FAQ/Basic Troubleshooting | Grand Design
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FAQ/Basic Troubleshooting

Electric Power - 110V

No AC power to RV
  • Check that there is power to the shoreline receptacle.
  • Check circuit breakers at power center. The 110-volt circuit breaker may be off or tripped.
  • Check the GFI recepts to make sure they are not tripped.
  • Check the fuses (2) at the converter (either 35a or 40a).  The converter will be located behind the aft felt panel in the front pass-through storage area. 

Electric Power - 12V

No 12V power to RV
  • Make sure the battery disconnect is turned on.
  • Check the batteries to assure a full charge is present.
  • Check the fuse panel to make sure no fuses are blown.

Electric Power - 12V - Front Landing Legs

No 12V power to Legs
  • Check battery charge – must be above 12.2V
  • Check 10a fuse in front bulkhead area (inside fuse holder).
  • Check 50a thermal breaker to pump motor (front bulkhead).

Working with electrical appliances can be extremely dangerous. Always have your dealer or a certified professional perform all repairs to your appliance and/or RV electrical system.

Furnace

Furnace does not ignite and/or cycles frequently
  • Check that propane tank is full.
  • Operate the range top to ensure all air is out of the system.
  • Remove any obstruction over furnace exhaust.
  • Inspect exhaust tube for any obstructions.
  • Check fuse in fuse panel and replace if necessary.
  • Make sure that return air grill is unobstructed. Remove anything that is stored in furnace compartment that could block airflow.
  • Check that heat outlet registers are open and that register openings are unobstructed.
  • Make sure that 12-volt power is present.
  • Contact your dealer if the problem persists.

Turn thermostat and furnace gas control valve off and contact your dealer or authorized service center. DO NOT attempt to repair or adjust the furnace yourself.

Working with electrical appliances can be extremely dangerous. Always have your dealer or a certified professional perform all repairs to your appliance and/or RV electrical system.

Never use a match or flame to check for propane gas leaks. Failure to follow this warning could result in a fire or explosion resulting in serious injury or death.

All propane connections should be checked periodically as vibrations from travel may cause them to loosen. Failure to check connections could lead to a leak of propane, resulting in a fire or explosion that could cause serious injury or death.

Working with propane can be dangerous. Always have your dealer or certified professional perform all repairs to your LP system.

Generator

Generator makes clicking sound when trying to start
  • Battery condition may be low. Recharge if necessary.
  • Check for poor ground or battery connection.
Generator starts, but lacks electrical power
  • Breaker switches may be off or tripped at generator. Reset breaker if necessary.
  • Breaker may be off or tripped inside power center. Reset main breaker if necessary.
Nothing happens when the generator start button is pushed
  • Check that the battery disconnect switch button is pushed.
  • Check 12 Volt fuse on generator.
  • Reset circuit breaker if necessary.
  • Contact your dealer or a qualified RV technician if problem is not resolved.
Starter engages while holding the start button down, but generator does not start
  • Generator may be out of fuel. (Generator will not operate when the fuel tank is less than ¼ full).
  • Generator may be low on oil. Check the oil level.
  • Generator may have varnished carb.  Seek Onan assistance.
  • Be sure to prime the generator. Press and hold switch in opposite direction of start.

Working with electrical appliances can be extremely dangerous. Always have your dealer or a certified professional perform all repairs to your appliance and/or RV electrical system.

Interior Lights

Lights dim or are half bright
  • Low battery state. Check battery condition and recharge if necessary.
  • Possible converter malfunction. Have converter checked by an authorized service center.
  • Possible loss of ground. Check for loose wire connection.
Lights flicker
  • Loose or defective bulb. Tighten or replace as needed.
  • Converter is overheating. Open the cover to cool down and reduce the load by turning off some 12-volt lights.

Working with electrical appliances can be extremely dangerous. Always have your dealer or a certified professional perform all repairs to your appliance and/or RV electrical system.

Microwave

Will not operate
  • Door open or timer OFF. Close door and turn timer ON.
  • No power to oven. Check power supply and circuit breaker.

