Intermittent Lippert Slide Controller?

david_reaves

Member
RV LIFE Pro
Joined
Apr 21, 2014
Messages
530
Location
Central Texas
I spent an hour or so searching and reading old threads and couldn't find a similar issue. I'm not saying it hasn't been posted, but I didn't find it.

I'm having an odd problem with a Lippert 13398-D0 V-Sync II controller. It's the controller for the full-length slide on my 2024 Freedom Traveler A32 (Camping World label for an ACE 32:cool:. The slide operates intermittently, with no error codes, but with power to the controller. It will apparently go through the reset process, but does not actually allow an override. The inside switch doesn't do anything. This error is not mentioned in the user manual or troubleshooting guide. My first step was to replace the inside switch, which seemed to work, briefly.

It most frequently fails after a period of driving, but not always. I was able to open the slide when I arrived in a campground last week and close it when departing yesterday. After driving yesterday, it wouldn't work for love or threats. I tried resetting, pulled the switch apart and checked it, tried some more. I verified the controller had full power on the 10-gauge wire at the controller. I also verified that all the connectors on the controller are tight. It doesn't "seem" like a short. I finally gave up and decided to try again after a full night's sleep. The only things I didn't verify were voltage at the switch (which it had today--see below) and continuity of the extend/retract wires to the controller (which worked today).

The magic is that late today, I tried again-- and it worked. This has happened before, sometimes it just took a few presses
or a lengthy button push to operate the slide. (Which is why I first replaced the switch.)

My supposition is that the controller itself is faulty, maybe a cracked board or a cold-solder. I've ordered an inexpensive replacement from Amazon. If it works, then I will contact Thor/Lippert for an OEM replacement since I'm still under warranty for the next 6 weeks or so.

If it still operates intermittently, then I'll test for correct power at the switch, and continuity of the wires between the switch and controller. I can also put a temporary switch in the bay with the controller as on option to completely remove the interior switch from the loop (I've already replaced the switch once).

Is my logic reasonable? Is there anything else I can check? Again, no errors on the controller and when it does fail, it will "seem" to reset but the switch doesn't do anything. Of course, if it still has issues after I've verified everything I can then I will have to contact Lippert for more help trouble-shooting. Thanks in advance.
.
 
loose ground wire? check all ground connections.
i had an issue with my lights that would work intermittantly. traced it to a loose ground connection on the 12 volt panel.
 
Feels like I'm talking to myself, :) but I've determined the issue was a failing controller. Posting the solution for future reference.

I verified good voltage to the controller and to the center pole of the switch. I then verified that there was continuity on the switch by removing the extend and retract wires from the controller. With a volt-meter, I checked for good voltage on each line while someone inside pressed the switch to the correct side. I used the ground coming into the controller as the other side of the circuit.

Since the switch and the wiring tested okay, that left the controller box as the source of the error. I pulled the controller from the overhead cabinet inside the camper that controls the drop-down bunk (they are the same controller). When I plugged it in as a replacement to the slide normal function returned!

Thor technical support listened to my trouble-shooting process, then agreed to send me a new controller under warranty. I'm still going to order an inexpensive "compatible" version from Amazon. The way Murphy works, the controllers will never fail because I'll be ready with a spare! :LOL:
 
Feels like I'm talking to myself, :) but I've determined the issue was a failing controller. Posting the solution for future reference.

I verified good voltage to the controller and to the center pole of the switch. I then verified that there was continuity on the switch by removing the extend and retract wires from the controller. With a volt-meter, I checked for good voltage on each line while someone inside pressed the switch to the correct side. I used the ground coming into the controller as the other side of the circuit.

Since the switch and the wiring tested okay, that left the controller box as the source of the error. I pulled the controller from the overhead cabinet inside the camper that controls the drop-down bunk (they are the same controller). When I plugged it in as a replacement to the slide normal function returned!

Thor technical support listened to my trouble-shooting process, then agreed to send me a new controller under warranty. I'm still going to order an inexpensive "compatible" version from Amazon. The way Murphy works, the controllers will never fail because I'll be ready with a spare! :LOL:

We're listening! Good, logical approach to the troubleshooting. Glad you got it figured out! :thumb:
 

Try RV LIFE Pro Free for 7 Days

  • New Ad-Free experience on this RV LIFE Community.
  • Plan the best RV Safe travel with RV LIFE Trip Wizard.
  • Navigate with our RV Safe GPS mobile app.
  • and much more...
Try RV LIFE Pro Today
Back
Top