1998 Adventurer - DC/AC TV Inverter not working

[vtphilk]

So I was plugged into shore power at home and turned on the vacuum. Like a dummy i didn't realize I had some other stuff on and it popped the breaker. This has happened a few times at home on 110V but this time the power inverter for the TV (So you can watch TV while driving without running generator) will not cut back on.

I have searched high and low for breakers/fuses no luck.

-Under dash left of stearing, all fuses OK
-Under refrigerator all breakers and fuses OK
-Circuit breaker on actual inverter is not tripped
-GFI is NOT tripped on inverter

The only thing I can think of is maybe there is a inline fuse somewhere. Under the engine hood (This is a chevy chassis) top right there is some fused links. I'm not sure how to test or replace those as they seem to be inline with the wire. Could one of those be it?

I have tested the DC at the back of the inverter and its not getting any 12V. So I know the problem is somewhere a popped fuse or something. The TV works fine thru the inverter when AC is plugged into shore or generator is running.

I'm a EE so know a little bit about electricity but RV'in is pretty new to me. Please help! Thanks,

-Phil

[edgray]

Originally Posted by vtphilk

So I was plugged into shore power at home and turned on the vacuum. Like a dummy i didn't realize I had some other stuff on and it popped the breaker. This has happened a few times at home on 110V but this time the power inverter for the TV (So you can watch TV while driving without running generator) will not cut back on.

I have searched high and low for breakers/fuses no luck.

-Under dash left of stearing, all fuses OK
-Under refrigerator all breakers and fuses OK
-Circuit breaker on actual inverter is not tripped
-GFI is NOT tripped on inverter

The only thing I can think of is maybe there is a inline fuse somewhere. Under the engine hood (This is a chevy chassis) top right there is some fused links. I'm not sure how to test or replace those as they seem to be inline with the wire. Could one of those be it?

I have tested the DC at the back of the inverter and its not getting any 12V. So I know the problem is somewhere a popped fuse or something. The TV works fine thru the inverter when AC is plugged into shore or generator is running.

I'm a EE so know a little bit about electricity but RV'in is pretty new to me. Please help! Thanks,

-Phil

Hi Phil, and WELCOME to iRV2.com

I'm NOT an EE, but I don't think the inverter was provided so you can watch TV going down the road. In fact, most modern coaches have a lock-out feature that prevents the TV from being on if the ignition switch is moved to the on position.

If there is no 12V power INPUT to the inverter, then I think it is safe to assume the problem is between the batteries and the inverter. My inverter has a reset button, which I've had to use a few times when I wasn't getting the 120V output, but I doubt that can be your problem if you are missing the input.

Make sure to retry turning ON the house battery disconnect switch, usually found near the entry door.

FYI, there is a forum for WBGO owners here as well, but I'm NOT suggesting you repost your question there, 'cause I get in trouble with the mods when I do that. Rather, I'm suggesting you use the "search this forum" function at the WBGO forum to find other ideas about your problem.

[garyspang]

Welcome to the mystery wire club. On another issue I was just as frustrated as you might be. So I bought a tone based wire tracer at Lowes. Then I found a relay hanging out of sight upside down from the top of the engine compartment filled with water. I would have never found the problem without the tracer.
Have a good hunt.

[DonavonP]

See this section for help locating the fuse.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f101/winn...ogs-19250.html

[vtphilk]

well i still have yet to find the fuse. I traced the wire and its a purple and green large guage wire (Like 10aug) and runs down the front right piler then to the dash. I lost it in the dash but pretty sure it does not goto the fuse panel. My latest guess is maybe it goes right to the alternator or engine so i'm trying to figure out how to open the engine compartment.

[vtphilk]

Ok..after hours of searching i found the dang thing. It was in the fuse box under the dash. No idea how i missed it but there was a 25 amp fuse that was way at the top of the panel. Not sure if i didn't get to it when i didn't have the dash completely pulled back or what but i thought i had tested every fuse in the panel.

At least now i know how to take the engine cover off, test fuseable links..and take the dash completely apart haha