Dead House Batteries

maclonchas · 02-15-2009, 02:35 PM

I cannot tell if I left something on or the house batteries are dead. Just got back from a Florida run and all was well. Gen started each night on the return. Had the coach on AC this am and this evening tried to start the generator and it cranked twice but did not kick on. The gen would not crank after that and the indicator showed no house battery (no indication). Chassis battery 13.1V and the solar panel was on and red. Any suggestions or thoughts.

03 Winnebago Journey DL 36GD

Thanks
Bill

autofish · 02-16-2009, 05:54 PM

Bill sounds a lot like the batts are dead. However I would first check each house batt with a good volt meter and clean the terminals. Then try recharging. Dirty terminals often mimic dead batts. Let us know the out come,good luck.

dirko · 02-17-2009, 01:00 PM

Hi Ho Bill: Your question really is: Why are the house batteries dead? This answer can be a number of things. The way to get an answer is to take your voltmeter in hand and check some things: First, what is the voltage at the batteries? Is the electrolyte ok? Are they being charged when plugged in to shore power? If so, the voltage will be about 13.8 volts. If it is higher or lower, one or more cells may be bad.

It is also possible that the converter/charger is defective. I would disconnect the batteries and measure each one separately, then charge them and measure again, preferrably with a load.

Then you are in a position to say what the problem is. By the way, how old are the batteries. If more than 4 or 5 years, it may be time for new ones.

Good luck, Dirk

maclonchas · 02-17-2009, 05:04 PM

Dirk and Autofish,

Thanks for the tips. I will get to the winnie this wekend and let you know the outcome.

Thanks

Bill

W8RLM · 02-17-2009, 05:07 PM

Bill,

Here's another possibility:

Check the engine block heater. If you've left it plugged into its socket and accidentally turned on the switch above the electric hot water switch, it will drain the batteries. The switch does not have any light on it. Take it from someone who did it. I looked at the wiring diagram of my 39K, and the heater is right on the output of the inverter.

It may be something as simple as that.

maclonchas · 02-19-2009, 05:15 PM

Folks,

Thanks for all the suggestions. I went out to the MH tonight and started up the coach and heard the dreaded beep....... Well I also checked the power panel and it still showed no house battery. I hit the inverter button and the battery showed good and all the lights showed. Also the lights for the water and LP worked. I then went up front and played with the aux on/off switch and low and behold the beep stopped. Yes quiet. I then hit the start generator switch and it fired right up. It must be the aux switch sticking. At least one problem solved. Now to put in a new wood floor this weekend.

Thanks again everyone.

Bill

hamguy · 02-20-2009, 05:59 AM

Bill,

It is more likely your Isolation Solenoid. These things are inherently unreliable. They are also inexpensive. Any RV parts dealer should have one.

maclonchas · 02-20-2009, 08:22 AM

can you tell me where that isolation solenoid is located?

Thanks

hamguy · 02-21-2009, 07:25 AM

On my '02 Suncruiser, it is behind the batterys. Take the carpeted step riser out and there is a panel with 12V breakers. Take the breaker panel out and there they be! The isolation solenoid is on the left, the right is the battery disconnect.