Results for "discovery"

Electrical Medium 2-6 hours 231 👍 1

ECM Low Battery Warning RV: Complete Diagnosis & Fix Guide

During a family trip, my 2005 Fleetwood Discovery 39S threw code 168-1 for low ECM battery voltage and went into full shutdown mode—is this dangerous with kids onboard? Engine cut out, transmission selector went dark, ABS warnings everywhere - the whole nine yards. Scared the heck out of me when it happened on the interstate!

I'm seeing this seems to be a thing with these diesel pushers, but I'm drowning in conflicting info online. Some say it's the chassis battery, others blame alternator issues, and I've even seen posts about ECM power supply problems on the Caterpillar engines. What's the actual step-by-step process to track this down? And more importantly, how do I fix it so it doesn't leave me stranded again? Really need a complete walkthrough of what causes this code and the proper repair approach. …more

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General Hard 45-60 min 131 👍 0

How to Remove Firefly RV Control Panel: Complete DIY Guide (2024)

Our 2019 Fleetwood Discovery LXE has a malfunctioning Firefly multiplex control panel that needs to be completely removed. I've been putting this off for months because I keep hearing horror stories about people cracking their panels or damaging the surrounding woodwork during removal.

I need to access the back of the unit for some electrical work, but I'm honestly terrified of breaking something expensive. The panel seems to be mounted flush with no obvious screws or clips visible from the front. I've searched everywhere but can't find a complete walkthrough that covers the preparation, actual removal process, and how to get everything back together properly.

Can someone please provide a detailed DIY guide that covers all the steps? I'm willing to take my time and do this right - I just need to know the proper technique so I don't end up with a broken control panel or damaged wall. …more

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Engine Medium 2-3 hours 101 👍 0

Fleetwood Discovery Generator Won't Start: Battery & Electrical Fixes Guide

Since the manual says to check the fuel shutoff solenoid first on my 1999 Fleetwood Discovery 37V diesel pusher generator, why am I getting power there while the battery connections are completely corroded? The generator absolutely refuses to start unless I run the main Cummins engine for several minutes first, and I've already tried using the boost battery switch which seems to do nothing.

I have brand new batteries - two 12V for the chassis and four 6V house batteries properly wired. Everything else works fine, but this generator issue has me concerned. I want to understand: 1) Why won't the gen set start from its batteries without the main engine running first? 2) Which battery bank does the gen set actually use - chassis, house, or a separate gen set battery?

I'm 80 years old and hesitant to crawl under the coach to trace the gen set 12-volt cable. Can someone help me understand what might be happening with my generator's electrical system? …more

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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best RV Solar Panel Kits

4.5 (12,700 reviews)

Ac Refrigeration Medium 1 hour inspection 90 👍 0

Norcold RV Refrigerator Fire Hazard: Complete Prevention Guide & Safety Tips

Standing in my flooded RV after last week's torrential downpour, I'm realizing my Norcold double door refrigerator might be one electrical surge away from turning this whole rig into a bonfire. I've discovered a concerning burn mark that suggests serious heat distribution issues, particularly around the chimney and heat diverter placement.

I'm trying to figure out if this is one of those real risks from the previous class action lawsuit or just an RV urban legend. After the factory modifications following the lawsuit, which installed a thermal overheat switch, I'm still worried about the fundamental design - specifically how the heat diverter seems to direct heat toward the cabinet wall.

What exactly causes these fire risks, and more importantly, what can I actually DO about it? The fix seems to involve removing the fridge and installing heat protection on the cabinet wall. I've heard whispers about recalls and some prevention methods, but I want concrete steps to ensure my RV doesn't become a potential fire hazard.

Any guidance on real prevention steps would be amazing - I'd rather not explain to my insurance company why my vacation home spontaneously combusted! …more

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Electrical Medium 30-60 minutes 85 👍 0

Surge Guard 40250-RVC vs 40350-RVC Transfer Switch: Complete Comparison Guide

This 8-year-old transfer switch is getting sluggish during power transfers — worth repairing or should I just upgrade to a newer Surge Guard model? I currently have a Surge Guard 40250-RVC in my 2013 motorhome, but I'm having trouble finding that exact model for replacement. All I can seem to find available is the 40350-RVC model.

My current unit has started making a buzzing sound when connected to shore power. Everything still seems to work fine, but I've heard this might indicate the contacts are starting to fail. I'd rather replace it before it completely goes out and leaves me without power.

Can anyone tell me if the 40250-RVC and 40350-RVC are interchangeable? And should I be concerned about the buzzing, or is there anything I can check before replacing the whole unit? …more

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Ac Refrigeration Easy 30 minutes 82 👍 0

Dometic CF80 Drain Foam Replacement: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Woke up to check out my new place's Dometic CF80 basement refrigerator/freezer and discovered what looks like deteriorated foam filter stuff in the bottom drain compartment. The foam material shows significant contamination and degradation.