Working with electrical appliances can be extremely dangerous. Always have your dealer or a certified professional perform all repairs to your appliance and/or RV electrical system.

Monitor Panel

Holding tank lights deliver false readings (i.e. 1/3 or 2/3 indication)
  • Verify tank is empty.
  • Debris may be built up across probes. Clean and flush tank using four parts vinegar mixed to two parts water.
No lights on panel when switch is pressed
  • Check battery voltage and condition.
  • Check fuse at the battery; if fuse is good have a dealer or qualified RV technician check the condition of panel.
Propane indicator display indicates E or F all the time
  • Ensure propane gas tank is full.
  • If display is F, check the wiring or sending unit for malfunction.
  • Have it inspected by a certified technician.

Working with electrical appliances can be extremely dangerous. Always have your dealer or a certified professional perform all repairs to your appliance and/or RV electrical system.

Outside Receptacle

No power to outside receptacle
  • Make sure you have power to the shoreline.
  • Check breaker on generator.
  • GFCI receptacle switch may be off or tripped. Re- set GFCI at receptacle in bathroom or kitchen.
  • Check the breaker in the power center or panel box.
  • Contact a dealer or qualified RV technician if problem is not resolved.

Working with electrical appliances can be extremely dangerous. Always have your dealer or a certified professional perform all repairs to your appliance and/or RV electrical system.

Oven

Burner flame too low or too high
  • A defective gas pressure regulator may cause these conditions. Have the regulator tested by your gas dealer or a certified RV technician.
Food burns on the bottom
  • Oven too full for proper circulation. Use smaller pans or put less food in the oven.
Gas smell
  • Check all connections with leak detector solution.
Oven slow to heat up
  • A defective gas pressure regulator may cause these conditions. Have the regulator tested by your gas dealer or a certified RV technician.
Oven slow to heat up, Poor baking, Poor ignition of burners, Pilots won’t stay lit, Popping sound from top burners, carbon on pilot shield, or Burner flame too low or too high
  • A defective gas pressure regulator may cause these conditions. Have the regulator tested by your gas dealer or a certified RV technician.
Poor baking
  • A defective gas pressure regulator may cause these conditions. Have the regulator tested by your gas dealer or a certified RV technician.
Poor ignition of burners, pilots won’t stay lit
  • A defective gas pressure regulator may cause these conditions. Have the regulator tested by your gas dealer or a certified RV technician.
Popping sound from top burners, carbon on pilot shield
  • A defective gas pressure regulator may cause these conditions. Have the regulator tested by your gas dealer or a certified RV technician.
Top burner or oven burner won’t light or won’t stay lit
  • Check position of top burners and flash tubing.
  • Clean clogged burner ports with a toothpick.
  • See Oven Owner’s Manual for proper care and maintenance.

Working with electrical appliances can be extremely dangerous. Always have your dealer or a certified professional perform all repairs to your appliance and/or RV electrical system.

Never use a match or flame to check for propane gas leaks. Failure to follow this warning could result in a fire or explosion resulting in serious injury or death.

All propane connections should be checked periodically as vibrations from travel may cause them to loosen. Failure to check connections could lead to a leak of propane, resulting in a fire or explosion that could cause serious injury or death.

All propane connections should be checked periodically as vibrations from travel may cause them to loosen. Failure to check connections could lead to a leak of propane, resulting in a fire or explosion that could cause serious injury or death.

Propane Gas

Smell gas in or around unit
  • Propane tanks may be overfilled.

Follow these instructions:

  • Extinguish any open flames, pilot lights and all smoking material.
  • Do not touch electrical switches.
  • Shut off gas supply at the tank valve or gas supply connection.
  • Open doors and other non-powered venting openings.
  • Leave the area until odors clear.

Have the gas system checked immediately and leakage source corrected by your dealer or a qualified service center before using again.

Never use a match or flame to check for propane gas leaks. Failure to follow this warning could result in a fire or explosion resulting in serious injury or death.

All propane connections should be checked periodically as vibrations from travel may cause them to loosen. Failure to check connections could lead to a leak of propane, resulting in a fire or explosion that could cause serious injury or death.

