Community Forums

Jim418 · 09-21-2011, 08:16 AM

The battery saver switch on my Coachmen Mirada doesn't seem to be working. Coach lights are dim unless plugged into outlet. What might I check other than the battery itself?

tomwalt · 09-21-2011, 08:32 AM

Welcome Jim. Here are some ideas to get you started.
It sounds like low voltage to the lights when on the battery.
You need to check the battery voltage - it should be above 12VDC (13V would be better). Compare the battery voltage reading when plugged in vs. when on the battery and lights are dim. (WalMart or Radio Shack has voltmeters for cheap).
If the battery is good - Could be corrosion - clean the battery posts and the ground connection to the chassis. - Be careful not to short the battery + side to ground - disconnect the - ground first.
If you have more than one battery - disconnect and read each battery for greater than 12VDC. If you read less than this (10V) the battery is bad.
P.S. the battery saver switch needs good power to operate - maybe the low voltage it the cause of it not currently working.

Gary RVRoamer · 09-21-2011, 08:33 AM

The "battery saver" is just a battery disconnect, so when it is shut off you have no power at all for lights. It seems evident your battery(s) are weak. Have you chjecked the water in the cells lately? How old are they and what type?

It may be that your battery charge system isn't woprking, but you say the lights are bright when on shore power and that usually menas the cahrging system is operating as it should.

SuperGewl · 09-22-2011, 10:34 PM

Have coach batteries checked, before taking it in check water level as suggested. Also as stated Battery saver switch is for saving the coach batteries when not in use. Also when plugged in make sure the battery saver switch is is ON or not in Battery Saver mode. You want to charge the batteries all the time it is plugged in or running on the gennie.