Large slide stuck

[Sanford]

Just went to retract the large slide on our 2016 Challenger. Will not retract, and makes a grinding noise when trying to do so. It sounds as if there is a gear assembly not meshing. Any thoughts? Suppose to leave Monday for Albuquerque. Got a call into Thor and GS Roadside Assistance.

[TurnerFam]

try running it all the way OUT, first, and keeping the switch pressed even after it's finished, for several seconds - then try retracting it and see if it performs better.

you could also look at the rails, outside, and see if you see any metal 'shavings' that might be a sign of wear, or undue gear-to-track stress...

[Sanford]

Thanks, it is in the full out position. Doesn't appear to be out of alignment, sounds like gear isn't meshing, if it has a gear?

[16ACE27]

Turner pointed you to a good starting place.
Unfortunately, I had to become quite the slide expert recently on my ACE's large slide.

If no luck with Turner's suggestion grab a PC and go to Youtube to see how these Schwintek slides are put together. Then check your motors. Someone here recently found the retaining screw for one of their motors was not doing the job. This would allow the motor to spin and or jump up out of the gear assembly.

Trouble is; to check the motors your slide really needs to be in a mid position. There are methods to override the controller for emergency retract, but that assumes your motors actually work.

If all else fails, unplug your motor cables from the controller and enlist some friends to help you manually push the slide in so you can get to the motors.

There have been cases where the gear teeth that mesh with the tracks have broken/stripped. If that is the case you will need to replace the track assembly: not good for your upcoming trip.

[TurnerFam]

let's hope that it's a temporary easy fix - if it is truly open all the way, with all corners out the same distance, then it doesn't sound like a column/gear issue, but one of a motor going 'bad', possibly - they can be replaced on the spot, but yes, the slide will have to be about 1/2 way in/out to get to it, and to get to the outside top motor 'set' screw.

[Sanford]

Thanks guys, I'll give it a shot. I know Thor has vices on this issue, but haven't been able to locate.

[Sanford]

That's videos. Maybe vices is more accurate 🤣

[Sanford]

Ok, latest on slide saga. I have someone in route to diagnose problem. In the meantime, I removed the two access panels. It turns out, that these are for gaining access to the adjustments. One in the kitchen and one in the bedroom. The problem appears to be the sprocket on the motor and the bike chain it meshes with. However, the motor is located halfway between the two access openings. The only way to access it is to remove the facia board between the openings. To do that, you have to first remove the bedroom door and track. You gotta love these engineers. I'm hoping to get it retracted so that I can make the trip and then to the dealer. Gonna be quite inconvenient, but hey, I just survived a hurricane.[emoji41]

[Bob Denman]

Good luck with this: please let us know how it all works out!

[Sanford]

Thanks Bob, if they get it fixed or at least retracted, I'm probably going to make the trip anyway. Been planning this for over a year.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Sanford

Ok, latest on slide saga. I have someone in route to diagnose problem. In the meantime, I removed the two access panels. It turns out, that these are for gaining access to the adjustments. One in the kitchen and one in the bedroom. The problem appears to be the sprocket on the motor and the bike chain it meshes with. However, the motor is located halfway between the two access openings. The only way to access it is to remove the facia board between the openings. To do that, you have to first remove the bedroom door and track. You gotta love these engineers. I'm hoping to get it retracted so that I can make the trip and then to the dealer. Gonna be quite inconvenient, but hey, I just survived a hurricane.[emoji41]

Sprockets? Bike chain? You don't have the Schwintek system with 2 motors and tracks on each side of the slide-out?

[Sanford]

Schwintek system for two front slides. Just spoke with Lippert rep, and he says that it is a Norco system. Not familiar with them. Checking further.

[Sanford]

It turns out that Norco makes the Accu-slide system. I'm learning! There is a way to manually override the system, but due to Thor engineering, it ain't easy to get to.

[Bob Denman]

And now: I've got an immovable slide...
While starting the prep-work for a Columbus Day Weekend getaway: I fired up the generator, and then tried retracting the slide...
No go....
The rear of it wanted to move; but the front never budged. I also didn't hear anything up front trying to start up, in order to move anything. (The rear sounded normal...)
Can anyone give me an idea where I should start looking.
Oh! The wires are all plugged into the controller...
(My first spot checked...)
Thanks!

[Sanford]

Must be the weather?

[Bob Denman]

I'll take mine to another thread... Sorry for jumping on yours.

[Sanford]

No problem Bob. I've always heard that "misery loves company ".[emoji30]

[Sanford]

Ok, trip to Albuquerque Balloon Festival cancelled. Gear assembly for full slide stripped. Will order replacement tomorrow, but by the time repairs are made we won't have time to make the trip. Attached are a couple of pics to show the culprit.

[Bob Denman]

Dang... I was hoping that yours would be as simple as mine.

[Ms8599]

Sorry to hear that you might not be able to make it to the Balloon fiesta. If your tickets are for the first weekend we would be interested in purchasing them.
I think they are transferable.