12 volt problem

[pwysocki]

Having an issue with my 1989 Allegro. No 12volt power. The switch by the door that contols the power...when I try to turn the 12volt power on I hear a click toward the back of the RV..under the bed....and the switch won't stay in the on posistion goes back to the middle. Maybe the converter?

[Pigman1]

The switch is probably a rocker switch that's made to NOT stay in any position except the center. Find the relay that's clicking and use a voltmeter to see if you have power on both sides of the heavy wire when it's ON. Without seeing it, the relay is probably one that will latch in either the on or off position and be held there without consuming any power so it won't drain your batteries. Replacing that type relay is easy, and they cost between $54-$75.

[BFlinn181]

Rather than the converter, like Pigman1 said, it's probably the relay. The switch is supposed to trigger the relay on (connected) and off. (disconnected) The relay will have 2 small wires to trigger it, two larger wires that connect batteries/converter to the house wiring system. If the relay is not working, putting both large wires on one post will shunt power around relay to test. Then you can replace the relay once you prove it's bad.

[pwysocki]

Yes that may be it...from your description...that's the one that seems to be clicking when we hit the 12 volt switch...We'll give that a try...thanks!

[pwysocki]

Is there a good site to buy these parts?

[tompen]

Originally Posted by pwysocki

Is there a good site to buy these parts?

I use Amazon.com

[wa8yxm]

I am assuming the lights do not stay on.

On my coach the switch is what is known as an (on) off (on) DPDT which means it returns to the center position.

The "Click" is more of a "Clunk" and comes from the front, under the hood, instead of the rear.

The system is an Intelletec Battery Control System on my coach, and the solenoid is a magnetic latching type.. This means that once it turns on it stays there till you send current through the coil the other way to move it to the other position.

In your case. If the lights come on when you HOLD the switch, but then go off.. Either battery voltage is too low and it's not pushing it all the way to latch (Not likely) or the solenoid is faulty.

[Pigman1]

Do a Google search for "Intellitec Latching Relay". There are a few different models of this relay and a number of places sell them. Match up what you have and make a few calls. I use these for disconnecting solar systems, dedicated inverters, and joining/separating DC power circuits. These switches only draw power when changing from on to off or back and do not draw power at other times. An ideal battery shut off switch.

[pwysocki]

Once again great information Thanks to ALL!!!

[WesinRockies]

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

battery voltage is too low and it's not pushing it all the way to latch (

Is what happened to mine. Put a trickle charger on and switch went on. Before I put the charger on it looked like the switch was turning on but it wasn't

[mel s]

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

On my coach the switch is what is known as an (on) off (on) DPDT which means it returns to the center position.

wa8yxm

A standard DPDT, (Double Pole Double Throw),switch does NOT automatically return to the center, (OFF), position....
It must be switched to one of three positions (on/off/on).

HOWEVER:
A "MOMENTARY SPDT", (Single Pole Single Throw), on/off/on switch does return to the center, (off) position.
AND,
A "MOMENTARY DPDT", (Double Pole Single Throw), switch does return to the center (OFF) position.

IMO both your coach, and the OP, have a "MOMENTARY" SPDT switch to activate that "latching relay".... (possibly, but unlikely, a "MOMENTARY" DPDT switch).

Mel
'96 Safari

[tompen]

Mel
I just replaced mine (sticking) because it stuck and took out the relay. It is a DPDT, center off, momentary switch. It has to reverse the power to the two relay terminals to go from on to off. It is a pretty cheap switch.