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Solenoid/Contactor Noise inside Coach

Yahoo Message Number: 56142
We have a 2003 Intrigue Suite Sensation w/2 slides. During our last several trips, we hear an electrical solenoid or contactor close, then the associated hum for about 3 to 5 seconds, then it opens, and silence returns. Every time we hear this, we are stationary and plugged into shore power. This seems to occur about every other hour or so. Typically, it is quiet when we hear it although it can be heard while watching TV. We sleep with a fan or noise maker on so I can't say it does this through the night. Everything works normally and I know of no electrical problems or issues. We have had this coach for about 5 1/2 years and don't remember this sound prior to the last several months. Does anyone have an idea what this purpose of this solenoid or contactor is? If this is an indication of an evolving problem, I just want to have knowledge of it and be prepared. Thanks in advance for your help!

Lfsatrp

2003 Intrigue Suite Sensation 11518 400ISL w/tag

Re: Solenoid/Contactor Noise inside Coach

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56146
Hi lfsatrp?

Might be the noise you hear is the 12 volt auxiliary air compressor. When your leveling system depletes the air supply. To check when you here the noise, look at the leveling panel to see if the led light for the power starts to flash. If this is a frequent event then you might have a leak in your level system.
Good luck.

Bo Lee
2000 Magna

2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Re: Solenoid/Contactor Noise inside Coach

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56149
Check your 12 volt vacuum pump. On my coach I have a pump that that is used to operate the dash HVAC controls. The pump is made by Ford motor. It is used on diesel vehicles. The vacuum generated by the pump opens and closes dampeners to direct the dash air flow. I hear mine every time I turn on the ignition switch for a few seconds. My pump is in the bay right under the drivers seat. It is black, round and about 4 to 6 inches long with a small black vacuum line coming out of it. The power comes from a gray 8 by 10 electrical box in the same bay. The box is controlled from a solenoid close by and 1/2 of the box is hot all the time when camping. The other 1/2 of the box is hot when you turn on the key and the soliniod sends power to it. The pump may be wired to the ''always'' hot side. Find the pump and just un plug it at the pump. If this works then it is miss wired.
John Allure 04 32060

Resolved! Solenoid/Contactor Noise inside Coach

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56199
Many thanks to Lyle Wetherholt who solved my issue! My wife has never thrilled on using the ice cubes produced by our ice maker, so I have had the plastic supply line disconnected and supply valve closed for several years. I have always had the icemaker ice cube bail arm in the up position to turn off the icemaker. However.........someone lowered the arm at some point........and now you know the rest of the story! It's been so long since I had heard the valve open and fill the icemaker that I had forgotten the sound. Again, many thanks to Lyle Wetherholt! Don't you wish that all our problems were this simple?

Rick Breedlove aka Lfsatrp

2003 Intrigue Suite Sensation 11518 400ISL w/tag

Re: Resolved! Solenoid/Contactor Noise inside Coach

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56202
Many thanks to you for taking the time to let us know what the solution was. I think overall we hear back on about 1/3 of the problems if someone in the group had the right answer.
AL

00 affinity #5851

Re: Resolved! Solenoid/Contactor Noise inside Coach

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56203
Rick,

We went one step further. We completely removed the ice maker. We needed the freezer space more than ice cubes.

Don Seager

2004 Allure 31046

Many thanks to Lyle Wetherholt who solved my issue! My wife has never thrilled on using the ice cubes produced by our ice maker, so I have had the plastic supply line disconnected and supply valve closed for several years. I have always had the icemaker ice cube bail arm in the up position to turn off the icemaker. However..... ....someone lowered the arm at some point....... .and now you know the rest of the story! It's been so long since I had heard the valve open and fill the icemaker that I had forgotten the sound. Again, many thanks to Lyle Wetherholt! Don't you wish that all our problems were this simple?

Rick Breedlove aka Lfsatrp

2003 Intrigue Suite Sensation 11518 400ISL w/tag

Quote from: "lfsatrp"
We have a 2003
Intrigue Suite Sensation w/2 slides. During our last several trips, we hear an electrical solenoid or contactor close, then the associated hum for about 3 to 5 seconds, then it opens, and silence returns. Every time we hear this, we are stationary and plugged into shore power. This seems to occur about every other hour or so.......... .....

Re: Resolved! Solenoid/Contactor Noise inside Coach

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56204
Don,
No ice cubes? How do you keep your liquid refreshments cold? Sounds uncivilized to me!

Everything OK with you guys? Where are you nowadays?

George

'04 Inspire 51061
 

Re: Resolved! Solenoid/Contactor Noise inside Coach

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 56206
Quote
Quote from: lfsatrp"
Well thanks Rick. I'm glad I was able to provide a clue that sent you in the right direction. But, what goes around comes around. My thanks to Rich Grimes for his input on my door lock issue. To add a clue to those who may have the same problem; the lower actuator moves in opposite direction to the upper actuator. Easy to diagnose the wire layout but the mechanical movements of control arms is another story. Actuator direction is the clue.
Lyle Wetherholt
04 Intrigue 11740

> Many thanks to Lyle Wetherholt who solved my issue! My wife has never thrilled on using the ice cubes produced by our ice maker, so I have had the plastic supply line disconnected and supply valve closed for several years. I have always had the icemaker ice cube bail arm in the up position to turn off the icemaker. However.........someone lowered the arm at some point........and now you know the rest of the story! It's been so long since I had heard the valve open and fill the icemaker that I had forgotten the sound. Again, many thanks to Lyle Wetherholt! Don't you wish that all our problems were this simple? >

Rick Breedlove aka Lfsatrp

2003 Intrigue Suite Sensation 11518 > 400ISL w/tag

Quote from: lfsatrp"

>

> We have a 2003 Intrigue Suite Sensation w/2 slides. During our last several trips, we hear an electrical solenoid or contactor close, then the associated hum for about 3 to 5 seconds, then it opens, and silence returns. Every time we hear this, we are stationary and plugged into shore power. This seems to occur about every other hour or so...............