‘13 Essex Chassis Batteries not Charging from Shore or Gen?

[danleininger]

I am having a problem charging my chassis batteries. I have had my Essex stored without shore-power for the few days. As a result the state of charge on both the house and chassis batteries were low.

I was able to start the generator and the House Batteries began to charge (14v+), BUT NOT THE CHASSIS BATTERIES? Then I plugged into a nearby electrical outlet and again the house batteries charged, but NOT the chassis batteries? Finally I started the engine and BOTH sets of batteries began charging.

So apparently the CHASSIS BATTERIES WILL ONLY CHARGE OFF THE ENGINE AND NOT OFF THE GENERATOR OR INVERTER/CHARGER.

Any suggestions where to look? Could it be the “BIRD”?

Thanks in advance!!!!

[Soniccruzer]

Originally Posted by danleininger

I am having a problem charging my chassis batteries. I have had my Essex stored without shore-power for the few days. As a result the state of charge on both the house and chassis batteries were low.



I was able to start the generator and the House Batteries began to charge (14v+), BUT NOT THE CHASSIS BATTERIES? Then I plugged into a nearby electrical outlet and again the house batteries charged, but NOT the chassis batteries? Finally I started the engine and BOTH sets of batteries began charging.



So apparently the CHASSIS BATTERIES WILL ONLY CHARGE OFF THE ENGINE AND NOT OFF THE GENERATOR OR INVERTER/CHARGER.



Any suggestions where to look? Could it be the “BIRD”?



Thanks in advance!!!!

I seem to remember something that when both sets of batteries are low, the charger priorities the house batteries to a certain level of charge and then begins charging the chassis.

[twinboat]

The level of charge, before the chassis batteries are combined, with the BIRD, is 13.4 volts. If you have actually seen 14+ volts from your charging, your system may not Bi-directional.

If your assuming it was charging 14+ volts, then let the generator or shore power continue to charge them. Once the house bank reaches 13.4 it may start charging the chassis.

Shore power and generator power are the same, as far as charging. They both run the same 120 volt charger.

[tmh1953]

Solenoid valve on the bird system. I have 2014 Essex and what your describing is exactly my problem. Replaced solenoid valve fixed problem

[danleininger]

Well it appears you are all right on the mark! I left the engine run for about 1.5 hours today which seemed to bring up the charge on both sets of batteries. Newmar customer service walked me thru the potential fuses but they were all good.

Thanks for all the excellent advice!

[danleininger]

Originally Posted by tmh1953

Solenoid valve on the bird system. I have 2014 Essex and what your describing is exactly my problem. Replaced solenoid valve fixed problem

THM, could you post a picture of the solenoid you had replaced? Thanks!

[danleininger]

Followup!

I checked voltages this morning after being on shore power all night. Voltages read 13.2 & 13.1. So all seems to be back to normal again!

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by danleininger

Followup!

I checked voltages this morning after being on shore power all night. Voltages read 13.2 & 13.1. So all seems to be back to normal again!

Sure sounds like its working. Great !

["007"]

This link has many answers to battery charging problems for any coach plus many more answers.
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