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RicksDP · 10-13-2010, 10:34 PM

I just changed out my 2002 Iterstate chassis battieres as they gave up the ghost. Anyway after changeing them out and re-hooking up them up correctly my interior control panel USE/STORE switch will not turn off. So for now I'm using the battery cutoff switch.
I checked all fuses in the four locations my motrohome has and found that I do have the BIRD relay. On the BIRD relay it had 5 fused connections which I checked prior to installing new baterries and found one labeled step light that had a 5amp fuse blown which I replaced.
I'm just wondering if the BIRD relay could have caused this. The use/store button has always worked since buying the motrohome in '07. ???
TIA, Rick

Ed B · 10-14-2010, 05:22 PM

It might sound basic, but the Use/Store switch does not work when you are plugged into electric. At least, mine won't.

"007" · 10-14-2010, 09:44 PM

Unless you have a larger Solar panel than the small one on most Newmars it will not keep your chassis battery charge enough for starting over a long period of time.
The small one just helps to keep radio's and such drainage from draining the chassis battery in the short haul.

RicksDP · 10-14-2010, 11:04 PM

I was unpluged today and the use/store switch light still stays on no mater what I do. Even turning the battery cutoff switch to the off position, maybe that only does the chassis batteries.
I now have a separete 5 watt solar charger for the chassis batteries along with the stock 5 watt for coach batteries when storing the motor home.
Can't figure out why the use/store switch won't shut her down???

wa8yxm · 10-15-2010, 09:08 AM

Actually the use/store switch DOES (or should) work plugged in or not. But the indicator will show that you have 12 volts to the house if you are plugged in.. BECAUSE YOU DO. it does not show the state of the solenoid, it shows the state of house power.

Do you have an Intelletec Battery Control System? If so download the service manual from them.. But i'll give you the highlights.

Under the cover there are 4 test points. Two will be tabs and the other two pads. I think (But am not sure) the top pair (Tab/pad) are the house.

Hook a test lamp or volt meter to the tab (one lead) and touch the other probe/lead to the matching pad.. Have partner operate switch You should see battery voltage (Plus one way, minus the other) or see the light (Both ways) (I did not)

That tests the switch itself.. If you see power both ways then the solenoid.

NOTE: if you hook the batteries up backwards, the solenoid works backwards.

If you can identify the fuse (Bottom of same box) that feeds that switch... Then pull it, cycle the switch 50-100 times and replace fuse.. If it works thank me, if now you $0.00 cheerfully refunded.

(Worked for me)