Just Jim

Ok, found something called the RV data card. Is that the same as the build sheet? It has Essex KE 1603 keyless entry. It says "keys entry door" Trimark and also Trimark for the baggage doors. I assume this is the actual key? I don't see anything for a security system or a door bell. Not sure this data card is complete. I opened the dash compartment and attached pictures. There are two small boxes with lots of wires and no writing on them. Anyone recognize what these are? One has no writing and the other has #19 on it.

Sorry to hear about Lilly. Will make for some sad travels not having her along.

I may try to check that out tomorrow. I'm not small, limber or young so it will be a challenge. I did manage to check the central vacuum that is under the bathroom sink. That is an awful place to put it because changing the bag is a nightmare. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll keep you posted. That is on my list of things to do tomorrow too. I'll see if I can find the build sheet and may just pop that cover off and take a look in there. Thanks again for the help. Jim

Thanks Walter. The keypad does nothing. I guess I'll need to do a little trouble shooting on it to see if I can figure out why. I'm also going to dig through the paperwork and see if I can figure out if I have the Viper alarm too. It appears from your post that I need to replace the keypad and the wireless box in the dash? Or if I can get the keypad working then just the wireless box? Also, would the Viper alarm be under the dash also or someplace else? Any idea on where the door bell dinger is located? Thanks again!!! Jim

Thanks Ivan, It at least gives me some things to check.

I did a quick search of the cabinets on the door side and found no bell. It may have been completely removed??? No idea what the Ford keypad looks like so I took a picture of it.

My new to me 03 Executive has the key pad by the door and a door bell button. I do not have any key fobs or know any codes. I don't particularly give a hoot about a security system, but do like the idea of keyless entry with a key fob or pushing buttons by the door. Is it possible to buy new fobs and program them to the coaches existing system? Other than the key pad I have no idea where any of the hard ware is located as in transmitters, security system, etc. ... help would be appreciated on that too. Regarding the door bell... help there would be appreciated too... where is the bell, etc.?

I think the pre-filter is the clear little one in the picture. It comes with the O rings. On my old dynasty it is a 300200.

That does look good. Should have been out of aluminum or something more substantial from the beginning. I have just resurfaced my leather seats and several of the switches have covers that have cracked and broken. Anyone know of a source for that kind of thing? Along this same line, I was thinking of finding some plastic or aluminum and cutting out new ones and painting.

I am almost 65 and went back to nursing school at 52 after over 30 years in the financial industry, so I'm familiar with changing horses in the middle of the stream... I can say that I would be very reluctant to spend $14k at this age. If he doesn't have the skills at this point, it is risky to try and recoup that investment. I would think to become knowledgeable and efficient enough to be the 'jack of all trades' kind of guy would take many years. As an alternative, perhaps he could specialize in one or two particular areas... if he already has sufficient skills there. I know that wiring in an RV is a huge challenge and I'd pay handsomely for someone that knew how to diagnose and run down a loose ground or could wire in new solar panels, or switch out lead acid batteries to lithium, etc. etc. Or perhaps he could learn to service the AquaHot systems... or swap out NeverCold fridges for residential fridges... Learn how to repair de-laminated side walls or peeling clear coat. There are a ton of different systems or other areas that he could pick up skills for. Of course, its going to depend on the population of the area you are in to provide a sufficient client base. I do wish you guys luck with what ever adventure you choose.

This is great info. I replaced my intake hose a couple years ago on my old Dynasty, but did not know the correct term to use for a search. I eventually went to the RV junkyard in KY and bought a used one.

Thanks Ivan, It really seems like a poor choice of a place to put the filter, but I suppose they did not design it for this vehicle. I got the mud flap off... thanks to everyone with the suggestions. The penetrating oil and a big crescent wrench did the trick.

I guess I could cut a notch in the flap to fit around the filter? LOL. Seems like a really poor design. I was wondering if I could find a shorter filter? Last resort build a brace or shield to prevent it from getting hit. Thanks Ivan.

yep, no big torch to use. I don't even have any propane for my plumbing torch, but I do need to get some. I'll try the crescent wrench first. I've got a big one of those. Thanks for the ideas.

