Need Help With Airbag Controls/Compressor

B

bryan hartman

New member
Jul 27, 2015
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Hello Everyone Summer is approaching and I am trying to get a few of the issues sorted out on the coach. Most of the big stuff I am going to pay the
experts to do but there are a few things I need to get sorted out so I can get the coach to the shops I want to use. The first one is to get the
compressor for the airbags working again. I am a relative newbie with working on these coaches so I hope the experts on the forum can help me out.

Here is the situation:
When I bought the coach, the system was working fine. The bags were "older" but serviceable. I picked the coach up and drove it across the country in
the middle of summer with no issues. There may have been a very little air leakage but nothing noticeable and the raise/lower switches worked fine.
Shortly after I got the coach home, the compressor would go into "Raise" mode even though the switches were on "Lower". I would have to shut off the
engine and turn on a few times before it would self-correct. Now the switches do not work and the compressor will not turn on at all. I have just
lived with the annoyance for about a year since I have not done much more than day trips. I just top off the bags when I leave the house and I carry a
separate little compressor just in case. Over time then the system is leaking down quite a bit quicker and I am less comfortable taking her out even
for short trips. I have removed the switch panel and inspected the connections. They look good but I am going to pull apart and hit them with a wire
brush to be sure. I looked for an inline fuse near the compressor but I could not find one.

I was thinking I would just pull the compressor out and see if I could test it on the table. Any other ideas?

Thanks In Advance,
--Bryan
 
What system? Electro - Level? Electro - Level II? Something else?

--johnny
--
76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
"I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell" - ol Andy, paraphrased
 
The problem is in the three rocker switches on the dash. Take them out one
at a time. Take them apart and carefully clean the contacts. Put a little
silicone grease where needed, reassemble and replace.

You'll be amazed
bdub


-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist On Behalf Of Bryan Hartman
Sent: Saturday, March 04, 2017 1:28 PM

Here is the situation:
When I bought the coach, the system was working fine. The bags were "older"
but serviceable. I picked the coach up and drove it across the country in
the middle of summer with no issues. There may have been a very little air
leakage but nothing noticeable and the raise/lower switches worked fine.
Shortly after I got the coach home, the compressor would go into "Raise"
mode even though the switches were on "Lower". I would have to shut off the
engine and turn on a few times before it would self-correct. Now the
switches do not work and the compressor will not turn on at all. I have just
lived with the annoyance for about a year since I have not done much more
than day trips. I just top off the bags when I leave the house and I carry a
separate little compressor just in case. Over time then the system is
leaking down quite a bit quicker and I am less comfortable taking her out
even for short trips. I have removed the switch panel and inspected the
connections. They look good but I am going to pull apart and hit them with a
wire brush to be sure. I looked for an inline fuse near the compressor but I
could not find one.

I was thinking I would just pull the compressor out and see if I could test
it on the table. Any other ideas?
 
> What system? Electro - Level? Electro - Level II? Something else?
>
> --johnny

Rats...I knew I would forget something. Pretty sure it is the Electro - Level. It is a '77 Palm Beach. It has one compressor and what looks like a
small air tank.

> The problem is in the three rocker switches on the dash. Take them out one
> at a time. Take them apart and carefully clean the contacts. Put a little
> silicone grease where needed, reassemble and replace.
>
> You'll be amazed
> bdub

Thank you sir...On my way to try and I will keep you posted.
 
Sounds like Electro-Level, same as mine. First check is fuse, there's one somewhere. Second is like bdub sez - switches. Disassemble, clean,
reassemble. Report back.

When the switches in mine go dixie (And it seems to be when, not if) I'll probably replace them with a piece of aluminum plate and three heavy duty
toggle switches from SkyCraft. One and dine. There's a zillion solenoid valves in there, each can be tested with 12 volts.

--johnny
--
76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
"I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell" - ol Andy, paraphrased
 
Read here
http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/wireless.html

On Sat, Mar 4, 2017 at 2:13 PM Johnny Bridges via Gmclist <

> Sounds like Electro-Level, same as mine. First check is fuse, there's one
> somewhere. Second is like bdub sez - switches. Disassemble, clean,
> reassemble. Report back.
>
> When the switches in mine go dixie (And it seems to be when, not if) I'll
> probably replace them with a piece of aluminum plate and three heavy duty
> toggle switches from SkyCraft. One and dine. There's a zillion solenoid
> valves in there, each can be tested with 12 volts.
>
> --johnny
> --
> 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
> Braselton, Ga.
> "I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me
> in hell" - ol Andy, paraphrased
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
 
So I pulled apart the connectors, hit the posts with a wire brush, pulled all the female wires out of the connectors one at a time and transferred
them directly to the post on the switch. I wanted to make sure they each were tight... Nothing! %@#@@$##$%@$%

So then I went hunting after the elusive fuse and I can't find one anywhere. If my pea-sized brain has to pull out a multi-meter and start trying to
trace something I am done for...no idea what I am doing there.

How easy/reliable are the wireless air systems? Are there different versions? Pros vs cons?

Thanks everyone for all the replies.
 
You have to take the switch apart. Not hust the connections. They are
rebuildable. There's a little metal clip on either end that has to spread
slightly for it to come apart. Use a sliver of fine emery cloth to clean
the contacts inside the switch.

So I pulled apart the connectors, hit the posts with a wire brush, pulled
all the female wires out of the connectors one at a time and transferred
them directly to the post on the switch. I wanted to make sure they each
were tight... Nothing! %@#@@$##$%@$%

So then I went hunting after the elusive fuse and I can't find one
anywhere. If my pea-sized brain has to pull out a multi-meter and start
trying to
trace something I am done for...no idea what I am doing there.

