Freightliner FL60 Medic Master Conversion

[SloppyButDecent]

Hey everyone!

I purchased a decommissioned ambulance that was used as a video truck after it's days with the Jacksonville, FL FD. I've had it for a few months now and have almost got the back completely gutted. I am just now getting into the electrical system - which is pretty nutty since it's a multiplex system instead of relays. I have found a few other threads on here with builds from other rigs from Aero/American LaFrance/Medic Master but they are pretty old so not sure if anyone from those threads are still but any advice is appreciated!

 

[tbone1004]

is it a V-Mux or another multiplex system? Odds are there isn't anything super critical on the V-Mux but you should check the rear most nodes for things like brake lights if you're going to remove it.

 

[SloppyButDecent]

is it a V-Mux or another multiplex system? Odds are there isn't anything super critical on the V-Mux but you should check the rear most nodes for things like brake lights if you're going to remove it.

It's Weldon V-Mux. I noticed one of the nodes had OEM Tail Light on one of the connectors. Is there an input node in the cab where the turn signal and other switches are tied into? And that node then tells the rear nodes when to fire the signals?

I plan to put the electrical closet behind the driver side in the tall closet. Am I wrong in thinking it would best to coil all the wires back to their load with the plan to re-use them (they're in great condition) and then delete the nodes?

 

[tbone1004]

It's Weldon V-Mux. I noticed one of the nodes had OEM Tail Light on one of the connectors. Is there an input node in the cab where the turn signal and other switches are tied into? And that node then tells the rear nodes when to fire the signals?

I plan to put the electrical closet behind the driver side in the tall closet. Am I wrong in thinking it would best to coil all the wires back to their load with the plan to re-use them (they're in great condition) and then delete the nodes?

The nodes have both inputs and outputs. The brake input could be coming from the ECU if it's tied to the J1939 bus or it could be an analog switch for the brakes, turn signals will come from the stalk obviously, and reverse could also come from either the J1939 or an analog switch. On my rig the brakes and reverse lights are coming from the ECU itself. Basically you'll have a node up front that is receiving all of these signals and then it tells the one in the back that it received the signal and it should "play" the corresponding output. Removing those nodes can obviously be done with a LOT of patience as you'll have to connect the input and outputs through relays, so it's a pretty big cost, but I can see why you'd want to remove them.

 

[SloppyButDecent]

Had to put this on hold for a bit and just now getting back into it.

I decided to leave the V-Mux for now. I have done more research into it but it seems that it would make more sense to take it out in the long run but that is a bigger undertaking that I can take on now.

However I have now put myself into a situation where I am unsure of where to go next...

I was removing the A/C in the back, the electrical that goes with it, as well as the electrical in the back that is not necessary for the functionality of the vehicle. Or so, I thought...

Essentially I am in a place where the the vehicle no longer starts. I still get electrical to the cab when the battery switch is turned on however, the gear selector box does not light up. Therefore when I press the ignition button nothing happens. I am assuming the problem lies with the transmission either not getting power or something of the like?

I have found a Fire Equipment company in town that does work on emergency vehicles and is Weldon certified to work on the V-Mux systems if worse comes to worse. I haven't called them yet but I have a feeling that would be a very expensive route.