Oh my...

yes, there are two fuel filters, one near the access door, which is where the Wynn air/water system used to be. Again, not sure why it was removed and the "2nd" one added toward the front of the engine and mounted down low so that it can get hit by the mudflap. I'm just trying to figure out what the fuel line that comes out of that 2nd filter runs up to... I'm not familiar with what a fuel pump looks like, but that is my guess. Anyone else feel free to opine. ISM 500. Hey, I finally used my brain for once and did a search for an ISM fuel pump and the pictures look like it... so question answered. Short fuel line from the second filter goes up to the high pressure fuel pump. I plan to figure out a way to relocate that fuel filter as its unacceptable where it currently is located. Until then I'm back to getting that mudflap off. If anyone has any tips or tricks on that let me know.

Thanks David, I have tried unscrewing the pins, but I think they are rusted on. I'll hit them with some penetrating oil and try again tomorrow. The white thing is the fuel filter, it was just replaced because I crushed the other when I backed into my drive way the second time. The mudflap drags on the curb or lip of the driveway and swings up and crushes the filter. It is obviously not the original location of the filter. My question is the fuel line from the filter runs up to that other thing in the pictures... I assume its the fuel pump? I had hoped that the prior owner might have put the FASS fuel pump on, but I can't find anything like that anywhere.

New to me 2003 Executive. Second time I backed into the drive way I crushed the fuel filter with the mud flap. So, two questions. First thought was to remove the mudflap until I figure out the fuel lines/filter situation. Any idea how those pins come off the chain holding the mudflap? Second question... the fuel line runs from that fuel filter up to something I am not sure what it is... I'm guessing the fuel pump? I don't know why this has been modified from its original configuration, but the water/air system is no longer installed and there is a single filter in its place. Then there is this filter that gets crushed by the mudflap. Any help on getting the mudflap off and identifying the equipment would be much appreciated. Jim Not sure why the picture is upside down. It is oriented correctly on my computer but changed when I attached it. Sorry about that.

Looks like an old thread, but maybe it will be revived. My question is that the Velvac mirror heads are plastic. Of course the metal bases are peeling like everyone else's, but the plastic has some paint peeling off too. Anyone else had that issue and how did you fix it? Chrome spray paint? Thanks, Jim

Paul, I understand exactly what you mean. I have two front slides and they really do add a lot of interior space, but getting to the storage is a real challenge. The worst thing is that the compartments are to short for a cooler to fit in to.

I can't see the picture???

Congrats on the first trip. I too bought a new to me Executive and made a trip down to Talledega (3 hours 1 way). No real issues either, but always something to work on or upgrade. Anyone have a source for a "bra" for the front? I have a large number of rock chips in the front paint that I'm repairing and would like to investigate something to add a little protection. I'm thinking the front may have been painted, so they may have not used enough clear coat, etc to prevent it from knocking the paint off.... or the previous owner did a lot of gravel roads???

just one bit of additional info... the smoke grinder is not to be confused with the soot cooker that is installed on many of the models after the year 2007. LOL...

I think that is the wobbling shaft for the smoke grinder.

I have just finished installing the ML ACR in my coach. I wanted to just get it installed and will tackle the challenge of running wires to the front etc. for the dash switch at a later date. Pictures attached. I am pretty sure I have the house side hooked up correctly. My question is do I need the short jumper from the chassis side up to terminal/post at the top? It seemed logical to me that it would need to be there, but just want to make sure. Second question, the wires I have left over from deleting the battery maintainer and the boost solenoid.... just tape them up? I suppose they may be helpful in running the new dash switch??? Last question... the two solenoids on the far right are for the "salesman's" switch battery cut off. Do I really need a switch up front to turn off the battery? The switch is right by the door and it seems it gets hit by accident a lot!!!. Would it hurt anything to just join those wires and call it a day? I have included a before picture and a couple of after I installed. Thanks in advance for double checking my work. I do really appreciate all you guys. Jim