How easy/reliable are the wireless air systems? Are there different
versions? Pros vs cons?

Thanks everyone for all the replies.

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Bryan,

Folks suggesting the switches didn't make it clear: You need to
DISASSEMBLE the switches! That's right, bend the tangs holding the rear of
the switch in place and CAREFULLY pull them apart, remembering where the
contacts and springs go. It's not as bad as it sounds, and that's the only
way you can clean out the 40 years old grease that's coagulated on the
contacts.

Ken H.

> So I pulled apart the connectors, hit the posts with a wire brush, pulled
> all the female wires out of the connectors one at a time and transferred
> them directly to the post on the switch. I wanted to make sure they each
> were tight... Nothing! %@#@@$##$%@$%
>
> So then I went hunting after the elusive fuse and I can't find one
> anywhere. If my pea-sized brain has to pull out a multi-meter and start
> trying to
> trace something I am done for...no idea what I am doing there.
>
> How easy/reliable are the wireless air systems? Are there different
> versions? Pros vs cons?
>
> Thanks everyone for all the replies.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
You should take apart the switches, not just the connectors. They gunk up inside and lose internal contact.

Emery Stora

>
> So I pulled apart the connectors, hit the posts with a wire brush, pulled all the female wires out of the connectors one at a time and transferred
> them directly to the post on the switch. I wanted to make sure they each were tight... Nothing! %@#@@$##$%@$%
>
> So then I went hunting after the elusive fuse and I can't find one anywhere. If my pea-sized brain has to pull out a multi-meter and start trying to
> trace something I am done for...no idea what I am doing there.
>
> How easy/reliable are the wireless air systems? Are there different versions? Pros vs cons?
>
> Thanks everyone for all the replies.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Well, like Johnny Bridges said, first check the fuse. That would be located in the back of the glove box.

Sent from my iPhone
Nelson Wright

Orlando Fl.

>
> You should take apart the switches, not just the connectors. They gunk up inside and lose internal contact.
>
> Emery Stora
>

>>
>> So I pulled apart the connectors, hit the posts with a wire brush, pulled all the female wires out of the connectors one at a time and transferred
>> them directly to the post on the switch. I wanted to make sure they each were tight... Nothing! %@#@@$##$%@$%
>>
>> So then I went hunting after the elusive fuse and I can't find one anywhere. If my pea-sized brain has to pull out a multi-meter and start trying to
>> trace something I am done for...no idea what I am doing there.
>>
>> How easy/reliable are the wireless air systems? Are there different versions? Pros vs cons?
>>
>> Thanks everyone for all the replies.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Thank you Nelson! With the knowledge of the mystery fuse's location, we have some progress. Fuse was blown so a new one is in. The Now with clean
switches and new fuse, every time I flip the switches I get a single "click" coming from from the compressor area and a quick draw on the system. Not
working yet be getting closer.

> Well, like Johnny Bridges said, first check the fuse. That would be located in the back of the glove box.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
> Nelson Wright
 
Check for power at the compressor while hitting the switch to raise. If there is power and ground at the motor but it is not running, you will have
found the/another problem and likely the fuse blower.
--
Terry Kelpien

ASE Master Technician

73 Glacier 260

Smithfield, Va.
 
I hope I understand where you are at this point. I believe your compressor is not running at all.

If this is true, then you need to figure out whether the problem is with the compressor or the electric feeding it. The compressor is turned on by an
air pressure sensing switch mounted near the compressor inthe compressor cabinet. When the air pressure is low the switch pulls in and provides
+12VDC to the compressor. Find the air switch and remove the cover which is approximately 2.5" by 2.5". It is similar to a switch used on a stand
alone air compressor or a water well. There is nothing inside that will electrically hurt you. The maximum voltage in that cabinet is +12vdc.

The first thing I would do is turn on the key ignition key to the run position. You can start the engine if you want. Now check the switch and see
if it pulls in to start the compressor. If it is not pulled in, then press it in with your finger or a tool and see if the compressor runs. If it
does not run, then check with a meter or test light for +12 volts at the switch contacts. There are only 2 wires on that switch. I believe the power
supply to the switch is a 12 gauge brown wire. While you are there also check the -12 volt lead (ground) to the compressor motor.

If you want to temporarily apply +12 volts to the motor, look in the cabinet above the compressor and you will find +12 volts available on the house
fuses. You can jumper from there direct to the compressor. Use a 14 or 12 gauge jumper as that compressor draws around 20 amps.

I'll leave it there for now and see what you come up with. Depending on what you find I'll give you additional trouble shooting info in a follow up
posting.

You also said that you replaced the fuse. I am wondering if you got the correct location because that is suppose to be a 30 amp Circuit Breaker and
not a fuse feeding the compressor.

Good Luck. We will find your problem.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
Thanks Ken. I Think the compressor is ok. I will jumper it to be sure.

The fuse I am talking about is right in the glove box where Nelson Wright told me it would be. It was the topmost fuse.
 
She's fixed! I jumpered the compressor to confirm it was operational...it was. I then started looking back to make sure I reconnected everything
correctly. Oops! I had 2 of the three switches upside down(female ends still no back in connectors yet).

Now I just have to button everything back up and get new bags installed.

Thanks everyone!
 
Love it when a plan comes together!

-0-johnny
--
76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
"I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell" - ol Andy, paraphrased
 
> She's fixed! I jumpered the compressor to confirm it was operational...it was. I then started looking back to make sure I reconnected everything
> correctly. Oops! I had 2 of the three switches upside down(female ends still not back in connectors yet).
>
> Now I just have to button everything back up and get new bags ordered/installed.
>
> Thanks everyone!

Great!!
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
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