1988 Wanderlodge Allison ECM problem....

[OneLapper]

Hey guys,

It's been a long time since I've last posted....

I still have my 4106, but moved on to Prevost entertainers and started a business leasing them to bands and working on them here and there.

I'm currently helping out a friend that owns a 1988 Wanderlodge with the Allison HTB748 transmission.

The RV has been sitting for about 5 years.  It starts, it airs up, the leveling jacks work, the genny works, but it will not go into gear.  The touch pad is on, but non-responsive.

I pulled the transmission ECM.  The two dealers I do business with both say it no longer supported by Allison:  "Good luck"! 

I'm looking for recommendations to send the ECM off to be tested, reflashed, or repaired.  It's appears to be perfect physical condition, but I suspect the eProm is dead or needs to be flashed.

Can anyone recommend a shop that can repair or replace these modules?

I've made a dozen calls.  No solutions as of yet.

Thanks,

OneLapper

[luvrbus]

A 748 is a ATEC going to tough to find someone to work on that ECM,everyone I know won't service the ATEC Allisions anylonger

[tr206]

Try this maybe. https://www.remanautoelectronics.com/p/483-Allison-Transmission-Electronic-Control-ATEC-Off-Highway.aspx

[luvrbus]

Mark,I would check with Dupree on the Blue Bird Wonder Lodge group lol he is Luke when it comes to the older Blue Birds

[OneLapper]

Thanks for the replies.

I tried that RAE company, never got a call back.

I just ordered a "NOS" reman'd Detroit ECM off Ebay that the seller claims is leftover inventory from the local Detroit dealer.  We'll see if it works.

[OneLapper]

Mark,I would check with Dupree on the Blue Bird Wonder Lodge group lol he is Luke when it comes to the older Blue Birds

I'll sign up and see if I can reach him.

That ECM came in today..... definitely not NOS.  The Eprom has been swapped out but I'm going to try it this weekend.  With luck it'll drop into gear.  If not, it'll get the hook to somewhere......  The owner has had it for decades.  He has no interested in dumping thousands into it.

[OneLapper]

Quick followup on this Wanderlodge....

It took a couple of months to coordinate with the owner to get back to this project.  I installed the replacement transmission ECM, turn on the ignition, got the Neutral light on the control pad.  The replacement ECU solved the drive problem.  She moved forward and backwards now, but no test drive.

The NEW problem that developed is the starter circuit.

After installing the transmission ECM, I attempted to start the engine, got a very very slow crank for a few seconds and that was it.  It wouldn't crank over again.  At first we thought the starter died.  It's the original starter (1988) and the bearings sound awful.  I ordered a new starter even though I ruled out that being the problem.  Above the starter is a 4 post relay that goes to the starter solenoid.  That relay looked awful and one wire fell right off.  I replaced the relay, installed the new starter, and nothing.

The driver ignition key doesn't start the engine, the rear starter key doesn't start the engine.  I ran a wire to the relay and can get the engine to start.

After it started, the next challenge was getting the stabilizers up.  That took some time since it hasn't been on the airbags in 3-5 years.  Once I got the pads up, and aired up the tires, it finally went into gear, forward and reverse.

The last challenge is find the juntion box that front and rear ignition wires meet and go to the relay.  I suspect the wire bwtween the junction box and the relay is shot.

[Bearmtnmartin]

There is a security switch in the bedroom. Be sure it's not turned on. There's also a battery disconnect in the driver area somewhere. It turns off some power but not all.

[oldmansax]

Mark, as has already been stated, you are on the wrong board for Wanderlodges. This one is excellent for bus conversions and I personally have profited greatly from it but the Wanderlodge Owners Group board can tell you EVERYTHING about Wanderlodges.

As far as the one you are currently involved with: There are multiple interlocks and controls in the start system on '88 PTs, including, but not limited to, and AT (Anti-Theft) switch, Security Alarm, Neutral safety switch, Rear Start and lockout (known to be problematic) and an entire panel of anti-start engage while running solenoids and relays. All of those are documented and the wiring diagrams free to download at WOGS. Plus the starting problems on the PTs have been discussed and photographed extensively.

Connect a starter test switch to the Start terminal on the starter solenoid  and push the button. If the engine turns over as it should, the problem is in one or more of the above named systems. If it does not, It's either the starter, batteries, or wiring between the two.

Hope this helps!

TOM

[OneLapper]

Thanks for the reply, Tom

I know there's a Wanderlodge forum and the owner is somewhat active there.  I don't want to step on his toes.

I'm sure I'll eventually find my way over to their forum to ask the specifics.  I was more or less pontificating on the status of 'no drive' issue which turned out to be the trans ECM.

Nonetheless, I'll bludgeon my way through this project!

Mark

[oldmansax]

Mark, Here is a start circuit wiring diagram. Hope this helps1

TOM

[OneLapper]

Thank you Tom!!