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Stormy_Eyes's avatar
Stormy_Eyes
Explorer
Mar 04, 2016

RV won't start

We are newbies experiencing trouble starting out recently acquired 2005 Itasca Suncruiser gasser with workhorse chassis. I'm new to rv's and have never even worked on my cars. I am waiting for a call back from mobile service, but thought I might ask smart people here while I wait.

Last evening it would not start...no dashboard dummy lights or sound when turned the key. Battery boast switch did not help nor did it jump start. Chassis batter read low with multimeter, so we ran a battery charger overnight. Battery reads well this am. Dash dummy lights came on when key turned to acc. When turned to strart, dash lights flashed on, then a click, then nothing. Now back to no sound, no lights when we turn the key. Might somebody share some thoughts of possible problems or any basics a newbie might try?

Thanks
Windy
  • Next time your near a Big Box store drop in a buy an inexpensive bottle of noalox - apply after you clean your terminals and you won't have corrosion issues.
  • Stormy Eyes wrote:
    Thanks everybody. We cleaned and tightened the battery connections. Then she started right up. Your help got us going and saved a service call. Thanks so much.

    It's amazing what a little corrosion (even if you can't see it) will do.
    When you get a chance, find the ground connection on the frame. Clean and tighten it, you'll be good to go.
  • Thanks everybody. We cleaned and tightened the battery connections. Then she started right up. Your help got us going and saved a service call. Thanks so much.
  • A lot of responses while I was typing but here goes anyway. Windy, If you have a multi-meter (if you don,t you should get an inexpensive one and learn how to use it, they are priceless in these type of conditions) put test leads on the chassis battery terminal post not terminal but post. Should read approx. 12.6 volts, then have some one try to start and see if the voltage drops. If it drops significantly then your batteries are bad and should be replaced, but if it stays at above 12 volts then put the test leads on terminal on the end of the battery wire and test again by trying to start. If the the voltage then drops significantly clean them battery terminals and the inside of terminal lead of corrosion. Also then clean the ground wires the the frame. Hope this helps. Please post your results and then more trouble shooting can be given if needed.
    Blessings; Keith
  • Workhorse at one time had an issue with the ground cable connection to the chassis. If all of the battery terminals are clean and if the problem still exists, check where the ground cable connects to the chassis.
  • Are your battery terminals clean? When mine get a little corrosion it causes starting problems.
    You said you charged and checked the battery and it's good?

    Pull the cables off and clean the terminals, even if they look okay.
    Always start with the simple things.
  • Could very well be as simple as corrosion on the battery posts or side terminals depending on battery type. Have had that happen before on different cars/trucks. Easy to clean if you have tools to remove the battery cable clamps and something to brush the contact points with.
  • Sounds like bad batteries.
    Would change them first...all of them.
    Then verify charger working properly.
  • Is it in PARK? Don't get mad or laugh, I actually had my Step-father come over because I couldn't start my RV. Had same issues, lights came on, but nothing. I didn't have it in PARK. My face is still red.