Forum Discussion

jmcgsd's avatar
jmcgsd
Explorer
Jan 01, 2015

Slide goes out, not in.

I have a 28' TT with a slide. The mechanism appears to be a Happijack. I normally leave it with the slide extended. It's been in that position for about a month. I went to bring the slide in today and absolutely nothing happened when I moved the switch to "In". It is of course extended most of the way, however I can move the switch to the "out" position and the motor runs and the slide tries to move although it's fully extended.

That makes me think it's not a battery issue (and the battery monitor does show full charge.) I tried shorting the terminals with the same result as using the switch, so it's not a switch issue.

Any suggestions would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks.
Joe

11 Replies

  • jmcgsd's avatar
    jmcgsd
    Explorer
    Jan 10, 2015
    Thanks to all who responded.

    FYI it was a limit switch or the wiring to the limit switch. Once I located all the components and talked with Happijac support I disconnected the switch from the control module, shorted the connections with a paper clip and the slide retracted normally.

    It's scheduled to go to the dealer Tuesday to be repaired.
  • E_J_push_n_wind's avatar
    E_J_push_n_wind
    Explorer
    Jan 02, 2015
    It may not even have a limit switch. Mine doesn't, the operator is the limit switch. As long as you have the button depressed you can hear the motor engaging or attempting to if slide is against the "stop." either way. Just something else to consider FWIW.
  • jmcgsd's avatar
    jmcgsd
    Explorer
    Jan 02, 2015
    Mike Up wrote:
    Sounds like a limit switch problem. Make sure the retracted "IN" limit switch is not in the wrong position.

    I don't know the logic or circuit, so I really can't help you on that.

    Many times, limit switches defeat the activation by opening the limit switch. So if the switch thinks the slide is already at the 'in' position, it would be 'opened'. The switch will not be closed and it will not complete the circuit to retract the slide to the 'in' position.

    Of course if there is a logic controller, the switch position will need to be in the position that the logic needs to retract the slide in.


    One BIG problem is figuring out where all the components are located. The bottom of the TT is sealed.
  • Mike_Up's avatar
    Mike_Up
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2015
    Sounds like a limit switch problem. Make sure the retracted "IN" limit switch is not in the wrong position.

    I don't know the logic or circuit, so I really can't help you on that.

    Many times, limit switches defeat the activation by opening the limit switch. So if the switch thinks the slide is already at the 'in' position, it would be 'opened'. The switch will not be closed and it will not complete the circuit to retract the slide to the 'in' position.

    Of course if there is a logic controller, the switch position will need to be in the position that the logic needs to retract the slide in.
  • PenMan's avatar
    PenMan
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2015
    Had the same problem on my last trailer. A wire came loose from the switch because a wire nut was not tight. I soldered all the connections and never had another problem with it.
  • jmcgsd's avatar
    jmcgsd
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2015
    harley4275 wrote:
    could be that 1/2 the switch went faulty or corrosion on it . take switch out and reverse 'in' and 'out' wires. or could be same senario on motor end.


    No I don't think the switch is the problem. I did remove it and used a screwdriver to short the terminals. Just as with using the switch, the slide motor responds in the "out" but not in the "in" position. The connection from the circuit board to wherever is an RJ11 (telephone jack) style connector.

    As far as the manual override, I haven't found that. The instructions for the TT give very detailed instructions on how to use the override, but NOT WHERE TO FIND IT! The bottom of the TT is completely enclosed and I'm pretty certain it under there somewhere. Stupidly, I never asked the dealer about it when I did the pre-delivery inspection. :R
  • harley4275's avatar
    harley4275
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2015
    could be that 1/2 the switch went faulty or corrosion on it . take switch out and reverse 'in' and 'out' wires. or could be same senario on motor end.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Jan 01, 2015
    Have you recently removed your battery terminals. Perhaps you have them reversed.

    Roy Ken
  • Heavy_Metal_Doc's avatar
    Heavy_Metal_Doc
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2015
    This sounds like an electrical issue. If it where in a bind, then it would make the same noise / attempt to move in both directions, not just out.

    The motor is not getting juice for some reason for the in direction. If it where me, I'd find the wiring diagrams, or at worst, trace out the system to see what parts are involved. Is it simply a 12Volt DC motor with power polarity being reversed at the control switch to change rotation direction? I suspect it is. And, if so, you have to know the right way to check the switch.
  • powderman426's avatar
    powderman426
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2015
    If it's a single motor unit, (and all I have seen are) and the motor runs in one direction only, it probably is the switch either the one on the wall or the one under the trailer which is not really a switch, but a relay that lets the motor brake activate when not being moved either in or out.

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