Community Forums

rkainsworth · 07-13-2015, 03:23 PM

We drove 5 1/2 hours from CT. to NJ, no problems. Arriving I turned of engine in Winnebago, Freighliner chasis with cummins 5.9 to disconnect toad. Then not enough battery power to restart engine. Campround gave me a jump. Today I check both batteries and voltage on each was 11.7. What do I check next? Batteries could be bad or I assume alternator. We are staying another week at campground so have time to try a couple of suggestions from you guys. I do have a small charger with me so I could try that. My concern is stopping for fuel on way home and having it die at the pumps.

Rich

AGP · 07-13-2015, 03:32 PM

So your coach batteries and your chassis batteries are dead?
Your RV should have an aux switch on dash to start engine off coach batteries if chassis batteries are dead.

rkainsworth · 07-13-2015, 03:45 PM

No just chassis batteries. The aux. start did not seem to help

ChasA · 07-13-2015, 05:46 PM

Check your connections on the chassis batteries for being clean and tight. I suspect your alternator has bit the dust.

Skip426 · 07-13-2015, 05:59 PM

IF, the aux start is not functioning , and both sets of batteries are low on charge , I'm thinking the charge system relay is bad.
MY coach has a BIRD charge system and , one BIG relay has 3 functions ,
1 . Connects both sets of batteries to the alternator when charge detected.
2. Connects both sets of batteries to the converter/charger , when charge detected.
3. Connects both sets of batteries , for engine start , when the aux start button pushed.
Alternator fault should have shown on the dash gauge , and possible warning light while driving.
If you were plugged in over night and the coach batteries didn't charge.
I'm thinking you have a similar system and the relay is bad.

This system is installed by the coach manufacturer, so knowing your coach year would be helpful. All we know is right now is, Winne, Freightliner with Cummins.

rkainsworth · 07-13-2015, 07:37 PM

My RV is. 99 Winnebago adventurer
The last suggestion does make some sense. My dash gauge did say voltage was in normal range.

Skip426 · 07-13-2015, 07:46 PM

Here's some info on a bird system , that may be of some help.
This isn't exactly the same as mine but every manufacturer uses a slightly different set up.

theboss1 · 07-14-2015, 05:14 PM

Remember...the solenoids used in the Intellitec system must be their propitiatory solenoids and nothing else because the controller senses the resistance of the coils in the solenoid and will not work correctly if it doesn't sense that exact resistance. The Sure Power 1315-200 is an excellent replacement for the entire Intellitec system if it's gone bad.

TQ60 · 07-14-2015, 05:25 PM

Do nothing yet!

You stated you were driving then stopped for short time and no start condition.

Do not touch anything as you need to confirm what is wrong.

Measure voltages at battery and write it down ( helps you work).

Now place one probe on the post and the other on the terminal of either wire and have a helper tap the starter and confirm less than 0.5 volts then repeat for other post.

This is checking the terminals without touching them, you will clean them later.

Next jump start the unit and measure the voltage again.

Is it more than what you wrote down?

Rev it up a bit and does it now increase?

If not higher the alternator is not working.

royis · 07-20-2015, 12:29 PM

check the specific gravity as you may have dead cells

Triker56 · 07-20-2015, 12:42 PM

The 99 5.9L ISB is famous for alternators going bad.
I just put on my 3rd replacement one in May.

If it isn't charging you can always run the Generator that will put a charge through the Inverter/Charger via B.I.R.D to both banks. And you can keep driving until the alternator is replaced. But get then all charged up with a portable before you do that.

rkainsworth · 07-27-2015, 04:54 PM

Update: drove back to CT, set Scanguage to watch voltage whole way (5 hrs. 270 m.). Started with 12.7 voltage and ended with 10.5. Turned out to be alternator.

DD788Snipe · 07-28-2015, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkainsworth

Update: drove back to CT, set Scanguage to watch voltage whole way (5 hrs. 270 m.). Started with 12.7 voltage and ended with 10.5. Turned out to be alternator.

I love my Scangauge D. Wouldn't own a coach without one.

RichKimball · 07-29-2015, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triker56

The 99 5.9L ISB is famous for alternators going bad.
I just put on my 3rd replacement one in May.

If it isn't charging you can always run the Generator that will put a charge through the Inverter/Charger via B.I.R.D to both banks. And you can keep driving until the alternator is replaced. But get then all charged up with a portable before you do that.

Triker, what model alt did you replace with? Same engine on mine and curious how you spec'd replacement. Sometimes I have luck with sourcing a 99 Dodge.