gpippins Report post Posted June 25, 2018 I have a 2004 Coachmen Cross Country w/300hp Cummins and freightliner xc chassis. When I turn the key to the on position everything powers up fine but when I turn the key to start the engine it does not crank. To date, if I continue to try it will eventually start. Sometimes it starts on the second try, sometimes on the 7th, I never know. I'm thinking the starter relay may be the problem but I can't find it. If anyone has a Cross Country and knows where it is please let me know. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
desertdeals69 Report post Posted June 25, 2018 I think its near the starter on the frame rail. Its raining now or I would go and take a look at mine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gpippins Report post Posted June 25, 2018 Thank you very much. I have looked everywhere and I just can't see it. I've even traced the large wire from the starter back and it goes above the frame near the batteries and over toward the passenger side electrical box. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
desertdeals69 Report post Posted June 25, 2018 Trace the small wire from the solenoid. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gpippins Report post Posted June 25, 2018 Thank you. Will do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hermanmullins Report post Posted June 25, 2018 gpippin, If it were me i would first see if I have power to the small post on the solenoid. If there is power to the terminal with the key on I would then check to see if I have power on both sides of the solenoid. What you are describing sound just like a bad solenoid. If it is be sure to get a 12 volt continuous solenoid. If I remember correctly it is #55 solenoid. Herman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gpippins Report post Posted June 25, 2018 Thank you. I will test after work. The thing is, if it is a bad solenoid, its the third bad one I've had because I've replaced the starter and solenoid twice since I bought the RV in 2013. The most recent replacement was last fall because, like you, I thought solenoid. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hermanmullins Report post Posted June 25, 2018 Understand, thats why some of us carry an spare one in our tool box. Herman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gpippins Report post Posted June 25, 2018 Lol. I keep the old one with me since the new one behaves the same way. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dickandlois Report post Posted June 25, 2018 Herman, Question! Think that Gpippins is talking about the starter relay that energizes only in the start mode, not the ACC relay that is continually energized. The relay used on the freightliner chassis is most often mounted where DD mentioned and the small wires come from the ignition switch and the relay contacts with the big wires runs to the starter solenoid. Castle Relay ignition circuit picture - connected between the starter solenoid and the ignition switch. Rich. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gpippins Report post Posted June 25, 2018 Yes, that's what I'm looking for, I just haven't been able to locate it. Gonna try again after work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
desertdeals69 Report post Posted June 25, 2018 One other possiblity is the ign switch start contact is not 100%. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gpippins Report post Posted June 25, 2018 Ok, you lost me there. Do you mean in the ignition switch itself? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaypsmith Report post Posted June 25, 2018 I believe that the ignition switch is his meaning. You could use a mechanic starter switch to test that theory, if it works correctly then the switch would be the most likely culprit, as long as there is no other relay between the switch and the starter solenoid. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lenp Report post Posted June 26, 2018 Had the same issue on my Winnebago. Changed the ignition switch six months ago and problem has not returned. Lenp Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gpippins Report post Posted June 26, 2018 Ok, I traced the small wire from the starter solenoid as 69 suggested. I didn't have to trace far. Within 6 inches It disappeared into a large wire protector with other wires that seem to continue toward the front. The only thing I can find that looks like a relay anywhere is under the hood behind the dash. Could this be the starter relay? Thoughts? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfe10 Report post Posted June 26, 2018 With proper safety stands in place, you can use a voltmeter to check: Have someone turn the key (as if to start) while you monitor voltage to that terminal on the starter. That will tell you if the proper 12 VDC positive is reaching it. You can do the same thing from the ignition switch end-- see if the switch is sending the proper 12 VDC signal when the key is turned to the start position. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaypsmith Report post Posted June 26, 2018 Does your starter look like this? If so the solenoid is that protrusion on the starter, all you need is 12 volts to the small terminal to start correctly, and this will only happen when the ign. is turned to the start position. See Brett's post above. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gpippins Report post Posted June 26, 2018 Yes, my starter has the solenoid attached just like that one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaypsmith Report post Posted June 27, 2018 Since it is like the one pictured, if there is a starter relay, it may possibly be the one that you described under the dash. Using a volt meter, or a light bulb test, turn the ign. switch to start position and look for voltage on both sides of the relay. But most later models do not use a relay since there is such a small amount of current required to activate the solenoid. A mechanics start is simply a button with two wires attached usually with a clip lead on each wire, one side is hooked directly to a 12 volt power source, the other is attached to the small wire terminal on the solenoid. When you push the switch, it will activate the solenoid and cause the starter to work. If this is intermittent, then the problem will be within the solenoid or starter. If it works correctly, then go back to the ignition switch, or relay if there is one. Just please use all safety precautions when testing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites