Forum Discussion

afrescopXx's avatar
afrescopXx
Explorer
Oct 28, 2015

Is it the chassis or coach?

Recently I noticed that when I attempted to activate the high beams by pressing the turn signal stalk forward the headlights turned off. I then discovered the "flash to pass" feature activated by pulling back on that same stalk was not working. Since my Itasca is on the Ford F-53 chassis and still under their warranty I took it to a locat Ford dealer. The service writer brought their electrical "expert" out to look at my coach. He declared the problem to be in the coach and not the stalk switch. The "expert" stated that since turn signals and wiper/washer, all on the same stalk, were working it wasn't the switch.

Here is one more thing. As I was backing the RV out of the storage place my wife told me the rear passenger side brake light was not working. When we returned from the Ford dealer I removed the lens to access the bulb. The light fixture contains two bulbs. I replaced the bulb only to discover that the brake and turn signals on that side still are not working. The other bulb works as it is supposed to as a tail light. The front passenger side turn signal bulb is also working.

I believe the "expert" is incorrect and both items are connected. Any ideas?
Class A

7 Replies

  • Rickieblue's avatar
    Rickieblue
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2015
    It is very rare to burn out 2 headlights at the same time. I would watch the charging voltage while running, make sure it doesn't go too high. Another thing would be a fairly heavy vehicle impact while the high beams were on.
  • afrescopXx's avatar
    afrescopXx
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2015
    Took my son, Masters degree in civil engineering, over to the RV this morning. I explained the headlamp/high beam issue to him. My son said it sounded to him like the high beam filaments were burned out. He removed on headlamp assembly, a 9007, and then we headed to AutoZone. I purchased a package of two lamps and we headed back to the RV. After my son installed the new headlamp the daytime running light, low and high beams all worked as they were intended. We also replaced the bulb in the taillight assembly and now everything is functioning as it should.

    See what a son's four and half years of college does for a father? Also, the Ford mechanic's assessment was correct.
  • Rickieblue's avatar
    Rickieblue
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2015
    It could be a fuse..this is copied right from a document I found..
    The headlamp switch on the F-Super Duty Class A
    Motor Home Chassis (F53) utilizes one 20 amp fuse for
    the headlamp high beam circuit and two 10 amp fuses
    for low beam.
    If a fuse is blown it could depend on how and where the light wire harness is mounted and secured..that would most definitely be a coach manufacturer problem. Here is a link to a document I found..might help!
    F53 document link
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Oct 29, 2015
    The turn signals go through the brake light circuit goes through the multi-function switch to allow them to work. Otherwise the front turn signals would come on when brakes were applied.
  • phillyg's avatar
    phillyg
    Explorer II
    Oct 28, 2015
    I've had some experience with the F53 chassis and I have to agree it's the stalk lever switch. Back lights, however, we're modified by the coach mfgr.
  • Ed_Gee's avatar
    Ed_Gee
    Explorer II
    Oct 28, 2015
    Regarding your steering column stalk, I would say your Ford "expert" is an idiot. Not necessarily so with the tail light problem as the coach manufacturer did part of that installation....

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