I need to understand the specific function of this foam component within the CF80's drainage system. Is this foam element critical for proper unit operation, and what are the consequences of operating without it? Additionally, what is the recommended replacement schedule for this component, and how do I determine when replacement is necessary versus simple cleaning? …more

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Engine Easy N/A - research 78 👍 0

How to Find Ford Dealers That Service RV Motorhome Chassis - Complete

Staring at my broken-down F53 motorhome with a list of Ford dealers, having no clue which ones actually know how to work on RV chassis. When I was in Knoxville, TN, I encountered several issues including an intermittent engine misfire, a missing front suspension bumper, and a completely missing rear sway bar mount.

I've been calling around to Ford dealerships and most either refuse or say they don't have anyone qualified to work on these chassis. The few places I found are booking months out, which makes me nervous about emergency repairs.

My experience with Paul Miller Ford in Lexington, KY was excellent. Mike, their motorhome advisor, got me in quickly. They diagnosed a burned plug wire, ordered parts, and had me back on the road in just a few days. The repairs were even covered under warranty.

Is there a better way to identify which Ford dealers are actually equipped and willing to service RV chassis? I want to make sure I find reputable places before I actually need them. …more

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Electrical Hard Professional installation 74 👍 0

How to Fix Firefly Battery and Victron System Conflicts in Your RV

Wondering if anyone else has dealt with a rental RV where the Firefly batteries and Victron system are constantly throwing conflicts I've never seen before. I have a 2020 Discovery LXE 40M that I've equipped with a complete Victron system - two Multiplus II inverters, Cerbo GX, and SOK lithium batteries. The problem is my coach's existing Firefly system is creating constant conflicts with the Victron equipment.

The AC units keep getting "shed" by Firefly, I'm getting random low voltage warnings even when my batteries are full, and my Auto Gen Start has completely stopped working. I've heard this might be related to waveform differences between the systems, but I'm not sure what that means or how to fix it.

I've seen some mentions of using dual transfer switches to isolate the systems, but I have no idea how that would work or if it would solve my Auto Gen Start issues. Has anyone actually resolved this Firefly-Victron nightmare? I really don't want to rip out thousands of dollars worth of equipment, but I need my RV systems to work properly! …more

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General Hard 6-12 months 70 👍 0

Complete RV Interior Rebuild Guide: Mold Removal & Tips

According to what I spotted this morning, my 2001 Fleetwood Discovery has black patches creeping up the walls that definitely weren't there yesterday after three years of full-timing. Planning total interior demolition - walls, ceilings, floors, cabinets, everything except the fridge.

Detailed rebuild plan includes:
- 2" 7.7 R Foam Insulation
- White subway porcelain flooring with epoxy grout
- White plastic ceiling sheeting
- Dark stained pine shiplap walls
- Custom cabinets
- Furniture from Seats4less (U-shaped dinette), Amazon (queen sofa bed), Home Depot (loft bunk)
- Madico mirror finish security film on windows
- Comprehensive mold treatment before rebuilding

Never tackled anything this extensive before. What are the most critical structural and safety considerations I need to prioritize during this complete rebuild? Want to make sure I don't compromise anything important while upgrading everything. …more

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Engine Medium Ongoing monitoring 69 👍 0

Cummins Engine Oil Analysis High Metals: Diagnosis & Next Steps

Around 6am yesterday my 2017 Discovery LXE 39g's 360hp Cummins started showing catastrophic metal levels on the oil analysis report. I sent a sample to the lab for analysis, and they reported that aluminum, iron, and copper levels are higher than typical generic Cummins engine averages. The lab suggested this could be due to extended oil change intervals from the previous owner, but without any baseline data or service records, I'm not sure how concerned I should be about these elevated metal readings.

The RV was previously in an accident (shows on CarFax as comprehensive damage) with front-end body work including wheel, steps, fender panel, and front cowling replacement, though a Cummins mechanic spent two hours going over the engine with me and didn't find any obvious mechanical issues. The lab recommended testing again after 2000 miles to see if the numbers improve, but I'm wondering how to properly interpret these initial results when I have no previous data to compare against. What's the best approach for establishing whether these metal levels indicate actual engine wear or just the residual effects of poor maintenance practices? …more

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Engine Easy N/A 67 👍 0

How to Use Tow/Haul Mode with Cruise Control in Your RV: Complete Guide

Manual says to use Tow/Haul mode in the mountains but doesn't mention anything about using it with cruise control. Currently running cruise on the interstate with Tow/Haul off and wondering if I should be using both together. Don't want to damage the transmission doing it wrong. …more

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Best RV Leveling Blocks & Jacks

4.6 (9,800 reviews)

Engine Easy Research and scheduling 58 👍 0

Mobile CAT Diesel Engine Repair Service in North Carolina - RV Technical Solutions

Apparently my 2001 Fleetwood Discovery has a failing CAT 330 diesel engine, transmission issues, AND electrical problems all hitting at once. Had battery failure and explosion, replaced batteries. Engine runs smooth but CEL still flashing. Code shows SID 253 FMI 2 - voltage/calibration memory related.

Local tech says needs CAT ET software to clear codes. Need mobile CAT technician in eastern North Carolina area. Is this safe to drive or should I wait for service? Any dealer recommendations for mobile CAT service? …more

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