Saf-T-Liner question...

[GoneCamping]

I'm having a small problem starting my bus the last few weeks, seems the "key" solenoid doesn't want to kick the starter over. As such, I'm still able to start it from the rear engine compartment.

There are 3 or 4 relays in the side electrical hatch, anyone know which one is the starter relay? They all look like old Ford starter relays, but with 3 or 4 of them I don't have a clue which one?

[the_experience03]

There's nothing like the disconnect and try technique. Honestly, my bus has a few relays that power what they call the J-block....the switch panel. It also HAD some from the heaters. I wouldn't know what each did and my factory wiring diagrams are useless. Basically, I just disconnected stuff one at a time until I figured out what did what.

[GoneCamping]

I had to make a delivery to City of Chesapeake School Bus garage today, and they have about 150 Thomas buses... So after I got done with the Parts dept, I went to the service desk and asked them about this.

Apparently NONE of the solenoids in the side electrical compartment have anything to do with the starter working or not. There are 4 Ford Starter style solenoids in there, but I'm told those are for fans, pumps etc...

He told me to open up the rear starter box (the box with the remote starter buttun in the engine compartment), he said the wire from the ignition goes straight back to this box...and he indicated that on all the buses they had this was a purple wire. He told me to start checking at this point, and if I get juice from the key on-start position to there, then the problem will be inside that box (since the bus will start with the push button in that box).

He also said that I needed to check the transmission neutral safety switch too...as the start wire goes through that. Seems to me that must be ok though, as I can still start from the rear.....I would suspect that also runs through the neutral safety switch, otherwise the person starting the bus could conceivable run himself over?

So, guess I got a starting point. Thought I'd share this so that others with the Thomas can tuck this away for furture reference...

[the_experience03]

The people who occupy bus barns are a unique, knowledgeable, friendly group. Glad to hear you got some answers.

[Elliot Naess]

...people who occupy bus barns are a... ...friendly group.

I second that notion!

[Les Lampman]

Cliff,

Thanks very much for that information!