randyl42

Just thought I'd update and mention an extra positive. Joplin, MO to Quartzsite, AZ after replacement of solenoid with no problems. I had been having problems with the inverter shutting off. That also has not happened since replacing the solenoid.

Put on the other solenoid yesterday and drove about 350 miles today without even a flicker from the gauges or accessories. Thank you all.

Well I hope all is good. I put the second solenoid on today and all seems to be working. However, the old one was working before I changed it. So, only time will tell. I'm going to get another solenoid like the old one that came off just in case. Can anyone suggest what amperage I should get. I don't see anything about amps on the old solenoid. I've found several continuous solenoids of different amperages on ebay. A lot of them indicate being for golf carts. Are they different. I was surprised to get a little spark from the small signal wire while replacing the solenoid even though I disconnected the negative chassis battery cable and the ignition was off. Shouldn't that of kept the wire from sparking.

Rght now all is working normally and I checked and have power at both large wires when the key is on, so I don't know why the first solenoid didn't work but it seems obvious that that is the problem. I'll put the latest solenoid on tomorrow. I also checked with the jumper wire and it does click and have power at the outgoing wire. Of course right now it's working. I hate intermittent problems.

i used my tester on the small signal wire when the key was on but no dash lights were on. the tester indicated that there was power on the signal wire but none on the outgoing large wire. i went to camping world as i thought they might be more knowledgeable about this type of solenoid, and got another solenoid that is supposed to be continuous even though i see nothing on it that says so. however, it only has one small connection. i'll connect the mounting bracket to the grounding terminal the small wire is already connected to. just to clarify I really have no confidence in camping world due my first experience with them last year. This time didn't change that feeling at all.

Well I did test the solenoid. Power on one side, no power on the other when dash lights weren't on. I wasn't smart enough to check this when the lights were on. I used a jumper wire to go from power side to non power side. Every time I touched the the wire to the contacts the dash lights came on. I was feeling pretty good that that was the problem. However, after buying a new solenoid and puting it in, nothing! BTW it does have the 6 speed electronic transmission. Which I've already found out is just great when the brain goes out. I forgot to make sure I was getting the continuous solenoid. Could that be the problem? Wouldn't there be at least a momentary flicker of the lights. Thx for the help and at least a place to start if I have to start running wires looking for a short.

I'm not sure, but pretty sure the solenoid you refer to is on the firewall. I hear it click every time the key is turned on, even when gauges and accesories don't come on. Just realized I have a tester with me to test it. Of course, as luck would have it, it's working now, and has been for over 1 hour. But I'm sure I'll have another chance shortly. Is it "normal" for this to go out intermittently as in my case and then allow everything to work fine. Wolfe10 are you however, saying that since the motor home starts when the gauges aren't working the solenoid shouldn't be the problem. Will probably pick one up anyway just to have it. Thx for quick response. It's pretty much the answer i expected. Still hoping it's not an elusive loose wire, though. Thx again.

It will run fine and then gauges stop working as do all accessories (wipers, hvac blower, etc.) and alternator doesn't charge chassis batteries. Even when dash status lights don't come on engine will still start and run. I changed ignition switch but didn't fix it. Used to be while driving-- now it's doing it while just sitting still. Probably a loose wire (otherwise known as a needle in a haystack). When it's good and ready it will correct, but do it again later. Thx for any help. Randy