Forum Discussion

cfdmedic's avatar
cfdmedic
Explorer
Aug 11, 2014

Leveling Jacks issue

On my 1999 Coachman Santara MBS the leveling jacks will not come down. The lights on the control panel are lit and when they are pressed they just dim a little with no jacks operating. The house batteries are at 12.98V, RV is in neutral with parking brake set. I was having an issue with the Coach battery disconnect switch but I think that is solved. I might replace it anyway. I have been working on this for about a month reading several forums but nothing seems to be the same as my issue. I have had 2 jacks replaced in the past but this is not the same issue. None of the jacks work.

Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions

Ron
Class A
  • cfdmedic's avatar
    cfdmedic
    Explorer
    Aug 15, 2014
    UPDATE: after talking with azpete from this forum, he helped me trouble shoot this issue and solved the issue.

    There are 2 inline fuses and 1 5-15 amp fuse in the main panel. After cleaning and replacing wires and tracing power, the issue was bad wires and connections that blew a fuse in the main panel. All signs showed a bad motor or relay but it was mostly bad wire that I replaced. Took a lot of time and phone calls but at no cost.

    Thanks again for all the help and advise from everyone..

    Happy camping

    Ron
  • robatthelake's avatar
    robatthelake
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2014
    Sounds to me like the 12 Volt motor on the Hydraulic Pump has died. These motors are available on e bay and other internet sources.
    They can also be rebuilt.

    Removal and replacement is relatively simple!

    Google search Monarch Pump Motors!
  • cfdmedic's avatar
    cfdmedic
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2014
    I went through reset the parking brake, checked the control board for loose wires (none) tightened the ground by the pump and tightened any suspicious looking connection. Still same results, I think the RV is now 50# lighter with all the rust on the ground and grease on my hands, arms and cloths. Hate to pay 100's of $$$ to get a bolt tightened at any RV repair place. Time to call......

    Oh and the lights on the control panel dim when I press any button.

    I'll have to find the control box and check connections on that and looks to be 4 fuses in there.. looks like I have the HWH 310 series.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Aug 12, 2014
    Sounds like a bad connection somewhere (Lights dim) on my coach engine is supposed to be running (not happening soon) and it's not "Really mash down" on the parking brake brake but often I have to set it, release it and set it again.

    The switch sticks.
  • cfdmedic's avatar
    cfdmedic
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2014
    The Jacks are HWH. The brake light is on and the lights are "normal" on the control panel. I do run the engine to engage the jacks and slide room. There is 12.7V at the fuse going to the pump and the fuse is good. I haven't had a chance to check grounds yet on the pump. (Looks like a piece of cake to get to....NOT) Thanks for all the help and advise, I will more than likely call HWH guy here to help me after I check a few more things.
  • azpete's avatar
    azpete
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2014
    verify what leveling system you have, and download a service manual for it. they are available on the internet. whether its power gear, hwh, or atwood, the service manuals are out there.
    follow the diagnostic steps to find the problem. all we can do here is give you an educated (?) guess.
    there is no substitute for a hands on check. if its hwh, please feel free to give me a vall. mayve i can help. i do work for hwh. 1-602-549-3638
  • wilanddij's avatar
    wilanddij
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2014
    The way you put it, it sounds like your jacks used to work, but now don't. It would probably help to know what kind of jacks you have; Powergear, HWH, etc.

    Are there any warning lights on the control panel? I have Powergear hydraulics, and the trans has to be in Park with the RV engine running and parking brake engaged for mine to work (14.4V from the alternator vs 12.9V from battery alone). Have you checked the park brake light switch?
  • B_B's avatar
    B_B
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2014
    I would start by cleaning and checking all the grounds.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Aug 11, 2014
    I really had to mash the parking brake down to get mine to operate.
    bumpy

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