Working with propane can be dangerous. Always have your dealer or certified professional perform all repairs to your LP system.

Refrigerator

Heavy frost build up on the evaporator fins
  • Defrost the freezer and refrigerator.
  • Have the refrigerator checked by your dealer or a qualified RV technician.
Lights are illuminating, but no cooling
  • Use a proper power source that is available and cooling operation to specification.
  • Make sure the refrigerator unit is level.
  • Allow sufficient time for proper cool down and try to load with pre-cooled food.
  • Have a qualified RV technician check that the vents and chimney at the rear of the refrigerator are clear and unobstructed.
  • Have a qualified RV technician make sure the burner jets or burners are not dirty or damaged.
  • Have a qualified RV technician check the fuses in the black electrical box on the rear of the refrigerator.
The control panel lights are not illuminated
  • Check coach circuit breakers and GFCI receptacle.
  • Verify that refrigerator is plugged into the 120-volt outlet.
  • If using propane gas, verify house batteries have adequate charge.

Working with electrical appliances can be extremely dangerous. Always have your dealer or a certified professional perform all repairs to your appliance and/or RV electrical system.

Roof Air Conditioner

Does not get cold enough
  • Start the unit before the day gets too hot.
  • To offset heat gain:
    • Close all windows and blinds.
    • Keep entrance doors closed.
    • Use awnings.
    • Avoid using heat-producing appliances.
  • Make sure the outside coil is not blocked or damaged.
  • Have your dealer check to make sure you have the proper voltage.
  • Should your air conditioner still not work after the above checks have been made, contact a qualified service facility to perform more extensive testing.
Unit runs, but coil freezes and compressor cycles too soon
  • Control setting may be too low, cycles too soon.
  • Make sure the filter is clean and unobstructed.
  • Have the coolant level checked by a qualified service facility.
Will not operate
  • Make sure unit is turned on.
  • Check circuit breakers in coach.
  • Have your dealer check to see if there is proper voltage from shoreline or generator.

Working with electrical appliances can be extremely dangerous. Always have your dealer or a certified professional perform all repairs to your appliance and/or RV electrical system.

Running Lights

Running lights not working
  • Blown fuse. Replace fuse with one of the same ampere rating.
  • Bad bulbs. Replace the bulbs with new.
  • Check 7-way plug for good connection.  Make sure there is no contamination or corrosion. 

Working with electrical appliances can be extremely dangerous. Always have your dealer or a certified professional perform all repairs to your appliance and/or RV electrical system.

Slide-Out

Rollers leave tracks in the carpet as the room extends
  • This is normal. There are many pounds of weight pressing these rollers down on the carpet and rollers will compress the nap of the carpet down. Raking the nap or vacuuming will solve the problem.
Room move in and out very slowly, binds or squeaks
  • Lubricate the slide-out tubes and rollers with light spray lube (silicon or graphite ONLY – no grease or WD-40).
Room will not move in or out
  • Check the auto-resetting fuse located by the slideout motor. (See the manufacturer’s manual).
  • Check battery condition and state of charge. Recharge if necessary.
Water is getting in at the bottom corners of the room
  • Verify exterior seals are against the room at the top corners and not turned in when the room is out (horizontal seal overlaps vertical). Also, check for voids in the seal on the slide roof and side panels.
  • Make sure weep hole in ramp pan is open and unobstructed.

Termination Valve

Termination valve leaks
  • Debris keeps valve from seating. Clear debris from and around valve O-ring set.
  • Bad gasket. Have your dealer or qualified RV technician replace gasket with new.

TV Antenna

Antenna will not rotate
  • The rotate handle is engaged to the ceiling plate.
  • Pull down on handle to disengage from the ceiling plate.
  • Possible obstruction (tree branch, etc.). Remove the obstruction.
  • Friction adjustment. Adjust center lock nut.
  • Check to make sure roof sealant is not restricting rotation.
Elevation handle turns, but antenna does not raise or lower
  • Handle may be loose. Tighten screws.
  • Gears may be stripped. Have your dealer or qualified RV technician replace the gears.
Poor TV reception

Power jack is not turned on. Turn power jack switch to ON.

