I'm getting really concerned about my HWH leveling system and honestly don't want to mess anything up or create a dangerous situation. The blue light keeps flashing and the jacks won't respond at all - they won't go up or down. The only thing that seems to work is disconnecting the house battery for about 15 minutes until all the panel lights go dark, then reconnecting it.
I'm worried this might be a sign of something serious going wrong with the electrical system or the levelers themselves. Could this indicate low voltage issues or bad connections that might be unsafe? I really don't want to damage anything expensive or put my family at risk. What should I be checking, and is this something I need to call HWH about immediately?
HWH levelers needing battery reset to work indicates low voltage, loose connections, or controller memory issues. Check battery voltage under load (need 12.4V+), clean and tighten all connections, and verify grounds. Call HWH support if issue persists.
WARNING: Always disconnect power and use proper lockout/tagout procedures when working on RV electrical systems. Wear safety glasses and insulated gloves when handling electrical components.
Your HWH leveling system is experiencing a control module fault that requires a hard reset to clear. The flashing blue light with no jack movement, combined with the fact that disconnecting the house battery for 15 minutes restores function, strongly indicates your HWH control module may be overheating, experiencing voltage irregularities, or has corrupted memory that needs clearing. This can be a precursor to complete control module failure, so you'll want to address this before you're stuck with non-functional levelers at an inconvenient time.
Common causes of this intermittent reset requirement include a failing HWH control module (use correct part for your model - verify with dealer). These modules contain microprocessors that can develop memory corruption, especially as capacitors age and voltage regulation becomes unstable. The 15-minute wait time you're experiencing is typically how long it takes for the module's capacitors to fully discharge and clear the corrupted state.
Voltage fluctuations are another major contributing factor. If your house batteries are aging or your charging system isn't maintaining steady voltage between 12.0-14.4 volts, the control module can enter a fault state. HWH systems are particularly sensitive to voltage drops below 11.0V or spikes above 14.4V. Loose connections at the battery terminals, main disconnect switch, or the leveler fuse panel can create intermittent voltage issues.
Heat-related failures are also common, especially if your control module is mounted near the engine bay or in a cramped compartment. These modules generate heat during operation, and repeated thermal cycling can weaken internal components. Some RV manufacturers mount these modules in poorly ventilated areas, which may accelerate this wear pattern.
SAFETY WARNING: Ensure RV is properly stabilized with wheel chocks and additional jack stands if working underneath. Never work under a RV supported only by leveling jacks - use proper mechanical support. WARNING: HWH systems operate under hydraulic pressure. Before working on hydraulic components, ensure system is depressurized and hydraulic lines are not under pressure.
First, locate your HWH control module - it's usually a rectangular metal control box mounted in a basement compartment or behind an interior panel. Check your owner's manual for the exact location, as this varies significantly between RV manufacturers. You'll also need a digital multimeter to test voltages, and basic tools including screwdrivers and possibly a 10mm socket for terminal connections.
Test your house battery voltage both at rest (should be 12.6V or higher) and while running the leveling system (shouldn't drop below 12.0V during operation). If your batteries are over 3-4 years old and showing voltage drops, this could be contributing to the control module issues. Document when the problem occurs - is it after long drives, in hot weather, or after the RV has been sitting unused?
Check all connections at your house battery disconnect switch, as this is where you're finding the temporary fix. Look for corrosion, loose terminals, or signs of arcing. The fact that cycling this switch resolves the issue suggests either a connection problem here or confirms the control module needs a hard reset to clear its fault state.
Start by testing the power supply to your HWH system. With your multimeter, check voltage at the control module's power input while someone operates the leveling system. Establish clear verbal signals before starting, ensure the operator maintains visual contact with you and stays clear of all moving components, and have an agreed emergency stop signal. You should see steady 12V+ without fluctuations. If voltage drops or fluctuates, trace back through the fuse panel, disconnect switch, and battery connections to find loose or corroded connections.
If power supply checks out, the control module itself may be failing. HWH control modules typically cost $300-450 depending on your specific model, and replacement is usually straightforward - just matching wire colors to the new module and torquing connections to manufacturer specifications. However, before replacing, try relocating the module to a cooler, more ventilated location if possible, as heat is often the underlying cause of these failures.
Clean all electrical connections with contact cleaner and apply dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion. Pay special attention to the ground connections, as poor grounding can cause exactly the symptoms you're experiencing. The control module needs a solid ground reference to function properly.
Consider installing a small cooling fan near the control module if heat seems to be a factor. Some RV owners have successfully extended control module life by improving ventilation around these units. This is especially important if your module is mounted in an engine bay or other high-heat area.
If you're not comfortable working with 12V electrical systems or can't locate the control module, this is definitely a job for an RV service center familiar with HWH systems. They have the diagnostic tools to test the control module's internal functions and can quickly determine if replacement is needed. Labor typically runs $150-250 for diagnosis and module replacement.
Call a professional immediately if you notice any burning smells, excessive heat from the control module area, or if the temporary fix stops working entirely. These could indicate more serious electrical problems that could damage other RV systems or create safety hazards. An experienced technician can also check for software updates that might resolve some control module issues and verify proper installation per HWH technical specifications.
Some HWH dealers offer rebuilt control modules at reduced cost ($200-300 range), which can be a good middle-ground solution. They can also check if your specific system has any known issues or recalls that might apply to your situation and ensure you receive the correct part for your model.
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