2003 dolphin lx chassis battery – 4 wires???

[WimbledonDolphin]

I definitely have something wire wrong even though everything seems to work. My chassis battery has two wires (red & another black one) wire to the positive and two wires (black and a thinner black) wired to the negative. Engine starts however I was installing a battery cutoff switch to use when in storage and discovered everything still works even if the switch is opened. I even found that it works when the wires are not attached to the negative – engine still starts. Does anyone have any idea on how this should be wired? I have had the coach for three years and was only disconnecting the wires to the battery for storage (both positive and negative) but this is really strange. Something has to be wrong. I have four house batteries, a chassis battery and a small solar panel that I don’t think even works. Any input would be appreciated (anyone who may have the same coach maybe)

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by WimbledonDolphin Any input would be appreciated (anyone who may have the same coach maybe)

This is how I would fix this. Disconnect the battery wires completely from the positive side of the battery. Bring BOTH wires to the LOAD side of the disconnect switch using whatever connectors are required to secure the cables to the the switch. Bring a separate NEW wire from the battery terminal to the switch and attach it to the LINE side. Assure the gauge is "adequate" probably not much smaller than a #1 gauge. Now when you open the disconnect switch, the entire load will be removed from the battery. There you go!

[M&EM]

Quote:

Originally Posted by WimbledonDolphin I definitely have something wire wrong I even found that it works when the wires are not attached to the negative – engine still starts. Does anyone have any idea on how this should be wired? I have had the coach for three years and was only disconnecting the wires to the battery for storage (both positive and negative) but this is really strange. Something has to be wrong. I have four house batteries, a chassis battery and a small solar panel that I don’t think even works. Any input would be appreciated (anyone who may have the same coach maybe)

WimbledonDolphin
Perhaps the solenoid that isolates the two battery banks is fused permanently in the connected together position. You should be able to see that solenoid in the compartment forward of the entry door. It will look like this http://www.irv2.com/attachments/phot...m/IMG_3732.jpg. Try rapping on that solenoid with a wooden rod to free it up. If that doesn't help, Carefully disconnect both house battery and chassis battery positive connections. Then unbolt the chassis battery connection at the solenoid as it is labeled in the above photo link. Reconnect both battery bank positive connections and see if that provides the desired cut off to the engine starting battery circuit. If not, then I would guess some rewiring got done prior to your ownership.

Marty

[M&EM]

Quote:

Originally Posted by M&EM WimbledonDolphin Perhaps the solenoid that isolates the two battery banks is fused permanently in the connected together position. Marty

WimbledonDolphin
Since you have indicated in a PM that shore power was connected when you made the disconnected wires test, I have changed my thoughts about the results you reported, (that the engine could still start with the chassis battery wires disconnected).
Because:
The shore power provided high enough charge voltage(around 13.2-13.6V) on the coach batteries to reach the threshold voltage needed by the BCC to engage the isolation solenoid. Once the solenoid engaged, it tied the coach battery bank to the chassis electrical system. Regardless of the chassis battery being connected or not, the chassis system was also sourced from the coach batteries.

I suggest you repeat your disconnect testing but without shore power applied..

Bottom line--- I don't think there is any thing wrong with your BCC system!

Marty

[WimbledonDolphin]

Thanks for all your help - You are correct. I was on shore power and your recommedations worked - Again I appreciated your quick response.