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

Sam_Spade
Explorer
Aug 24, 2016
Ivylog wrote:
Do the headlights still shine when trying to start? If not then a battery/connection problem. If so then a key/starter problem.

Not necessarily.
The headlights may be on a relay that cuts them off when starting.
And your second part overlooks the starter relay/solenoid.
WyoTraveler
Explorer
Aug 24, 2016
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.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Aug 24, 2016
Do the headlights still shine when trying to start? If not then a battery/connection problem. If so then a key/starter problem.
gbopp
Explorer
Aug 24, 2016
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.
10forty2
Explorer
Aug 24, 2016
Old school diagnostic method...tap on the starter with a hammer several times. If it starts, then your starter is the problem.
Sam_Spade
Explorer
Aug 24, 2016
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.

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No-Start Class A

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