Dear Dave,
The RV’s slide room controller shows flashing error code 1, 8, indicating a bad ground. The slide works. Where do I start looking? I suspect a pinched or worn wire. —Thomas, 2017 Phoenix Cruiser 2552S
Dear Thomas,
It has been a while since I have gotten a Schwintek slide question, so I thought it would be a good way to start the year. Since you indicated an error code, I assume it is a Schwintek mechanism with the control module in a compartment that you are seeing the flashing code.
According to the Schwintek troubleshooting guide, the 1 flash indicates an issue with motor #1 and the 8 flashes indicate a wire short between the controller and the motor, which is the most common. It indicates there is a wiring issue or faulty motor. Typically, when you get this flashing code, the slide room does not work or just one motor is working; however, you indicate the slide is working.
First thing to do
The first thing I would do is swap the motor leads at the encoder and see if motor 2 is now getting the flash code. This will verify the motors are working properly and it is in the wiring. The leads are automotive style plugs located on the bottom of the encoder like the sample photo.
The next step would be to use a test harness or a bypass wire to verify if it is the controller or wiring. You can purchase one with the proper leads on Amazon here.
Remove the lead from the controller at motor 1 and insert the 6 pin at the controller. Go inside and pull back the rubber gasket to access the motor and remove the original wiring and plug in the test harness.
If the error codes goes away, it is the wiring and it is much easier to just replace the harness rather than chasing a pinched wire. If the error codes do not go away, swap the test harness lead to the motor 2 terminal. But if the issue stays with motor 1, it is the motor and needs to be replaced. However, this should have been verified when swapping the original leads. If the issue changes motors, it is the controller.
Lippert has a great video library for troubleshooting. Check out this video from Lippert for this operation.
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Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”
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Our Schwintek “brain” was under the bed, no way to access it with bed slide in! When an error code popped up, luckily the slide was out. I moved the brain box to the outside of the bed pedestal so it’s accessible at any time. There was enough slack in the wires.
Have had error codes pop up a few times, always been able to do the emergency override and get it in or out.
Thank you, Dave! So many products with so many versions!?! I admire your ability to keep up with them AND to keep.them straight! 🙂 Safe travels! 🙂