.
  • tropical36's avatar
    tropical36
    Explorer
    Sep 28, 2019
    RLS7201 wrote:
    There is a starter relay between the key and starter solenoid, that is a known failure item. I believe it's close to the right fender well. It has probably failed.

    Richard

    My bet, as well and the DP's have an aux. solenoid that's prone to failure as well. Wherever the engine starter, this aux. or relay should be close by and jumping across it, should tell the story.
    Reading for voltage at the terminals with and without turning the ignition Sw., will tell you something as well.
  • RLS7201's avatar
    RLS7201
    Explorer II
    Sep 28, 2019
    There is a starter relay between the key and starter solenoid, that is a known failure item. I believe it's close to the right fender well. It has probably failed.

    Richard
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Sep 28, 2019
    I can't help you with the wiring diagram but I think you need to look at all of the interlocks that you may have. Levelers down? Steps extended? Slide interlock?
    Antenna extended? If you can jump across the starter, you should be able to measure with a voltmeter when/if voltage gets to the starter solenoid to energize it and trace that wire back to the ignition switch. Sorry I can't help more I'm just throwing out stuff that may or may not be on your coach.

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