Bus is not starting (Need help please!)

Indigo&Olive · 01-11-2020, 01:38 PM

Hi Everyone,
So firstly I am in the UK so not sure how relevant all your knowledge is but here's to hoping!
I have a 6cylinder Automatic Bluebird.

So, the engine was running fine and started up no problem.

Since I last started the bus up I've removed the interior speakers and lights (or just unplugged.

I also got a bit excited and removed the front dash and unplugged wires that looked like they were only related to the heater. (Heater was not working and already been partially removed). Struggling to see how this would be linked to the starting of the engine? All wires were pretty much centre of the dash and not behind the wheel.

When the key is in ignition there is a intermittent beeping noise. Low air, Check trans and a 'park' light is illuminated on the dash. The emergency door is definitely closed.
When I turn to start the engine the beep continues and does not turn over.

The bus batteries had died so was hopeful that it was just low voltage. I have since charged the batteries and tried again with no success.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated and used. PLEASE

TheHubbardBus · 01-11-2020, 01:58 PM

I suspect the beeping is the associated with the air (brake) system, which is normal if your system pressure is below 60psi or so. You should have experienced this alarm before. Pretty sure the dash lights are normal as well, though don't take that as gospel. I'd assume those indicators would extinguish once the bus had started if there weren't associated problems.

When you try to turn the engine, what happens? Nothing? Clicking from the starter solenoid?

No idea what condition your batteries are in, but I wouldn't be surprised if they're (still) the issue. What voltage do they show now? What voltage were they at after you charged them?

PNW_Steve · 01-11-2020, 03:54 PM

my first thought is that you may have run afoul of the safety interlocks when removing wiring.

brokedown · 01-11-2020, 03:58 PM

Safety interlocks are almost certainly the issue.

Brad_SwiftFur · 01-11-2020, 05:07 PM

"Check Trans" - make sure it's in neutral/park. Sometimes these switches get temperamental with age so sometimes the shifter has to be in "just the right spot" for the safety switch to allow it to start.

Indigo&Olive · 01-12-2020, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheHubbardBus

When you try to turn the engine, what happens? Nothing? Clicking from the starter solenoid?

No idea what condition your batteries are in, but I wouldn't be surprised if they're (still) the issue. What voltage do they show now? What voltage were they at after you charged them?

When I turn there is no clicking.
They were pretty dead, both reading between 2-3v. Charged them up overnight to around 12-13v each.

Indigo&Olive · 01-12-2020, 03:32 AM

Thanks,
if it is the safety interlock, what would be the fix?

PNW_Steve · 01-12-2020, 03:40 AM

Is your bus right hand drive or left?

Indigo&Olive · 01-12-2020, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

Is your bus right hand drive or left?

Right hand drive

Indigo&Olive · 01-12-2020, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad_SwiftFur

"Check Trans" - make sure it's in neutral/park. Sometimes these switches get temperamental with age so sometimes the shifter has to be in "just the right spot" for the safety switch to allow it to start.

The display for transmission is in 'N'

Think it may be a little different from the ones you drive around the US

Truthseeker4449 · 01-12-2020, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indigo&Olive

The display for transmission is in 'N'

Think it may be a little different from the ones you drive around the US

The Check Trans light is most likely normal, my bus has an Allision MD3060 and also displays this light when the engine is not running.

PNW_Steve · 01-12-2020, 09:57 AM

In my 2002 A3RE there is a panel fairly well hidden behind a cover, behind the drivers side (left) windshield wiper. I am not sure if it will be in the same place on yours being right hand drive.

So, behind the windshield wiper door there is a panel held in place by four or six screws. Under that cover is a row of relays in sockets. One of them is labeled "Vandalock". Remove that relay and insert a jumper with spare ends into the common and normally closed positions.

I am hoping that yours is the same as mine. Given the difference in drive it may be different.

Can't hurt to take a look.....

Good luck.

Indigo&Olive · 01-14-2020, 05:22 AM

Hi,

I have solved the issue. I checked out all your advice and appreciate all your support!

I ended up checking the fuse panel in the engine compartment and had blown a 7.5amp fuse labeled (engine).

I wished i had checked there first as it would ave saved three days of stress.

For all of those with a similar problem perhaps check there first! haha!

The beeping was low air so thanks for that. I checked all relays in the compartment mentioned but none were labeled 'Vandalock'.

Again, thanks for all your help!

EastCoastCB · 01-14-2020, 05:55 AM

Glad you got it sorted. I wonder what made that fuse blow.

What part of England are you in?
Do you like football? If so what team to you support?

WIbluebird · 01-14-2020, 08:37 AM

Is that your bus in the avatar? I'm curious about these buses as I heard First Student imported a number of specially build RHD All Americans to the UK a number of years ago. I'm assuming it's one of those buses.

What engine does it have? Sounds like you have an MD3060, mine does the same thing with the "Check trans" light on when the key is in "accessory".

I still need to disable the ignition interlock on mine. Hopefully it's the Vandalock system like PNWsteve has.

Mountain Gnome · 01-14-2020, 10:44 AM

Glad you got it fixed.

I was going to say there should be a "check Engine" light, along with a "check Tranny" light, that comes on before you try to start it. If yo don't see that light, the computer is not getting power or it is fried. However, in my BlueBird, if you don't see any of these dash lights, it could be a separate circuit for the dash lights themselves.

Rosemary A Butler · 01-29-2020, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indigo&Olive

Hi Everyone,
So firstly I am in the UK so not sure how relevant all your knowledge is but here's to hoping!
I have a 6cylinder Automatic Bluebird.

So, the engine was running fine and started up no problem.

Since I last started the bus up I've removed the interior speakers and lights (or just unplugged.

I also got a bit excited and removed the front dash and unplugged wires that looked like they were only related to the heater. (Heater was not working and already been partially removed). Struggling to see how this would be linked to the starting of the engine? All wires were pretty much centre of the dash and not behind the wheel.

When the key is in ignition there is a intermittent beeping noise. Low air, Check trans and a 'park' light is illuminated on the dash. The emergency door is definitely closed.
When I turn to start the engine the beep continues and does not turn over.

The bus batteries had died so was hopeful that it was just low voltage. I have since charged the batteries and tried again with no success.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated and used. PLEASE

Check starter.check fuel pump.fuel injectors.

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