Help! My Motorhome won't start...?

[charles tuit]

Originally Posted by FIRE UP

Hey Ramzfan,

Yes, you do have a "Battery Boost" switch/toggle on the dash. I'm suspecting that you may have already tried using it by the time you read this but, if not, then try it. Hold it down just before you crank the engine. Now, if that doesn't help, I'd definitely check ALL the battery connections which, includes the negative battery cable-to-frame one(s). I've seen a few that were severely corroded/rusted due to neglect. There is also a secondary start relay system that does all the dirty work of connecting the batteries to the starter.

On my Horizon, that relay-start system is located on the frame, in between the basement A/C unit and the engine. It's one serious pain in the a$$ to get to if and when something goes bad on that system. I forgot where it's located on your Meridian. There are a couple of solenoids and a serious sized fuse in that system. Hopefully, you're not having trouble in that system.

Below are a couple of pics of that system. One of these days I'll learn just exactly HOW it works so that, if and maybe WHEN, ours does not start, and, it's not a battery problem, I'll know how analyze that system to be able tell if any part of it has gone bad. If you look at mine, you'll see that, being in the position it's in, (at least in our coach), why it got so corroded and rusted.

I don't know if this system is part of or, your exact problem but, it's good to know it's there and, part of the starting system. Other than that system and the batteries, not sure where to point you. You have NO park, only a NEUTRAL. And that of course, "could" be the issue too, but not likely. Keep us informed of what you find out as, any of us with that era coach/engine/chassis/transmission could have that problem at one time or another.
Scott

Ramzfan,

When my 02 would not start I found the problem in the starter relay system as Scott did. Lucky for me it was in clear view as I have a Cummins. If all fails I would clean up all connections after checking the main fuse located on the starter relay bracket.

Worked for me, good luck

[Ramzfan]

Ok, here's what I've tried: This morning, I went down and purchased two new starting batteries. Installed them and nothing.... same problems. Took them back to Sam's Club. Before re-installing the old starting batteries, I cleaned the posts and the connectors. Then I greased them with dielectric grease & re-installed them, making sure that they were completely down on the posts and very tight. Still nothing, but I got it started using the momentary switch on the dash. I am wondering if the connectors are really making good contact. (I'm talking about the factory supplied battery connectors that are tied together with short red & black cables. (see photo) I tried drilling thru one plate and into the connector & adding a screw to make sure there was good contact but it didn't help. I also have one other problem that might be related...I cannot operated either slide out. Just get a clicking noise. Haven't tried operating the slides while holding the momentary switch...just thought of that while typing. Don't really know where else to look. Running out of options. I don't think its in the relay/start system, as that seems to work. It acts like something is just not making good contact. I may end up having to take it to a shop, if I can find one that does good electrical work.

[Ramzfan]

Thanks to everyone, it's finally fixed...! I wanted to let you all know in case you ever have this problem. Tough one to find. I had finally run out of ideas, but I thought I'd complete my list of things to try before I gave up and took it somewhere. I drilled the remaining 3 plates and connectors to the batteries and put tech screws into each one, tying the connecting plates directly to the battery connectors. Bingo! It fires right up! The problem was in the connection between the factory plate and the battery post connector which was attached with an immovable wing-nut at each connection. (see photo) Even the slide-outs work. The only problem I have left is that the radio isn't powered up, but that should be a fuse and easy to find (I hope) I couldn't have taken care of all the battery/electrical problems without the wonderful suggestions from this forum. Thanks again.
Steve