Not able to start motorhome

[islandduffer]

We were travelling home to Canada from Yuma, AZ. We stopped for over night at Superwalmart in Dickson City, PA. I went to turn on key for the mileage and there was nothing. We though that the battery was dead but when we checked it, it was fine. Tried a boost and nothing. We decided to call Good Sams and they sent a person that might have known what he was doing but did not have the tools. His fix was to bypass the ignition and did a hard start. The only problem with the first servicemans fix was a big safety issue. We had another service man come the next morning and did the same but this time a toggle switch was put in the MH. The system worked fine and got us home but now we have to determine what our real problem is. Most places don't even want to touch a MH when it comes to electricial. It looks like it could be the ignition switch not getting power. Wanted to see if any of you folks have come across a similar or same problem and how it was fixed. Our motorhome is a 2003 Winnebago BRAVE 33 ft.

[tropical36]

islandduffer wrote:
We were travelling home to Canada from Yuma, AZ. We stopped for over night at Superwalmart in Dickson City, PA. I went to turn on key for the mileage and there was nothing. We though that the battery was dead but when we checked it, it was fine. Tried a boost and nothing. We decided to call Good Sams and they sent a person that might have known what he was doing but did not have the tools. His fix was to bypass the ignition and did a hard start. The only problem with the first servicemans fix was a big safety issue. We had another service man come the next morning and did the same but this time a toggle switch was put in the MH. The system worked fine and got us home but now we have to determine what our real problem is. Most places don't even want to touch a MH when it comes to electricial. It looks like it could be the ignition switch not getting power. Wanted to see if any of you folks have come across a similar or same problem and how it was fixed. Our motorhome is a 2003 Winnebago BRAVE 33 ft.

Always mention your chassis type for the best response, but it sounds like what recently happened with us and the ignition sw. getting power but not making contact to the ECM, etc... You may want to completely read through this thread... Bad Ignition Switch

[Big_Blue]

So, the question is, how do you determine who made your ignition switch.

Note to self, get the igniton key off & away from the large clump of all other keys.

[roadboss15]

We have a 2001 35ft. Winnebago Brave. Have had two issues with the ignition switch. Almost caught fire. Hot enough to melt wires. Do you know if GM has recalled the switch to be fixed?

[iamcanuck45]

I'm not sure about GM, but Ford has a relay for the starter. Had the same issue 5 years ago. New relay, good to go.:B

[Gjac]

When you turn the key on is the dash completely dead(no lights)? Do your steps fail to operate also?

[SCVJeff]

kalsbeek wrote:
If your coach is on a Workhorse Chassis then don't be surprised if it has the GM ignition switch that are being recalled by GM.
Worth checking.
Let us know the outcome please.

Its a truck chassis, not a Saturn. Things just break

[doxiemom11]

One thing you could try - if it's the neutral control switch sometimes they will start in neutral when they will not start in park. Had that with a car once.

[JRandall]

wirenutz is on to something. GM ignition switches often wear out more quickly with heavy key rings. They are easy to purchase and replace. Most auto parts stores will have them in stock.

[wirenutz]

Just curious how many keys do you have on your motorhome key ring ?

[kalsbeek]

If your coach is on a Workhorse Chassis then don't be surprised if it has the GM ignition switch that are being recalled by GM.
Worth checking.
Let us know the outcome please.

[wolfe10]

Virtually by definition, whatever the second guy bypassed with the toggle switch is your culprit.

[Jagtech]

Certainly sounds like an ignition switch issue, or a transmission neutral safety switch.