Community Forums

patrickjoly · 10-15-2018, 03:34 AM

Hi,

For the first time in 2 years my RV doesn't want to start. My batteries are goods, 12.9. The starter cranks properly but after only a few seconds, it is like if my batteries have no power.

The only thing which is different as usual is my volt gauge indicator. Normally, it shows the status of my batteries as soon as I turn the ignition on but currently, the needle doesn't move at all.

Any idea? Is there a fuse somewhere for that?

Sorry if my english is not 100% perfect, I am french.

Thank you!

Patrick.

Fleetwood Revolution 40c 2002.
Cummins 330 Diesel ISC.

Podivin · 10-15-2018, 04:21 AM

Try putting a load tester on the battery. It may be that it's show proper voltage with no load, but once it gets a load it drops too far to be useful.
You might also just try jump the battery it to see if that makes a difference.

Quincy · 10-15-2018, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Podivin

Try putting a load tester on the battery. It may be that it's show proper voltage with no load, but once it gets a load it drops too far to be useful.
You might also just try jump the battery it to see if that makes a difference.

X2 Definitely a good assessment of the possible problem. When you say "the starter cranks properly", Do you mean it turns over the motor or the starter motor just spins and after a few seconds it winds down? Either way Mr. Podvin could be dead on.

Soppy · 10-15-2018, 06:10 AM

Have someone measure the battery voltage when cranking . It should not drop below 10 volts. Check your connections on the battery .If they are dirty be sure to clean them.

YC1 · 10-15-2018, 06:36 AM

Always fix the obvious first and then often other things are resolved.

The voltmeter not working may be chased back to the batteries as suggested. Any loose or corroded connections will cause all kinds of misery. Take pictures of the batteries before making any changes. A voltmeter is very important and write the measurements down for before and after information.

Welcome to the forum!

AITG · 10-15-2018, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YC1

Always fix the obvious first and then often other things are resolved.

The voltmeter not working may be chased back to the batteries as suggested. Any loose or corroded connections will cause all kinds of misery. Take pictures of the batteries before making any changes. A voltmeter is very important and write the measurements down for before and after information.

Welcome to the forum!

I agree. Clean your battery terminals before you go much further. By "clean", disconnect them and clean the battery posts as well as the inside of each cable end.

lwmcguire · 10-15-2018, 09:14 AM

Not sure if you have two batteries, but if you do check the voltage of both to see if one is reading low, you don't have to do this disconnected

luvlabs · 10-15-2018, 11:55 AM

You have two sets of batteries - house batteries and chassis batteries. Do you know which set of batteries your gauge is measuring?

Use a voltmeter and check both sets. Your chassis batteries may be discharged or too old to handle the big load placed on them during starting.

YC1 · 10-15-2018, 12:39 PM

Your starting batteries may be sick or NOT getting a proper charge.

Hit your emergency start button and hold it down for a minute and while holding it try to start your engine. My batteries became week after many years of great service recently. Same symptoms. Fortunately my emergency start relay is is great shape so it is like getting a jump start from myself.

Please do get some voltage readings and write them down before proceeding to any repairs or replacements.

You need to know if the starting batteries are getting the proper charge when plugged into shoreline or the generator is running.