Try soaking a rag in transmission fluid and wiping the cylinders down while extended. I had the same problem so I discovered I need to do this every couple of weeks. I keep the rag in a zip lock bag and use when needed.
I have a can of silicone lubricant spray that I spray on the cylinders prior to bringing the jacks up. Before I discovered this they would only come up part way. My RV dealer told me to do this and explained that the cylinders get dirty and the springs may be worn enough that when the cylinders are dirty they don't have enough tension to retract. I have had no problems since using that spray.
2004 Damon Intruder 369W Workhorse Chassis
Mods: LCD TV in Bedroom, Steer-Safe, Winegard Wingman, Bulk LP Gas Adapter for my Camp Chef Grill, Cobra 29 LX LE CB 50th Anniversary Radio with a 3' Firestick NGP Antenna, EEZRV Products TPMS
Wow, All this time and all those replies about how to reset the controls and such and Stugpanzer actually read his owner's manual it appears.
If you have POWER GEAR Jacks, the procedure Stugpanzer mentioned (Spray 'em down with Silicone lube) is specified in the manual. I know, I have power gear jacks.
For all the others.. He said they come up around 4-6" when you push the retract jack.. This means the control panel, the control computer, the valves and such are ALL WORKING PROPERLY, it's the jacks that need lubrication.
I am the one with a valve problem (And the problem is simply finding someone who will return my call so I can get a new one, Easy to replace)
Now for the original poster: The Power Gear system, when you push and hold RETRACT long enough it starts a timer.. For so many seconds all FOUR valves are open, Right, Left, Front and "DUMP" or Pump bypass. Thus allowing the fluid to flow back into the tank.
IF the level is high enough, at the end of this time, the JACKS DOWN light will go out, if it does not, Or if the alarm sounds when you move, VISUALLY inspect to insure all jacks are indeed up and if they are.... add the proper fluid to the tank.. Instructions are in ye old manual if you need them.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
The front jacks work off the same fluid line.
They are tied together so when you tilt the rear jacks, one front will go down and the other up with the same amount of fluid in the line to them.
I never heard of the springs getting weak, but I did have both front springs break and I had to replace them.
If you clean/lubricate the rods like some advice you got above. They should start working again.
Some, but not all front Power Gear jacks have a grease zerk that a couple pumps will help also.
Larry Full Time Since 99
1999 34Q Discovery DP ISB 275HP 6 Speed Allison
Banks Powerpack
DataStorm SatMax5 | VMSpc | Pressure Pro
08 HHR LT2
cdking1 wrote: Hi guys, I have a simple question. my front jacks will not retract. If I push the retract all jacks button they will retract about two inches and stop. If I leave the system on I can push them back in with a floor jack. I loosened the hydraulic line and a small amount of red fluid came out but the jacks did not retract. The MH is a 99 southwind, power gear leveling system. It looks like the retracting springs are worn out. Do the springs actually wear out? Any help, ideas, etc, thanks, charlie in texas.
Two of my 4 power gear jacks have zerk fittings on the bottom. Lubing these zerk fittings does help with the retraction. If I remember correctly, my two with internal springs have the zerks, and the two with external springs do not have the zerks. If your fronts have the zerk fittings, give them a shot of grease.
I also think I've read of stronger springs for the power gear levelers, but I can't find the discussion of this anywhere.
Fred
Fred & Vicki
Richmond Hill, Ga
2000 Holiday Rambler Endeavor/Freightliner/330 Cat
2000 Honda Odyssey toad w SMI Silent Partner braking system
Tire Sentry monitoring system
Wow, I to have a 99 Southwind and my passenger side jack gives me some problems coming up. I does have a zirk fitting and my mech. did grease it. Two days ago I put silicone lub. on all four of them, but still this morning my pass side did not go up all the way, within two inches though. I will start carrying a rag to wipe them down the next time I pull them up in Oct. I had no manuels on them, and don't even know where the tank or valves are. Can you tell me where to look. Thanks
tweetie11 wrote: Wow, I to have a 99 Southwind and my passenger side jack gives me some problems coming up. I does have a zirk fitting and my mech. did grease it. Two days ago I put silicone lub. on all four of them, but still this morning my pass side did not go up all the way, within two inches though. I will start carrying a rag to wipe them down the next time I pull them up in Oct. I had no manuels on them, and don't even know where the tank or valves are. Can you tell me where to look. Thanks
Your tank is behind the passenger side front wheel.
I might have missed something but I am still trying to find a parts supplier. I have all the manuals and troubleshooting paper I need. Just can't find a dealer for the parts.
My single front jack won't retract and is blowing oil out. I had to raise it with a 2x6 and then add oil to the tank to make the alarm shut up. Someone suggested taking it to a place they repair rams. I am going to try that route on mine. I am having a heck of a time finding a rebuild kit. If you find a place let us know please.
They WON'T answer the phone unless you are a tech or Dealer..
* This post was
edited 06/26/11 08:58pm by PJG061073 *
Have a wonderful day..
Regards,
M&P ..
ANNIE - 2008 Safari Cheetah-40 SKQ- 08 Jeep Liberty Toad
CAT 7 350- C-7, Serial # WAX65944
ReadyBrake Surge Brake System integrated w/ReadyBrute Elite RV Tow Bar-BLUE OX Plate
FMCA-F414825
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