Leveling Problem Not the ground issue.

[salukee]

Pulled into a camp spot 1300 miles from home in Wareham, Ma., it was our 4th night out on this trip. 33,000 miles total under our belt with this RV. I say this only to indicate we have used the leveling system often and have repaired the ground strap twice already.

When I went to auto level the unit the Lippert system timed out, but no jacks had deployed. No other error messages. I reset all components and tried to perform a manual level operation; zero jacks would deploy. When turning the system on everything sound like normal, just no jack deployment in manual or auto. Any thoughts on what I might check? I have my meter and a few tools along for the trip.

I had the parking brake set and the engine running for multiple attempts, as well as the generator running on several of the later attempts.

THanks

[Kevin Cooper]

Is the pump running? How much fluid is in the tank? If pump running, and you have fluid to the fill line, then possible the pump is failing to make pressure. If the pump is not running, is there 12vdc to the pump when trying to get it to work? If not, check fuses.

[salukee]

When the control is pushed to auto level, there is 12.8v to the pump motor and motor starts. The tank level is above but near the low-level mark on the dipstick. I guess adding fluid is the next step? Anyone done that in a controlled way? It looks like it will be quite a mess and hard to control where to stop at full. Is too full a problem if I get there?

Thanks

[Kevin Cooper]

To add Dexron 3 ATF, go to a $ store and get a ketsup or mustard squeeze bottle. Can you check the other wires for the solenoids for voltage? Have someone at controls, set to manual and have them push front and rear buttons. With the solenoids unplugged, are you getting voltage on any pins? If you are not, then it is likely the control pad is the issue. If you are on two pins, (unlikely) it is your solenoids or pump not building pressure. You can test the control for output power by pulling it and testing for voltage on the wires too.
Good luck.

[pconroy]

Originally Posted by salukee

When turning the system on everything sound like normal, just no jack deployment in manual or auto.

You said Lippert, but this is what's happening with my Equalizer branded jacks. Pump runs, noise sounds normal - but they didn't retract.

Equalizer, diagnosing over email, say it's the splitter valve and I'm looking at a new pump.

[salukee]

Added some fluid to reservoir, was not really low, was still above the low mark on dipstick. Added enough to go to center or better on dipstick, no change in status.

I'm guessing it is either the controller or the pump/motor (it does turn on).

I will troubleshoot more when I get home in a couple of weeks. I did stop and buy some additional leveling blocks. We should be ok as long as our sites for the next few stops are somewhat flat.

[salukee]

So we are home now. Managed our overnights without the leveling system. The coach was a little bouncy but no real issues after getting close to level front to rear using blocks.

I am going to commence troubleshooting soon but working on a game plan. I will confirm fluid level first. Then confirm pump motor is running. Since no jacks work in manual or auto, I am assuming it is not a solenoid problem, but might still be a controller problem.

In searching the internet, I am seeing nothing relative to replacing or repairing the pump end of the unit. Since the motor appears to be running based on the sound and the voltage availability, I am guessing this could be the hydraulic pump. Any thoughts or experience with working on the pump?

[salukee]

I did a LOT of troubleshooting and searching for my Lippert leveling system inoperability. Everything appeared to be getting voltage and looked normal, other than the jacks not deploying in manual or auto. I also had not checked the 3 cartridge valves. I had checked the pump motor, directional valve and the pressure switch. The cartridge valves are very hard to access. I finally emailed Lippert asking for help. He asked me to check the cartridge valves for voltage.

Prior to proceeding today, I did a search for the word "reset" in the pdf version of my manual. Here is what I found on page 9:

""Error Mode
1. If an error occurs before or during operation, the error will be displayed in the touchpad's LCD screen (Fig. 1E) and an alarm will sound. To reset common ERROR displays, press ENTER (Fig. 1C).

Note: To reset "Return for Service" errors, press ENTER (Fig. 1C) and RETRACT (Fig. 1D) simultaneously.
Refer to Error Code Chart for additional error codes.""

Even though I never received any errors on the touchpad, I thought I would try the reset mentioned above in the note section. After doing so, pressing Enter and Retract at the same time, the system is back to operating normally.

Baffled here. This was a lot cheaper than throwing parts at it. I have asked the Lippert tech support team for an explanation, if any. I will post their reply if I get one.

[Kevin Cooper]

Thank you for the information! It is good to know. What a pain for you! Why didn’t Lippert suggest that first thing?

[salukee]

Originally Posted by Kevin Cooper

Thank you for the information! It is good to know. What a pain for you! Why didn’t Lippert suggest that first thing?

Here is the response I received from Lippert tech support this morning:

"That is a first for me for that to work or be tried without any kind of error.* I will pass it along to some teammates and see if they heard of this.

Keep us posted.*

We are standing by 8AM-7PM EST.

Thank you and have a great day."

[Kevin Cooper]

Originally Posted by salukee

Here is the response I received from Lippert tech support this morning:

"That is a first for me for that to work or be tried without any kind of error.* I will pass it along to some teammates and see if they heard of this.

Keep us posted.*

We are standing by 8AM-7PM EST.

Thank you and have a great day."

They should give you a cash reward!