Results for "Keys"

Apparently my 2008 Ford F53 motorhome is 16 years old and starting to have key programming issues — should I attempt DIY programming or call a locksmith? I just dropped $176 on two new transponder keys for my 2024 Windsport 34R (2022 F53 chassis) because I only had one set and didn't want to get locked out in the middle of nowhere wearing my pajamas and fuzzy slippers (again).

The Ford dealer quoted me another $140-170 to program these fancy chip keys, insisting I'd need to haul my 35-foot house-on-wheels down there for the programming. But the parts guy said "try them first" - and wouldn't you know it, both keys fired right up without any programming!

So what's the deal here? Are these unprogrammed transponder keys going to mysteriously stop working next Tuesday? Did I just dodge a bullet, or am I missing out on some important anti-theft features that actually matter? I'm feeling pretty smug about saving that programming fee, but also slightly paranoid that my motorhome might strand me at the worst possible moment! …more

Finally followed the manual's advice to check the converter first when my outlets died, but my RV chassis battery keeps draining even though the converter tests perfectly. here and I'm at my wit's end with my 2018 Winnebago Vista. The chassis battery keeps going completely dead every few days, even when we're plugged into shore power at the campground. I've already replaced the battery twice thinking it was just old, checked all the obvious stuff like dome lights and radio, and even had the alternator tested - everything checks out fine.

What's really driving me crazy is that this just started happening about a month ago out of nowhere. We've been full-timing for three years without any major electrical issues. I'm wondering if there's some parasitic draw I'm missing or if the battery isolator could be acting up? Has anyone else dealt with this nightmare? I'm getting tired of jump-starting this thing every other day and my wife is about ready to sell the rig and get a travel trailer instead! …more

ECU died on my Ford V10 and the replacement part number 7C3A-12A650-DSC is discontinued from Ford. Salvage yards want $800 for a used one with no guarantee it'll work. Need to find a reliable source for this specific ECU or figure out what alternatives exist. …more

Turned onto that steep mountain grade last week and heard grinding from my 2014 F53 chassis, but I can't figure out how to properly inspect the brake pads and rotors. I've been crawling around under there, contorting myself into every possible position, but I just can't get a good view of the brake components through the wheel openings.

Is there a specific technique or approach that actually works for getting a proper look at the pad thickness and rotor condition? I really want to stay on top of brake maintenance, but the limited visibility is making this nearly impossible. Should I be using special tools, or is there a better method I'm missing? …more

I noticed my travel trailer isn't winterized for my Connecticut to Florida Keys trip in February — can't afford professional service right now, need DIY solutions under $200? I'll be stopping at my brother's place in New Jersey first, and then caravaning to our first stop in Fredericksburg, VA at a KOA with a full bathhouse.

I've winterized my travel trailer for the cold months up here, and I recently heard a podcast about travelers staying winterized and using RV antifreeze for quick bathroom needs during the trip. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with this approach.

I know I could de-winterize before leaving, but I'm worried about pipes freezing during the drive south since we'll be going through some cold states. On the other hand, traveling winterized means no water systems working during the trip. What's the smartest way to handle this? Should I keep it winterized for the whole drive and deal with no water, or is there a better strategy I'm missing? …more

Standing here staring at my 2009 Damon Daybreak F53 that's 15 years old and starting to have intermittent cruise control failures — should I repair or replace the system? The dash light doesn't come on when I press set, and cruise won't engage. Previous owner spliced the red wire from an aftermarket trailer brake controller into a wire in the steering column. When I fiddle with the brake controller or jiggle that connection, cruise sometimes starts working again.

Can I safely disconnect the brake controller's red wire from the steering column to fix this? Will the brake controller still work if I remove that connection? …more

Spent the weekend troubleshooting my 1996 Ford F53 motorhome's spongy brake pedal, and now I'm really concerned about the hydroboost system safety. When I disassembled the unit, I discovered there's no check valve ball in the accumulator assembly. The system has been working fine so far, but I watched a video where someone's accumulator failed catastrophically without this ball and damaged other components.

I'm worried about operating the RV without this part, but I'm also second-guessing myself since the brakes have been functioning normally. Do most 1996 Ford F53 hydroboost units actually require this check valve ball, or could mine be a special variant that doesn't need it? I don't want to risk brake failure or cause expensive damage by running it incorrectly. …more

Between now and our cross-country departure next week, my 2006 Allegro Bus motorhome with the Ford V10 engine started having intermittent starting and stalling issues. After doing some research and talking to other RV owners, I've narrowed down the potential culprit to what appears to be a failing Fuel Pump Driver Module (FPDM). From what I understand, this is a pretty common failure point on these Ford V10 engines, especially in the motorhome applications.

The symptoms I'm experiencing include occasional hard starting, particularly when the engine is warm, and intermittent stalling while driving - sometimes the engine will just cut out for a second and then come back to life. I've checked the obvious things like fuel filters and basic electrical connections, but everything seems fine there. Multiple sources are pointing me toward the FPDM as the likely cause.

I'm ready to tackle this repair myself, but I need to know the exact location of this Fuel Pump Driver Module on the Allegro Bus chassis. I've heard it's a small black module with a single electrical connector, but I haven't been able to locate it yet. Can someone tell me specifically where Ford mounted this component on the 2006 Allegro Bus with the V10 engine? I want to inspect it first and possibly replace it if it shows signs of failure or corrosion. …more

Despite getting my tools ready and being determined to tackle this steering shimmy hitting my 1997 Class A motorhome at 55 mph — where should I start? Based on my troubleshooting, this appears to be a wheel balance issue, though I suspect there could also be tire wear patterns or front end component problems contributing to the vibration.

I need to locate commercial truck tire facilities in the Columbus, Ohio area that can properly handle motorhome wheel balancing services. Standard automotive shops don't have the equipment for larger RV wheels, so I'm specifically looking for commercial-grade tire service centers that can diagnose whether this is purely a balance issue or if there are additional front end problems requiring attention. …more

After replacing my 2007 Fleetwood's ignition cylinder yesterday something still doesn't seem right — the key is still extremely hard to turn. I'm pretty sure it's the ignition cylinder that's worn out.

Is this something I can tackle as a DIY project? I have moderate mechanical skills but haven't worked on steering column components before. What's involved in replacing the ignition switch cylinder on this model? …more

Noticed OBD-II scanners are everywhere but before I drop cash on one for my 1997 Fleetwood Bounder with Ford F53 chassis — where's the diagnostic connector actually hiding? I've been crawling around under the dashboard for what feels like hours with a flashlight, checking every obvious spot I can think of.

I know it has to be somewhere under the driver's side dash area, but I'm just not seeing it. Is it hidden behind a panel or mounted in some weird location? At this point I'm wondering if I should be feeling around for it instead of just looking. Any specific tips on exactly where Ford put these things on the '97 F53 would be incredibly helpful - I really need to get this diagnostic scan done! …more

I turned the black tank valve handle on my 2023 Montana 3793RD and it's just spinning freely without actually opening the valve mechanism. Need to locate the actual gate valve to check the connection. Where exactly is this valve positioned on this model? Do I need to access it through the underbelly panels? …more