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Old 09-22-2019, 09:04 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 12
'99 Thomas no crank

My 1999 Thomas Saf-T-Liner will not crank when I turn the key over or push the starter button in the rear. Batteries are charged up, all the dash lights turn on but when I push the start it's just one click from what I believe may be the solenoid. There are no door safety things that prevent starting. It's been a few months since I last drove it and had no problems with it then and I dont believe there as been any changes since.
3126b and Allison transmission.

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Old 09-23-2019, 04:09 AM   #2
Bus Geek
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 3,856
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Thomas Built Bus
Chassis: Freightliner FS65
Engine: Caterpillar 3126E Diesel
Rated Cap: 71 Passenger- 30,000 lbs.
Have the batteries been maintained with a good charge? The CAT 3126 engine likes a lot of juice in the batteries.
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Old 09-23-2019, 09:39 AM   #3
Mini-Skoolie
 
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I believe so. I mean even when it's connected to a battery charger pushing 200A it still doesn't even attempt to crank.
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Old 09-23-2019, 10:23 AM   #4
Bus Crazy
 
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Join Date: May 2015
Location: Central Tx.
Posts: 1,949
Year: 1999
Chassis: Amtran / International
Engine: DT466E HT 250HP - Md3060
Quote:
Originally Posted by DJtwreck View Post
I believe so. I mean even when it's connected to a battery charger pushing 200A it still doesn't even attempt to crank.
Do you have an electronic tranny?

The reason I ask is because if your push pad is dark, no lights then bus will not crank.

If not an electronic tranny then I would look at/for a neutral safety circuit that would prevent the bus from cranking.

Oh.... then there's the make sure your ignition switch did not go bad.
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Old 09-23-2019, 10:49 AM   #5
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 12
Yeah. It has the push buttons on the dash. I can shift them in and out of gear. Only trying to start if it says it's in Neutral. I've tried shifting in and out of neutral a few times to get it started.
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Old 09-23-2019, 01:54 PM   #6
Bus Crazy
 
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Join Date: May 2015
Location: Central Tx.
Posts: 1,949
Year: 1999
Chassis: Amtran / International
Engine: DT466E HT 250HP - Md3060
I would check the VIM, not sure about your bus, but there should be 6 relays in the VIM. One of them is for the neutral starter safety. Unplug all 6 relays and reseat them.

Also I would try the #1 old school way for getting a stuck starter to spin, bang on it with a hammer while you hit the ignition switch.

Also don't forget to make sure voltage is reaching the solenoid when you turn the key.
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Old 09-23-2019, 03:04 PM   #7
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Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Ashtabula, Ohio
Posts: 1,494
Year: 1996
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: International
Engine: T444E 7.3L
The starter should have a smaller "signal" wire to it and it should light up when the ignition is in the "Start" position or when starter button is pushed. If it lights, there is an issue with the starter motor. Try whacking it with a hammer like suggested only if the signal wire is getting voltage.
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