  • Bad connections at TV or wall plate. Make sure the connections are good at both TV and wall plate.
  • Antenna not pointed in direction of sending station. Point antenna in proper direction.
  • Cut or torn cable. Have your dealer or qualified RV technician replace bad cable where needed at TV and antenna.

Working with electrical appliances can be extremely dangerous. Always have your dealer or a certified professional perform all repairs to your appliance and/or RV electrical system.

Waste Tank

Waste tank (black) will not drain
  • Buildup or debris in tank. Check for buildup in tank at stool.
  • Always use a minimum amount of biodegradable toilet paper.
  • Always use plenty of water when flushing.
  • Check termination valve for proper operation.

Water Heater

Temperature-pressure relief valve weeping
  • Weeping or dripping of relief valve while water heater is running does NOT mean it is faulty.
There is an odor that smells like rotten eggs
  • If your fresh water source has a rotten egg odor, you will need to find another source of fresh water before flushing or refilling the entire RV water storage system. To remove the hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg) odor:
    • Turn off your main water supply; that is your pump or your water hookup source.
    • Drain your water heater tank by removing the drain plug. Approximately two quarts of water will remain in the bottom of the tank. If you notice during the draining that the water is flowing sporadically or slowly, instead of flowing freely, you should open your relief valve to allow air into the tank.
    • If the water does not flow freely, take a small gauge wire or coat hanger and push through the drain opening to eliminate any obstructions.
    • After thoroughly draining the tank, flush the entire system from the water inlet all the way to the holding tank. To flush, use four parts vinegar mixed with two parts of water. If you decide to use air pressure (55 PSI max.), it may be applied either through the inlet or outlet on the rear of the tank. It may also be applied through the relief valve port. In this case, it will be necessary to first remove the relief valve. You may then insert your air pressure through the relief valve support flange. In either case, with the drain valve open, the air pressure will force the remaining water out of the tank. If air pressure is unavailable, you may flush your tank with fresh water. Fresh water should be pumped into the tank with the assistance of the on board water pump or with the assistance of external water pressure. Once again, external pressure may be pumped into the unit either through the inlet or outlet found on the rear of the water tank, or using the relief valve in- let located on the front of the unit.
    • Continue this flushing process for approximately five (5) minutes allowing ample time for the fresh water to agitate the stagnant water on the bottom of the tank and force the deposits through the drain opening.

Upon completion of the steps above, close the drain plug as well as the relief valve. Refill with fresh water, circulate and rinse.

  • If you use your vehicle frequently or for long periods of time, flushing the water heater several times a year will prolong the life of the water heater storage tank.
Water heater will not fire up
  • Check for obstructions in burner tube and exhaust.
  • Check 12 Volt power for possible blown fuse.
  • Bad circuit board. See your dealer.

Working with electrical appliances can be extremely dangerous. Always have your dealer or a certified professional perform all repairs to your appliance and/or RV electrical system.

Water Pump

Pump will not shut off, runs when faucet is closed
  • Turn off the pump or city water supply.
  • Check for damp areas around plumbing appliances.
  • Check plumbing for leaks and inspect for leaky valves on toilet.
  • Have the pump checked by your dealer or a qualified RV technician.
Pump will not start
  • Check that house battery disconnect switch is on.
  • Check pump switch at monitor panel.
  • Check fuse in power center.
  • Check to see if water is frozen.
Will not prime, sputters (no discharge, but the motor runs)
  • Check to see if there is water in the tank, or if air collected in the hot water heater.
  • Check for frozen water lines or water tank.

Water System

Wet areas near water connections, pump runs while the faucets are closed, and no other fresh water fixtures are being used
  • There is a possible leak,
  • Close all low point water drains and tank drains.
  • Turn off all fixtures.
  • Check all fixtures and connections for tightness.
    • Do not over tighten fittings as this may cause additional leakage.
  • UVW:
  • Length:
  • Height:
  • Water Capacities: Fresh: Grey: Waste: