Intermittent starter problem?

Question

It's only done this a couple of times and only once where I tried near everything for getting the starter to turn over, including jumper cables from the Jeep while it was running after trying the aux boost and even though, there was no indication that the batteries were low.
Then, when I pushed one of the remote security alarms to lock the door, it turned over immediately, but with the chirping and until I pushed the door open button. Also started right up a few time afterwards and will continue to try it every couple of days, while sitting in this campground.
Now firstly, the starter cutout option isn't even supposed to be on this coach, unless it was put on later. Furthermore, I heard the starter solenoid clicking away throughout this whole process, so is it possible to have a solenoid clicking and still no start or was this a real coincidence? I'm thinking the latter and that there is a hidden issue somewhere that might show up again, at the wrong time.
Sooooooooo, has anyone ever encountered this on a like or similar coach?

enblethen · Answer

You could be hearing the start relay and not the starter solenoid.
Locate the starter relay. Verify that the contacts are closing. You could use a single jumper between the two large posts. The starter solenoid should energize and turn engine over.

the_bear_ii · Answer

Sounds like the security system is at fault.  At first I was going to reply that the starter relay may be at fault they sometimes get a flat spot and that's why it works sometimes.  But it sounds like the alarm may be the cause.

olfarmer · Answer

I had an Itasca that did that. It turned out to be a bad chassis ground. I replaced the relay and even the starter before I finally found the bad ground. I cleaned that up and no more problems!
Good luck
Ed :)

tropical36 · Answer

enblethen wrote:You could be hearing the start relay and not the starter solenoid.Locate the starter relay. Verify that the contacts are closing. You could use a single jumper between the two large posts. The starter solenoid should energize and turn engine over.I crawled down under when it did that and it did sound like the solenoid as being close by, but then again, sound travels in funny ways. I think I know where the relay is, but should know more from the Spartan drawings being sent out to me before the end of the day.Just tried it again today and it started right up, so hopefully whatever it was won't happen again and if indeed it is the security system and even though, all the product providers say not.I've checked every connection possible, as well.Thanks to all and keep the suggestions coming....

sam_spade · Answer

tropical36 wrote:Thanks to all and keep the suggestions coming....Anything electronic can be intermittent.That includes the solenoid, starter itself and the transmission neutral safety switch.If it does this again, try shifting the gear selector to N.....and then back to P.

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Intermittent starter problem?

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