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moman1's avatar
moman1
Explorer
May 15, 2013

Problems with batteries

I posted a thread a couple weeks ago regarding my dead batteries. Here's an update:

I was able to disconnect the motor batteries and charge them up to full and they have held the charge nicely. When I went to hook them back up, they aren't working right. I have the negatives on and one of the positives. But when I connect the last cable (a black cable with three separate ringlets, the engine tries to start all by itself. Has anyone heard of this? Does anyone know what might be the problem? I think I have tried every combination of wire hook up but I'm pretty certain this is the way it was.

Thanks!

Kevin
Class A

18 Replies

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  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    May 15, 2013
    Matt was wondering what you are working on. I'm guessing that it is a 2012 Fleetwood Discovery 40G because it is what is listed in your profile, but I could be groping in the dark here. You might have brought something else to play with. Am also guessing that we are talking about a Cummins, but no idea what model? If it is the 2012 Fleetwood, isn't it under warranty???
    Any warranty would be void after he worked on the rig.

    OP You will need to get it resolved without driving as you don't want the starter running with the engine.

    And friendly advice: Before doing any future work take pictures.
  • RayChez's avatar
    RayChez
    Explorer
    May 15, 2013
    Not sure if you have a cat or cummins, but the cat starter is on the passenger side towards the rear of the engine. Easy to get to. Not sure about cummins.
  • wny_pat1's avatar
    wny_pat1
    Explorer
    May 15, 2013
    moman1 wrote:
    Matt_Colie wrote:
    With on hint what you are working on, it is kind of hard to even guess. If it is the solenoid that is hung up, then a tap with a hammer will usually make it let go.

    Good Luck

    Matt


    Thanks for the tip! Now I just need to figure out where the starter is. I've heard this from one other place in my research on this problem. I'm not too familiar with working on diesel engines though, but I'll take a look tomorrow.

    Kevin

    Matt was wondering what you are working on. I'm guessing that it is a 2012 Fleetwood Discovery 40G because it is what is listed in your profile, but I could be groping in the dark here. You might have brought something else to play with. Am also guessing that we are talking about a Cummins, but no idea what model? If it is the 2012 Fleetwood, isn't it under warranty???

    And if you don't know where the starter is on a Cummins, you should not be tearing into that engine!
  • moman1's avatar
    moman1
    Explorer
    May 15, 2013
    Matt_Colie wrote:
    With on hint what you are working on, it is kind of hard to even guess. If it is the solenoid that is hung up, then a tap with a hammer will usually make it let go.

    Good Luck

    Matt


    Thanks for the tip! Now I just need to figure out where the starter is. I've heard this from one other place in my research on this problem. I'm not too familiar with working on diesel engines though, but I'll take a look tomorrow.

    Kevin
  • Mandalay_Parr's avatar
    Mandalay_Parr
    Explorer
    May 15, 2013
    A good rule of troubleshooting is to go back to the last place you were. And that is the battery wiring. If it worked right before and not now, I would highly suspect the battery wiring.
  • Matt_Colie's avatar
    Matt_Colie
    Explorer II
    May 15, 2013
    With on hint what you are working on, it is kind of hard to even guess. If it is the solenoid that is hung up, then a tap with a hammer will usually make it let go.

    Good Luck

    Matt
  • cpmath's avatar
    cpmath
    Explorer
    May 15, 2013
    You didn't take digital photos or draw a wiring diagram BEFORE you took the wires off?
  • 23hotrodr's avatar
    23hotrodr
    Explorer
    May 15, 2013
    It sounds like your start solenoid is stuck in the "on" position. Possibly the contacts have fused together.

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