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swilly · 09-07-2013, 09:48 AM

just bought this 2004 dolphin recently. after boondocking for a couple of days I notice that both the chassis and house battery voltage is going down at exactly the same rate. this kind of tells me that maybe the isolator relay is stuck in the engagement mode or maybe something has been miswired from the beginning. has anyone encountered this problem ? could save me some time digging, as I don't have a wiring diagram. thanks

clyon51 · 09-07-2013, 09:59 AM

It sounds like the start/boost solenoid is stuck closed, also used to connect both banks while driving by checking alternator output.

Your coach could have a BIRD, which keeps both banks charged while on shore. But if so, the solenoid is still stuck closed.

The only other thing I can think of, is a PO ran a jumper wire between the banks in a misguided attempt to keep chassis charged on shore power (simulating a BIRD). I would check that first, then go after the bad solenoid.

swilly · 09-07-2013, 05:50 PM

john, thanks for the reply (or should I say thanks to clare)
I think what happened was the previous owner boondocked until the lights got dim and he couldn't start the generator, let alone the engine, and had to get a jump from someone. then later bought a set of jump cables. of course he didn't tell me anything about it.
another thing , I don't hear any click coming from the isolator area when switching the boost on. probably is stuck. i'll check it out.
also, I could not figure out "BIRD". could that be a diode in the chassis batt charge line ?

bruceisla · 09-07-2013, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swilly

john, thanks for the reply (or should I say thanks to clare)
I think what happened was the previous owner boondocked until the lights got dim and he couldn't start the generator, let alone the engine, and had to get a jump from someone. then later bought a set of jump cables. of course he didn't tell me anything about it.
another thing , I don't hear any click coming from the isolator area when switching the boost on. probably is stuck. i'll check it out.
also, I could not figure out "BIRD". could that be a diode in the chassis batt charge line ?

Here's one:

http://www.dodgenmobiletech.com/site...ay%20Delay.pdf

clyon51 · 09-08-2013, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swilly

I could not figure out "BIRD". could that be a diode in the chassis batt charge line ?

I'll assume you read the previous link regarding an Intelletec BIRD that was posted. Just to sumerize, it's an electronic box that monitors both coach and chassis battery voltage.

When on shore or genny running, the coach batts are being charged. When the BIRD sees low voltage on the chassis, it actuates the solenoid to connect both banks and charges/maintains the chassis.

When driving down the road, the opposite happens. The chassis will charge the coach when needed. So this is a Bi-Diectional charging system. It is not rare a coach comes with one from the factory. It is also not rare a coach only has single direction charging. All coaches at least have this and it's always the chassis charges the coach while driving.

If one wants bi-diection, they can purchase a BIRD, which is not cheap and can be difficult to install depending on skills. The other option is something like the AMP-L-START. It does the same thing, much cheaper and you just connect 3 wires.

http://www.lslproducts.net/ALS_Overview_Page.html

John...