Community Forums

Kasey · 02-13-2016, 12:30 PM

My battery disconnect switch has to be switched several times before it will connect. Anyone have trouble shooting advice?

FreedomDream · 02-13-2016, 01:51 PM

How long are you waiting after you turn the switch to on? This may take several seconds for the inverter/converter to come on.

twinboat · 02-13-2016, 02:00 PM

If the switch is controlling a solenoid it is probably going bad. They often fail.

Find the solenoid by switching it on and off and listening for the clunk.

Check voltage on both sides of its big terminals, on and off.

If switched on and it clunks, there should be the same volts on both sides. If not then it is shot.

Make sure you get a continuous duty replacement and disconnect the battery cables at the battery before attempting to change it.

**Lt Dan** · 02-13-2016, 03:01 PM

The contacts are probably burned and not making good continuity. You might be able to take it apart and clean them, but most of the relays are sealed units.

It sounds like the relay needs to be replaced. These are a special type called a latching relay. When it switches on, there is no constant power applied to the coil like a regular relay. There should be a part number and brand on the side, so you can do a search on Amazon, etc to find a replacement.