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Old 08-23-2019, 06:15 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Vermont
Posts: 10
Year: 2000
Coachwork: BlueBird TS FE TC1000
Chassis: F090169
Engine: B5.9L CUMMINS
Exclamation HELP with strange issue no one seems to be able to solve!!!

Hello,

I am hoping you can help me diagnose the problem as no one else I have encountered has been able to.

the bus:
2000 bluebird tc-1000 26ft
cummins diesel B5.9L
Allison At-545

the problem:
as I turn the key, the engine starts up and turns over
as I let go of the key it dies immediately
if I start it up and the engine turns over and I HOLD THE KEY IN PLACE the engine stays running but as soon as I let go it dies immediately
sometimes the engine has trouble starting up and cranking but eventually does

potential remedies:
starter solenoid?? -seems unlikely
fuel sending unit/pump??-fuel gauge is erratic but would it cause this issue?

prior to changing the battery and snipping the wires leading to the rear a/c and rear heater everything was just fine as far as I know. I had just purchased the bus to convert into a home.

I am pretty handy and have been doing my own automotive work on my jeep and would be so thankful for any help you may be able to offer.

Conversation is coming along swimmingly! finishing up electrical and plumbing but need to make sure the bus can start and RUN!

Best,
Jaimie

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Old 08-23-2019, 06:26 PM   #2
Bus Crazy
 
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Bad key switch
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Old 08-23-2019, 07:02 PM   #3
Bus Nut
 
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That's the first place to look. You'll be lucky if it's that simple, but if it's not make a list and go through it.
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Old 08-23-2019, 07:17 PM   #4
Mini-Skoolie
 
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perhaps somebody can post "a list" ^^
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Old 08-23-2019, 07:39 PM   #5
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1 Buy new switch
2 Change switch
3 Start bus

The switch takes all power away from most everything but the starter when you turn the key to start. When you release it, it cuts the power to the starter and reconnects everything else. Sounds like faulty switch to me.
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Old 08-23-2019, 08:11 PM   #6
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Engine: B5.9L CUMMINS
very cheeky o1marc, there are multiple components to a starter.

I don't just run out and buy the first thing that comes to mind.

list currently is:

check battery connections
check loose ignition SWITCH connections
perhaps not igniter switch but the igniter or ignition module
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Old 08-23-2019, 08:17 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kubla View Post
Bad key switch
That is what I suspected also. Jump the switch out , check the connections physically, and tug and test on relays associated.
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Old 08-24-2019, 10:18 AM   #8
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I have had this problem on a Cummins powered RV. After hours of tracing and trying different things, it turned out to be the key switch.
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Old 08-24-2019, 11:32 AM   #9
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If every reply is the key switch, certainly don't believe them. So I wonder why the question was asked?
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Old 08-24-2019, 11:44 AM   #10
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The ignition switch is quite easy to check. OP said all was fine until some electrical work was done, quite possibly a place to start after checking the switch.
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Old 08-24-2019, 11:55 AM   #11
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I would start by lubricating the slot for the key first. This should eliminate any sticking tumblers. Further testing after that if it doesn't help but all symptoms are that of a malfunctioning ignition switch.
Check connections at starter and starter solenoid just to be sure they are in good shape and tight.
Ignore o1marc for electrical advice, rule number 1.


John
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Old 08-24-2019, 12:16 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackJohn View Post
I would start by lubricating the slot for the key first. This should eliminate any sticking tumblers. Further testing after that if it doesn't help but all symptoms are that of a malfunctioning ignition switch.
Check connections at starter and starter solenoid just to be sure they are in good shape and tight.
Ignore o1marc for electrical advice, rule number 1.


John
Even though I'm probably right.
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Old 08-24-2019, 02:31 PM   #13
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You have a failed ignition switch. Others have referred to it as a key switch and on many buses it's "the same thing" (it's actually an electrical switch made with the key portion integrated). On some vehicles (many GM models, for example) there is a separate key and an ignition "switch" separate from that further down the steering column operated by a linkage (they can be changed separately).


It sounds like you have a bad contact on the "ignition" or "Run" portion of your switch - this maintains contact through the "Start" function and is supposed to maintain contact as you release it to "run" but it sounds like dirt/corrosion/burned contact has caused this failure. (I had an old GMC pickup with the same symptoms, it was indeed a failed switch, I disassembled the old one to learn how it worked.)



"Key switches" are fairly inexpensive and relatively easy to replace. Remove the old one and match a new one up to it.
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Old 08-24-2019, 03:52 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by o1marc View Post
Even though I'm probably right.

Ok what is your diagnosis doc?



With no formal training or education on electricity I can't wait to hear your answer. You have troubles enough on your own bus not understanding electrical issues, ie., tailights, basic series and parallel battery connections.
Remember the burning tailight? Next we will see the whole bus turn to ashes. So many systems you won't be able to maintain or troubleshoot. so I'll stand by my call on you.
Nascar was no help to you as far as bus building.


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Old 08-24-2019, 05:46 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackJohn View Post
Ok what is your diagnosis doc?



With no formal training or education on electricity I can't wait to hear your answer. You have troubles enough on your own bus not understanding electrical issues, ie., tailights, basic series and parallel battery connections.
Remember the burning tailight? Next we will see the whole bus turn to ashes. So many systems you won't be able to maintain or troubleshoot. so I'll stand by my call on you.
Nascar was no help to you as far as bus building.


John
Don't hold you're breath,
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Old 08-24-2019, 05:51 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by o1marc View Post
Don't hold you're breath,



So no diagnosis? Just as I figured, keep the fire dept number handy!


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Old 08-24-2019, 06:00 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackJohn View Post
So no diagnosis? Just as I figured, keep the fire dept number handy!


John
I think you're going to be really disappointed.
My diagnosis was the same as everyone else who answered the same way with the same experience.
I'm still trying to figure how your advice helps. The tumblers only effect the key and whether it will turn. If he turns and the engine starts, how could the tumblers possibly be the cause of the engine shut off?
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Old 08-24-2019, 06:10 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by o1marc View Post
I think you're going to be really disappointed.
My diagnosis was the same as everyone else who answered the same way with the same experience.
I'm still trying to figure how your advice helps. The tumblers only effect the key and whether it will turn. If he turns and the engine starts, how could the tumblers possibly be the cause of the engine shut off?
Uhh Sir, that is not a completely true statement I actually am a trained professional and would agree with anyone here that said it was the key switch. Now, lets hear from BluebirdBabes, was it the key switch?
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Old 08-24-2019, 06:11 PM   #19
Bus Geek
 
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Uhh Sir, that is not a completely true statement I actually am a trained professional and would agree with anyone here that said it was the key switch. Now, lets hear from BluebirdBabes, was it the key switch?
What was not true?
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Old 08-24-2019, 06:34 PM   #20
Bus Nut
 
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Rated Cap: Blue-Bird says 72 pass.
This thread reminds me of the Bickerson Family Picnic from The Honeymooners, with Jackie Gleason and Art Carney. I know I am dating myself with this one.
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