A question for the electrically talented among us please. Can a motor run but get weak? My local motor place says its fine, my experiences tell me it's not. My slide is not binding, it is properly lubricated with Dri slide, but coming in it can not get over the hump without help. I have tested all power and grounds, the battery is fully charged, and the harness coming out of the frame at the slide motor matches voltage at the battery. The motor runs in both directions as it should. I know that electric motors have full power instantly, so can this thing be bad but still spin when powered? Thanks for any help.

Yes, Since DC motors have brushes the torque and speed will depend on how well the brushes contact the armature. Check for weak springs on the brushes and abnormal wear. Also you could have a burned out wire on the armature which will cause weaker torque.

If you can, check for voltage numbers when it's actually running, at both the battery and the motor. My first guess is that the battery is fully charged but weaker than it used to be. You might also get some food for thought by trying the motor while you're plugged in.Jim, "Mo' coffee!"

I was thinking low voltage to motor too. What is battery voltage before using slide, while using slide, after using slide? What is voltage at motor contacts in the same situations? My TT had the same issue and it ended up being a pinched wiring harness to the motor fixed under warranty. But I would look first at the seemingly full battery. My TT battery will indicate full on the built in panel but be low and run the slide motor slowly. It will indicate the same when well charged and run the slide motor much faster.Jim

The ONLY test for your problem is this.You take a good 12 volt battery and disconnect the 2 wire leads at the slide motor and connect 2 wires from the 12 volt battery direct to the slide motor and do your retract. IF it does NOT make it all the way in, the motor is weak and needs replacedLast, YES, a defective motor can operate fine on bench test but lack the power/torque when needed. WHY do you think they have stress tests for heart patients:B Doug

The rubber wiper and seals along the slide can stiffen with age causing greater friction while the slide moves thus slowing down the process. If the slide goes out OK but slows, drags, or even stops while going in, I bet the wipers on the side are not flexing and turning into the direction of the slide movement.

Electric slide motor conversation please. | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

HiTech
Explorer
May 02, 2013
I was thinking low voltage to motor too. What is battery voltage before using slide, while using slide, after using slide? What is voltage at motor contacts in the same situations?

My TT had the same issue and it ended up being a pinched wiring harness to the motor fixed under warranty. But I would look first at the seemingly full battery. My TT battery will indicate full on the built in panel but be low and run the slide motor slowly. It will indicate the same when well charged and run the slide motor much faster.

Jim
Handbasket
Explorer
May 02, 2013
If you can, check for voltage numbers when it's actually running, at both the battery and the motor. My first guess is that the battery is fully charged but weaker than it used to be. You might also get some food for thought by trying the motor while you're plugged in.

Jim, "Mo' coffee!"
1995brave
Nomad
May 02, 2013
Yes, Since DC motors have brushes the torque and speed will depend on how well the brushes contact the armature. Check for weak springs on the brushes and abnormal wear. Also you could have a burned out wire on the armature which will cause weaker torque.

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Electric slide motor conversation please.

13 Replies

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