Electrical/Battery Question

[traveler of california]

We are traveling with a friend that has a Minnie Winnie with 2 slides. She has just replaced all of her batteries.

In the last day she has encountered the following problems. Her vehicle will not start unless she uses the MOM switch and the slides will not retract unless she uses the MOM switch. Seems like the chassis battery is the issue but the Coach Net folks suggested that it could be a problem with the starter or alternator.

Any suggestions?

Nick

[oldnotdead]

First, I would check all connections, including the engine battery ground cable at both ends. I had this problem also and discovered it (of course) last. the battery ground bold was finger tight.
OND

[RJay]

Hi Nick,
With the engine running check the voltage at the batteries, the voltage should be between 14.2 and 14.8 volts if the alternator is working correctly and all batteries are being charged. If the voltage is lower than 12.6 the alternator is suspect.

[skigramp]

If there is no power to the starter or to the hydralic pump without pressing the MOM switch then either the chassis battery is defective or it is not hooked up properly ...

You should be able to read the voltage at the hydrolic pump with and without the MOM switch using a multimeter ... the chassis battery alone should read at least 12.4 volts ...

My guess is either a defective battery or it is improperly connected

[Wanabee FTer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by traveler of california We are traveling with a friend that has a Minnie Winnie with 2 slides. She has just replaced all of her batteries. In the last day she has encountered the following problems. Her vehicle will not start unless she uses the MOM switch and the slides will not retract unless she uses the MOM switch. Seems like the chassis battery is the issue but the Coach Net folks suggested that it could be a problem with the starter or alternator. Any suggestions? Nick

See if the coach has a remote battery disconnect for chassis and coach batteries. If the chassis battery disconnect is engaged it could cause this type of problem. Please don't ask me how I know this

[traveler of california]

Thanks for the responses. In checking the connections discovered that the clamp over the positive post had been broken during installation of the new battery and it was not making a solid connection. The clamps on these Fords are different than most I've seen but eventually got it to tighten and jerry-rigged a temporary solution until our friend can get home to the original installer and have a new cable or clamp installed.

Thanks to all.

Nick