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Old 04-27-2018, 05:33 PM   #1
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Four Winds Fun Mover
State: California
Posts: 3
THOR #11437
Unhappy 2002 four winds fun mover won't start

Good morning! I recently joined this forum after using it to read about my RV a 2002 Four Winds Fun Mover. Since February I have been trying without success to get it to start. Because I am a volunteer for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and live in a campground that's quite a distance from the nearest town I've been attempting to solve this problem on my own. So far this is what I've done:

1) Replaced the main battery
2) Replaced the solenoid located on the firewall by the driver's side of the engine compartment.

This 2nd repair was made on the advice of a mobile mechanic that charged me an outrageous amount to come out, go underneath the engine and bypass the starter to start it one time! I replaced that part with the help of a friend that has mechanical abilities and it still won't start.

Do I need to replace the starter itself? I've been given the name of another mobile mechanic to contact but am determined to have a bit more knowledge of what's going on before I hire him.

Also, is it possible for me to do what the first guy did and bypass the starter so I can move my RV down to a lower RV area in the park until I get an appointment? This location has been approved by the Army and will get me closer to Park Headquarters and my volunteer position. If I can ask a maintenance person to get it started temporarily until it's repaired it would help a great deal.

My chassis is a 2002 Ford E-450 10 cyl. Commercial Cutaway Super Duty gas engine. I don't suppose this could be a simple fuse problem?

Any help would be appreciated. This has been a 2 month ongoing saga that's way past old and very frustrating.

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Old 04-27-2018, 05:41 PM   #2
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THOR #1150
When you attempt to start does it make any noise? (clicking, a single click, etc.?)

It probably isn't the starter itself as the mechanic would have had to use the starter even to start it that one time. It could be the starter solenoid which can be bypassed.
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Old 04-27-2018, 11:22 PM   #3
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Model: Quantum RS26
State: Indiana
Posts: 288
THOR #10823
Ford starters are pretty basic. Ignition switch, solenoid, starter. Need to ask a couple questions to help zero in on the problem.
First make sure the "house" power is off so you are only using the chassis wiring.
Next, as Jamie asked, any clicking sound when turning the key to the start position?
Do the dash lights come on with the key as usual?
With headlights on, do they dim when the key is turned to the start position?
What exactly was the part that you and your friend replaced?
Do you have access to a 12v test light?
Sorry to play 20 questions but I don't want to send you in the wrong direction.
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Old 04-27-2018, 11:27 PM   #4
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Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
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THOR #8860
I'd be guessing ...but iI'd put my money on the solenoid.
While you're at it: do you have fresh fuel in the tank?
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Old 04-27-2018, 11:41 PM   #5
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THOR #10823
And I forgot the most basic question, is the transmission in park? You can also try it in neutral but be sure the parking brake is set!
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Old 04-28-2018, 02:46 AM   #6
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THOR #6831
and it could be a bad ignition switch
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Old 04-28-2018, 03:07 AM   #7
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THOR #9067
Invest in a 12volt test light.clamp it to ground.the big wire to the starter should be hot all the time(lights up bright).the small wire should be hot when ignition switch is in start position.if both are good...needs a starter.if big one is not hot then bad cable,batt or connection.if little one is not hot then bad ignition switch,relay or connection.
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Old 04-29-2018, 12:45 AM   #8
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Four Winds Fun Mover
State: California
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THOR #11437
Problem determined to be in the wiring

Hi Everyone! Thanks for your quick help! A mechanic came by yesterday and determined it is a wiring problem between the ignition and solenoid by main battery. I would NEVER have figured this one out on my own. He is coming back next week to make repairs, I'll keep you "posted".
Thanks again! Rhonda
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Old 04-29-2018, 01:45 AM   #9
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Glad to hear that you were able to find "the light at the end of the tunnel".
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