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Intermittent ignition switch

Yahoo Message Number: 79654
Ongoing problem. Turn the ignition switch and nothing. I have to turn it three-four-sometimes more to get the warning lights and starter going. I have changed the solenoid (Contactor?) or whatever it is under the driver's seat (fuse section)that seems to be the key to juice to the starter. Works for a short while, am on my third one. Works for a bit then back to the same routine of a dead ignition switch. Could this be the switch itself? Everyone I discuss this with states highly unlikely. Or course, this is impossible to duplicate at any service department, it always starts right up. Seems to happen most in the morning. If the coach has been running, all is OK. Figure I'll get stranded with this gremlin someday, so rather get it fixed soon, whatever the heck it is . . . any ideas?

Lon

'06 Inspire 51800 (CAT)

Re: Intermittent ignition switch

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79658
Lon,

I would look for a bad ground. I had a similar problem and it did leave me on the side of the road. A simple test would be to run a new ground wire from the start solenoid ground terminal to a clean ground point and see if that works. If CC used the same ground buss as they did in mine the design is flawed, using a home bus bar with Allen screws designed for solid wire in a stranded wire application is poor design.
Good luck

Jack Allure 30076

Re: Intermittent ignition switch

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79659
You changed the "ignition" solenoid, but there is also a "start" solenoid that I believe can cause the same symptoms. Mine is mounted in the engine compartment on the passenger side at around eye level seen from the engine access panel.

Larry,03 Allure, 30856

Re: Intermittent ignition switch

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79660
PS

Here's a narrative on the subject that I once got from here, but forgot who the author was:

Hi Bo

Yes all the coaches have a ignition solenoid. Yours is most likely mounted in the service run bay below the drivers window.
We need to not confuse this with the start solenoid. The purpose of the ignition solenoid is to supply a continuous uninterrupted 12 volt source for the dash systems. This is what is being referred to as a continuous duty solenoid. Unfortunately most all coach manufacturers used a low amp solenoid and the result is earlier than usual failure. Echlin (napa ) has multiple style solenoids. But you will want to use an ST 80 or 82 these are 300 and 400 amp solenoids and will last 10 times longer than the 80 amp installed at the factory.
Now for what is being referred to as the start solenoid. This is a similar solenoid installed in the rear of the coach. It supplies dedicated direct 12 volt to the starter solenoid that is mounted on the starter itself when the key is turned to the start position. The ST 80 or 82 can also be used for this position.
We have found on many of the 08 Intrigue and Magnas that this start solenoid was no longer used causing a chattering of the starter when engaged. It is a simple install to add this solenoid to these coaches and solves the chatter issue.
Basically the purpose of these solenoids is to insure a reliable 12 volt power source to the components due to the long runs of wire that are involved in getting power from one end of the coach to the other.

Author unknown

Re: Intermittent ignition switch

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79661
Lon, on my and many coaches CC uses a what I call a Pre-Start Solenoid that is connected between your Ignition Switch and the actual Start Solenoid on top of your Starter.
It is a White Rodgers 14v Continuos Duty Solenoid Pt. #120-107112. I purchased my replacement from General Supplies Inc. 626-961-8822 cost $18.85. Yours should be located on passenger side at very rear and underneath coach if like mine. Several on this web have had to replace this part.

Thanks, Mike 03 allure 1st ave. #30898

Re: Intermittent ignition switch

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79680
Lon

I had the same issue. I found that the connections on the back of the ingnition switch was loose.
Easy fix, take the trim ring off where the key is and the switch will drop down so that you can tighten the connection.

Good LuckBill KrauseInspire 11652

--- On Tue, 5/29/12, allure012000 wrote: From: allure012000 Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: Intermittent ignition switchTo: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.comDate: Tuesday, May 29, 2012, 11:52 AM
Lon, on my and many coaches CC uses a what I call a Pre-Start Solenoid that is connected between your Ignition Switch and the actual Start Solenoid on top of your Starter. It is a White Rodgers 14v Continuos Duty Solenoid Pt. #120-107112. I purchased my replacement from General Supplies Inc. 626-961-8822 cost $18.85. Yours should be located on passenger side at very rear and underneath coach if like mine. Several on this web have had to replace this part. Thanks, Mike 03 allure 1st ave. #30898

Re: Intermittent ignition switch

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79684
Author was John Davis.

Bo & Kathy Lee
2000 Magna #5896

2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Rubicon



[size=0px]
From: Larry F

To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 4:51 AM Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: Intermittent ignition switch
PS

Here's a narrative on the subject that I once got from here, but forgot who the author was:

Hi Bo

Yes all the coaches have a ignition solenoid. Yours is most likely mounted in the service run bay below the drivers window.
We need to not confuse this with the start solenoid. The purpose of the ignition solenoid is to supply a continuous uninterrupted 12 volt source for the dash systems. This is what is being referred to as a continuous duty solenoid. Unfortunately most all coach manufacturers used a low amp solenoid and the result is earlier than usual failure. Echlin (napa ) has multiple style solenoids. But you will want to use an ST 80 or 82 these are 300 and 400 amp solenoids and will last 10 times longer than the 80 amp installed at the factory.
Now for what is being referred to as the start solenoid. This is a similar solenoid installed in the rear of the coach. It supplies dedicated direct 12 volt to the starter solenoid that is mounted on the starter itself when the key is turned to the start position. The ST 80 or 82 can also be used for this position.
We have found on many of the 08 Intrigue and Magnas that this start solenoid was no longer used causing a chattering of the starter when engaged. It is a simple install to add this solenoid to these coaches and solves the chatter issue.
Basically the purpose of these solenoids is to insure a reliable 12 volt power source to the components due to the long runs of wire that are involved in getting power from one end of the coach to the other.

Author unknown

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Re: Intermittent ignition switch

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79721
Lon

The same thing was happening to me. I used my fluke and measured the amperage through the solenoid coil and it was OK. Usually when the solenoid goes bad, the coil starts pulling too many amps or has a break in it and the magnet doesn't work to make the connection. I then thought it was the switch.
I bought a new switch just in case. They are cheap cole herse switches, $11. I checked the connections on the old switch. Checked the circuit on the old switch. Then I pulled the key fob and all the other keys off the key switch and left just the little ignition key and haven't had the problem since.

Mark and Helen Surber
07 Intrigue 12162
C13 Cat Allison
06 Jeep Rubicon LJ