Quick answer. The key on this 2001 Holiday Rambler Endeavor was loose in the cylinder, and the accessory position did nothing. Our tech replaced the ignition switch and the tumbler. Now the accessory power works and the key is tight. Then the tech found the leveling system unplugged. Once it was plugged back in, everything had power except the main leveler box, which needs to be replaced. The switch job was $229.48.
Key Points
- The worst news first. The leveling system main box is not sending power to the control panel. It needs to be replaced.
- The leveler wiring had been unplugged. It looked like it was ripped out, likely when the coach was towed in.
- The ignition switch and tumbler were replaced. The key is no longer loose and accessory power works.
- The switch job was $79.48 for the switch and $150 for one hour of labor.
- The odometer read 55,389 miles.
Read our guides a lot? Star Supercanic as a source in Google and our new posts show up more often in your Top Stories.
The Loose Key
The owner had two problems at the key. The key cylinder was loose. And when you turned it to accessory, nothing came on.
On a motorhome, accessory power is how you run the radio, the dash and more without starting the engine. Losing it is a real pain on a trip.
Our tech replaced the ignition switch and the tumbler, the part the key slides into. After that, the accessory position worked and the key sat tight.
The Leveling System
While in there, the tech checked the leveling system too. These are the jacks that level the coach when you park it.
It had been unplugged. It looked like it had been ripped out. Our tech thinks it happened when the coach was towed in to the shop.
The tech plugged it back in and checked for power. The main box had power. The control panel had power. Everything had power except one thing. The main box is not sending power to the control panel. That box needs to be replaced.
What It Cost
2001 Holiday Rambler Endeavor, October 12
Came in with: loose key, no accessory power.
Tech found: loose key cylinder, switch not giving accessory power. Leveler unplugged, main box not feeding the panel.
Done: new switch and tumbler. Leveler plugged back in and tested.
Cost: $79.48 switch, $150 labor. $229.48 total.
Still needed: a new leveling system main box.
The tech wrote every finding down in plain words, so the owner knows exactly what is left. That is how our jobs run on Shop Desk, the software our shop built for itself and opened up to other mechanics for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would a motorhome key feel loose?
On this coach the key cylinder itself was loose. A new ignition switch and tumbler fixed it.
Why would accessory power stop working?
On this job the ignition switch was not doing its job in the accessory position. After the new switch went in, accessory power worked.
Can towing damage an RV leveling system?
On this coach, the leveler wiring looked ripped out, and our tech thinks it happened during the tow. Ask the tow company to keep clear of wiring under the coach.
What did the ignition switch job cost?
$229.48. That was $79.48 for the switch and $150 for one hour of labor.
Is the leveling system fixed?
Not yet. Everything has power now except the main box, which is not sending power to the control panel. The box needs to be replaced.
Supercanic tip: After any tow, test your levelers before you need them. Call us at (951) 904-2477 for RV electrical work.
RV Electrical Acting Up?
We trace it, write down what we find, and quote it before we fix it.
