I have a 1994 Damon Challenger 31' class A motorhome on a Chevrolet chassis with the 454 engine. About 85,000 miles on the rig. Last week, it would not start; turn the key, and click only. The chassis battery had been showing no problems, but I had been meaning to replace it, so I bought a new one and installed it. Same result. Headlights shine bright, heater blower is strong. Before I replace the starter (which also has shown no prior signs of distress) what other avenues should I address? I suspect that it is something relatively simple. Or maybe I am the simple one....The good news is that it is at my home, with no immediate need to move it. Thanks to all in advance.

First you should be sure that the new battery is fully charged.For that, you will need a battery charger and a multi-meter.Next, you need to check the connections on the main battery cables; ALL of the connections, at both ends.If all of that is good.....as verified with a meter while trying to start....then the next suspect is the starter solenoid which can also be tested in place.

Old school diagnostic method...tap on the starter with a hammer several times. If it starts, then your starter is the problem.

Make sure your battery terminals are clean and tight. A little corrosion, even if you can't see it, will cause problems.It's cheap and easy. And, should be done before you start checking other things.

Do the headlights still shine when trying to start? If not then a battery/connection problem. If so then a key/starter problem.

Use a multimeter one lead on starter ground lead. Other lead on starter plus lead. Read the voltage when you turn ignition to start. If voltage drops probably bad contacts. Could be eithe ground lead or plus lead.

No-Start Class A | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

Challenger94
Explorer
Oct 10, 2016
Update -- finally had the coach towed to repair shop last week. It was the starter. Back on the road again.
Hank_MI
Explorer
Aug 25, 2016
Had the same issue on a 94 Bounder, P32 and 454. Had side post battery connections. The plus side had a brass post in it so several cables could be bolted on the end of it. That post was nearly stripped out so not making good contact. Replaced it and all was good. Don't know if you have the same setup but worth mentioning.
Sam_Spade
Explorer
Aug 25, 2016
Challenger94 wrote:
but all signs are pointing to the starter. Again, thank you all for your suggestions!

Testing the solenoid is really easy.....if you have two people and a meter. NOT doing that before you shell out hundreds of dollars for a new starter and maybe more hundreds for installation is just plain foolish.

ALL signs are NOT pointing to the starter yet......unless the solenoid is inside it.

Oh, and you can't assess the quality of the cable connections by just looking at them.....or even by tugging on them either. But that can be tested too by seeing if you are getting voltage TO the starter.
ro_sie
Explorer
Aug 25, 2016
That click sound is very telling. I could be wrong, but in my past, when I have heard that sound, it means the starter is bad. Because we are talking about a huge rig here it will not help you to do what I have done in a car. I have given it a nudge, just enough to roll the starter a bit and tried it again. sometimes the starter will have a dead spot in it and rolling it over a tiny bit gets it off the dead spot and it will start. At least gets you to a place where you can replace the starter :)
Challenger94
Explorer
Aug 25, 2016
Nope. Still no start, even with new battery. That's what prompted my initial post.
Goldencrazy
Explorer
Aug 25, 2016
I assume it has started since the install of the new battery. Simple logic says to me when I change something and a new thing stops working then return to square one or leave Camping World.
Challenger94
Explorer
Aug 25, 2016
Ha! I'd love a new Prevost! But the Challenger is paid-for. That's my favorite feature.

Yes, I've tried the emergency start switch on the dashboard. No joy. And the coach batteries are fully charged. The terminals and connections on the chassis battery appear to be clean, but it is easy enough to clean them. I'll get at that this weekend. I'll also check the charge of the new battery I just bought but all signs are pointing to the starter. Again, thank you all for your suggestions!
Executive45
Explorer III
Aug 24, 2016
I'd start looking at a new Prevost....:B:B....Dennis

1. Have you tried using the battery boost switch?
2. Have you fully charged the battery(s)?
3. Are all battery terminals clean and tight?
4. Are all connections tight on the ignition switch?
Yankee_Clipper
Explorer
Aug 24, 2016
Sounds to me like a bad solenoid, which, for GM products is usually on the starter. HTH.
Sam_Spade
Explorer
Aug 24, 2016
WyoTraveler wrote:
Use a multimeter one lead on starter ground lead. Other lead on starter plus lead. Read the voltage when you turn ignition to start. If voltage drops probably bad contacts. Could be eithe ground lead or plus lead.

SIGH.

Have you actually ever DONE that ??

A starter draws a HUGE amount of current and the voltage measured at the starter itself will always show a significant drop, even when everything is working right. Seeing 11 volts is common, maybe even a bit less.

Or maybe I mis-understand your suggestion.

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No-Start Class A

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