Isata 3 slide lock out

[Bill Davis]

When I run my slides out I always do it with it plugged into shore power. That said the low voltage light always comes on when the slides are about half way open or closed while in motion. Has always done this since new. So far has not caused any problems. I would like to run the slides with the engine running to benefit from the high amperage output of the Mercedes alternator. For some reason the slides are locked out with the key on. Apparently someone thought this was a good idea that I tend to disagree with. I’ve noticed on the forum that some Dynamaxs are just the opposite and the motor or key has to be on for the slides to function. Anyone have an idea where the lock out mechanism is and how to eliminate it? I think the life of the slide motors would benefit greatly from the higher current flow.

[RolandRevenger]

While I do think it is a good idea for the slides not to operate while the engine is running, for safety reasons, one would think that a manual override switch near the slide control, but out of reach of little ones, would be a very good idea. I always start the generator when I use the slides if I can't plug into shore power. On my isata 3, when plugged in to 120 outlet at home, I never get any warning lights. Only time I did was when I forgot to start the generator and wasn't hooked up to shore power. I have read that others are able to operate the slide with the engine running; was this due to a wiring error or an intentional change made at the factory?

[Bill Davis]

Originally Posted by RolandRevenger

While I do think it is a good idea for the slides not to operate while the engine is running, for safety reasons, one would think that a manual override switch near the slide control, but out of reach of little ones, would be a very good idea. I always start the generator when I use the slides if I can't plug into shore power. On my isata 3, when plugged in to 120 outlet at home, I never get any warning lights. Only time I did was when I forgot to start the generator and wasn't hooked up to shore power. I have read that others are able to operate the slide with the engine running; was this due to a wiring error or an intentional change made at the factory?

I’m guessing the factory. If you read the power gear manual it says to start the engine while moving the slides. It has a parking brake lock out so the engine lock out is redundant.

[Bill Davis]

Brian, or Greg any idea where the lock out mechanism is?

[RolandRevenger]

Originally Posted by Bill Davis

I’m guessing the factory. If you read the power gear manual it says to start the engine while moving the slides. It has a parking brake lock out so the engine lock out is redundant.

The switch has the same wording;I assumed it was so that the batteries would get charged and then you could operate the slide with just the batteries. Your interpretation is correct, I hope. I would prefer to use the engine rather than fire up the generator when not connected to shore power. Hopefully, this can be corrected easily.

[Blackrock]

Try to run the slides with the park brake set and the engine running.

[Bill Davis]

Originally Posted by Blackrock

Try to run the slides with the park brake set and the engine running.

They won’t move with engine running

[Bill Davis]

Originally Posted by Bill Davis

When I run my slides out I always do it with it plugged into shore power. That said the low voltage light always comes on when the slides are about half way open or closed while in motion. Has always done this since new. So far has not caused any problems. I would like to run the slides with the engine running to benefit from the high amperage output of the Mercedes alternator. For some reason the slides are locked out with the key on. Apparently someone thought this was a good idea that I tend to disagree with. I’ve noticed on the forum that some Dynamaxs are just the opposite and the motor or key has to be on for the slides to function. Anyone have an idea where the lock out mechanism is and how to eliminate it? I think the life of the slide motors would benefit greatly from the higher current flow.

Any ideas?

[Magnatudes]

Originally Posted by Bill Davis

I’m guessing the factory. If you read the power gear manual it says to start the engine while moving the slides. It has a parking brake lock out so the engine lock out is redundant.

I agree, this is nuts! Parking brake interlock is all that's needed. Waiting for Brian to tell us how to disable or bypass the engine running lock out. This slideout low-voltage thing seems to be an issue on this site.

[bubbles]

So the parking brake interlock on an Isata is not just for the levelers. Interesting.

[Bill Davis]

Originally Posted by bubbles

So the parking brake interlock on an Isata is not just for the levelers. Interesting.

I don’t have levelers.

[Mikemdd]

The slide out on my 2018 Isata 3 and the auto levelers work without the parking brake set. No lockout in that regard. Seems there is not a lot of consistency in how things are wired.

[mlmay12]

Originally Posted by Mikemdd

The slide out on my 2018 Isata 3 and the auto levelers work without the parking brake set. No lockout in that regard. Seems there is not a lot of consistency in how things are wired.

If we could get a good wiring diagram of everything they do/install when building it would eliminate a lot of maintenance problems. My slide also does not run with the engine running even though the control panel says to start the engine when the low voltage warning comes on.

I fail to see why there is no wiring diagram, they must have one when they build the Isata 3, at least lets home so.

[Bill Davis]

Originally Posted by mlmay12

If we could get a good wiring diagram of everything they do/install when building it would eliminate a lot of maintenance problems. My slide also does not run with the engine running even though the control panel says to start the engine when the low voltage warning comes on.

I fail to see why there is no wiring diagram, they must have one when they build the Isata 3, at least lets home so.

A component locater would be nice as well.

[mlmay12]

Originally Posted by Bill Davis

A component locater would be nice as well.

That is true, I have tracked down most of the stuff.

[Michael Standley]

Key off, brake on, shore power or generator. My 2017 Isata 3, 24FW.

[Barch]

On my new 2019 Isata 3, I have to engage the parking brake to operate the slide or the auto levelers. Neither will operate without the parking brake on. Furthermore, neither will operate with the engine running.

[bclemens]

I'm not sure I have the answer but will look into this. A lot of this confusion is a result of "supplier" installation instructions. One says E-brake engine running, one has an engine lock out.

While I appreciate the desire for proper voltage...that is the key. Whether it be shore power, powering up the charger or the alternator charging up the batteries...the voltage is what is important, not necessarily which one is providing it.

While the alternator might be nice...this is still regulated by the BIRD. So if the charging parameters are not met...IE, both batteries are in good shape, then the alternator would not charge the house batteries anyway. So just having the slide wired to the E-brake and not the ignition, does not guaranty that the alternator will do anything different. It's not a like a "DIRECT" charge with the engine running.

[Magnatudes]

Batteries may not be fully charged however alternator should output ~14 volts & sufficient amperage. Every motorhome I have experienced with slideouts never had an engine running lockout. They all recommended that the user operate slided with the engine running and they all had e-brake interlocks. I would like to see a wiring diagram so I can study where I can disable this added feature.

[bclemens]

Yes, but unless the slide is wired directly to the chassis batteries...that alternator may not be doing anything. Connecting the batteries together is still handled by the BIRD. So it is not a guaranty.