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brianseay1's avatar
brianseay1
Explorer
Oct 03, 2018

Engine starting issues

For awhile now ( meaning over a year) i have noticed at times I can turn the ignition key and it will just click. You could do this 2-3 times and then it would start no problem. the issue would come and go. Well two weeks ago we were getting ready to go to Tuscaloosa for the weekend and tailgate and I like to have never got it to start. It finally did start and we headed out on our trip. On sunday when it was time to come home we had the same issue. But this time I did notice the Battery Low voltage light came on. I drove two hundred miles home, backed the RV into the garage and turned it off. Hit the ignition just to see if it would start and it just clicked. Just put two new batteries on it today and it still does the same thing. Eventually you turn the key enough times it will start with no problem. It is a 2007 Coachman Cross Country 389ds. This is the first set of batteries I have installed.Can someone point me in the right direction of what I need to be to looking for ? going to be working on it this weekend, we have a trip planned in two weeks and I need to get it fixed. Thanks for any and all input
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  • fivejackie's avatar
    fivejackie
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2018
    Get a special designed wire brush at any auto parts store to clean battery terminals and connectors. Start there.
  • Jim's avatar
    Jim
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2018
    Had the same issue with a Cummins diesel. Turn the key, nothing. Lights didn't dim either. Over the years paid a handful of money for techs to work on the problem and even after replacing the starting motor, it persisted (though it started quickly with the new motor, allowing the mechanic to call it good). Since I was always traveling, could never get a handle on it nor could the techs that worked on it. Even paid for a starting motor rebuild down in Mexico.

    So, over 12 years with the problem, and a few hundred dollars spent, never found what it was. Seemed to be heat related and if I just WAITED for 1/2 hour, it would crank right over. Gave up and lived with it until I sold the RV.
  • brianseay1's avatar
    brianseay1
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2018
    Have not noticed if the headlights dim or not. Will take a look when I work on it Friday
  • Big_Katuna's avatar
    Big_Katuna
    Explorer II
    Oct 03, 2018
    Do the lights (headlights, dome light, etc.) dim when its clicking?

    Sometimes battery cables can look clean but can fool you.

    Or bad starter. You can take that off and have it tested.
  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2018
    u replaced the battery so the terminals are clean but did you clean the battery cable ends? do u have 12v at the battery side of the solonoid and 12v at the starter side of tge so.onoid? just trace the path of the power down to the starter...assume nothing.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Oct 03, 2018
    Just a click is very typical of a bad starter. But, you need to also look at the ignition switch, and the hi tension leads from battery to starter. Also take the battery out and have it load tested.

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