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Slide needs engine running to operate - sometimes

Yahoo Message Number: 70159
I've owned this 2000 40' single slide coach since October of 2010 and am still learning. I don't believe my slide is operating properly. At times, I can extend the slide or retract it with the ignition key on, parking brake set and transmission in neutral with the engine not running but at other times I need to have the engine running.
I just tried a set of operations and this is what I found. All of these trials were with the ignition on, parking brake set and the transmission in neutral. Some with the engine running and some without the engine running. The coach is plugged in to shore power and both the chassis and house batteries appear to be fully charged.
The slide was extended when I started this experiment. I did not start the engine, and it had not been run for about 2 weeks, and retracted the slide properly. I then tried to extend the slide but it would not extend. I could hear a click from the pump area but the pump did not run.
I started the engine, and extended the slide. With the engine still running, I retracted the slide.
I shut off the engine and extended the slide. I then tried to retract the slide but it would not operate. Again I could hear a relay/solenoid clicking.

I started the engine and retracted the slide.
It appears that if I operate the slide, either extend or retract, with the engine running then I will have one operation available with the engine off.
None of this makes sense. I would think the slide should operate whether the engine is running or not provided that the rest of the controls are set properly.

Any suggestions as to what might be wrong with my slide system.

pete

2000 40' Magna #5892
Pete
 2000 40'  Magna #5892  CAT C-10

Re: Slide needs engine running to operate - sometimes

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 70162
Am not at my coach so can't quote the manual, but it says something like: Always extend/retract the slide with the engine running... If your slide is hydraulic like mine, asking it to extend/retract with the engine not running may be asking it to do something it is not designed to do...

buck

k7wn, '99magna5653, Cat C10, Allison HD4060

Re: Slide needs engine running to operate - sometimes

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 70163
Pete, I suspect that your batteries are weak.
With the engine on, which my documentation says is the correct way, the alternator is keeping your batteries up and supplying plenty of amps. With engine off the surface charge will drive the slide once after which the voltage is too low and the amperage inadequate.

Just a guess.

Good luck.

George in Birmingham (on the way to Hilton Head) '04 Allure 31038
George in Birmingham
2003 Magna 6298

Re: Slide needs engine running to operate - sometimes

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 70164
Pete,

I agree with George. Others on this forum have made the same comment. As a general rule, I always have the engine running when moving a slide. Your batteries may currently be a little weak, but your slide seems to be working properly.

Nate Richards
04 Allure 31043

Re: Slide needs engine running to operate - sometimes

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 70190
OK. You guys have sold me on running the engine while operating the slide. I've checked all of my documentation and it does not say have engine running. But, it makes sense that it would be a hefty load on the battery and is probably best to have engine running.

Thanks for the replies
pete

2000 40' Magna #5892
Pete
 2000 40'  Magna #5892  CAT C-10

Re: Slide needs engine running to operate - sometimes

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 70197
I'll add one other tip I learned the hard way. Besides running the engine, also have a window or the door open, when extending the slides. (We pulled into a spot in Reno. Generator was running, and the two AC's were pumping hard (100+ outside). Our bed slide went out OK. But the big slide up front, would not extend all of the way.)
Read the 'problems' of other posters, and also found in my book, where it said to open a window.

We now open the drivers window, before operation of the slides:)! Best,
Smitty

04 Allure 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: Slide needs engine running to operate - sometimes

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 70236
On my 2001 Intrigue I had to replace the slide system motor. The original was totally inadequate and if I remember right was chewing up its gears. The replacement motor from CC was larger. Has not been a problem since. I think I replaced it around 2003. Before this the slide would not retract sometimes.

Bob

2001 Intrigue, 11237

Re: Slide needs engine running to operate - sometimes

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 70246
Pete,

If this is a hydraulic system, the pump is powered by a motor like an older car starter motor.
There is a solenoid firing the motor. It is the same as an older car solenoid.
If the solenoid is weak it will work intermittently.
I had to replace mine.
You can get one from HWH.
Roger

2002 Affinity 6125

Re: Slide needs engine running to operate - sometimes

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 70270
Had identical symptoms with our 2000 Magna last year. Long story short: It turned out to be the grounding strap next to the hydraulic pump in the bay under the slideout. All I did was simply remove the grounding screw, sand off the rust and paint, and reinstall the parts.