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Old 07-22-2018, 05:13 PM   #1
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The alternator not charging the house batteries while underway

The alternator is properly charging the chassis but not the house batteries while underway. After 3 hours or so of driving we use the generator to recharge the house batteries Has anyone encountered this condition or have suggestions for troubleshooting?
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Old 07-22-2018, 05:37 PM   #2
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You have a bad or non functioning isolation relay.

Start the engine and while monitoring the house voltage with a digital volt meter, push and hold the boost switch.

If the volts go up, there is a isolation control issue. If they don't, its a solenoid issue.

To find the solenoid, have someone push the boost switch on and off and listen for it.
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Old 07-22-2018, 05:45 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by twinboat View Post
You have a bad or non functioning isolation relay.

Start the engine and while monitoring the house voltage with a digital volt meter, push and hold the boost switch.

If the volts go up, there is a isolation control issue. If they don't, its a solenoid issue.

To find the solenoid, have someone push the boost switch on and off and listen for it.


Thank you. And if it is a non functioning isolation relay, how would I find it?
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Old 07-22-2018, 05:56 PM   #4
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Look for a black box near the house batteries. You will see the positive cable from the bank going to it and a couple of heavy lines going to it as well. Generally the isolation relay is in the box along with some circuitry. This, of course, depends on the make and model, but it will be close. Most RV shops stock replacement isolation relays as it is a common replacement part.
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Old 07-22-2018, 06:29 PM   #5
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Thank you. And if it is a non functioning isolation relay, how would I find it?
There are all types. Some are marked B.I.R.D, some are I.R.D. some are just a circuit on the fuse panel, near the solenoids and some just switch on with the key.

The isolation/boost solenoid will have cabkesir metal links going to it. Each side will come from each battery bank. Once that is located, you may be able to follow the small wires, on it, to the controller.

Take some pictures of the solenoids in the battery control area. We can point the parts out.
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Old 07-22-2018, 06:34 PM   #6
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Entegra charging system is set up different... that being said it’s not uncommon to show up to your campsite and need to charge house batteries with the generator...
there’s post on this subject on this forum...
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Old 07-22-2018, 07:12 PM   #7
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We had the opposite issue, our alternator would charge the house batteries but not the chassis batteries. A couple times shore power wouldn’t charge chassis batteries. We replaced the battery charge manager solenoid and it took care of the problem.
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Old 07-22-2018, 07:38 PM   #8
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Entegra charging system is set up different... that being said it’s not uncommon to show up to your campsite and need to charge house batteries with the generator...
there’s post on this subject on this forum...
I know that some systems have trigger voltages and only charge the house bank for a specific period of time and them wait for it to fall below a threshold voltage to again apply charge. However, arriving at a site after driving for some time and needing to run a generator to charge the house bank is far less than an ideal solution and certainly something is wrong it that happens.
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Old 07-22-2018, 08:22 PM   #9
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Make sure your engine block heater is not plugged in in the engine bay. I learned this the hard way.

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Old 07-23-2018, 03:14 PM   #10
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Quote:
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The alternator is properly charging the chassis but not the house batteries while underway. After 3 hours or so of driving we use the generator to recharge the house batteries Has anyone encountered this condition or have suggestions for troubleshooting?
With a 2014 Anthem you most likely have AGM batteries. Once the chassis batteries are above 13.3v the alternator will allow a charge to the house batteries for a period of 1 hour. At the end of 1 hour it shuts OFF and will not turn back ON until your house batteries drop below 12.6v.

You should see something above 12.7v on your inverter panels above the entrance door during the first hour of travel, if not then you have a problem with your Precision Circuits battery isolation manager.
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Old 07-23-2018, 03:19 PM   #11
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Thank you. And if it is a non functioning isolation relay, how would I find it?
Joe,

The Precision Circuits battery isolation manager is located on the very back wall of your basement storage area. It can be accessed from the PS second door forward from the drive wheels. The isolation manager is in behind a carpeted panel in the middle of the basement on the back wall in front of the fresh water tank. Your 12v house battery disconnect is also located here.
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Old 07-24-2018, 01:42 PM   #12
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Thanks to all who responded. This one is beyond my level (low)of expertise and I’ll be looking for a repair shop upon coming back to the US. (Currently in Canada on the 49 day Fantasy Maritimes tour)
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Old 07-28-2018, 09:33 AM   #13
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I'm glad I found this discussion.
I've noticed that my house batteries are not charging either.
Now, get someone that knows to look at them.
Thanks,
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Old 07-28-2018, 09:50 AM   #14
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Here's a troubleshooting guide on the Isolation manager.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf Battery-Isolation-Manager-Trouble-Shooting.pdf (328.3 KB, 340 views)
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