Help with generator / batteries

[ky bob]

We picked up our 2015 Palazzo 33.3 from Florida and are back in Kentucky now.

We stopped along the way at a Walmart parking lot for the night. We opened up the 2 slides and then I decided to start the generator, it acted like the batteries were low ( like when you try to start a car with weak batteries) and it would not start.

I got to thinking the auto gen start should have started it when it sensed the batteries were low.

I tried the start switch on the generator and the switch inside the coach , but no luck.

I also pushed the test button on the auto generator start control panel and it would not start it either.


I looked at the MAGNUM ENERGY panel above the entry door and it shows inverting 11.6 volts. This to me seems to be way too low.

So does this mean the batteries are bad ?
When I drive the coach, the ammeter on the dash shows over 13 volts and when connected to shore power, the MAGNUM ENERGY panel shows inverting 13.8 volts.

Does anyone know how I would check out this situation.


Thanks,

Bob

[drivintin]

I have the ARC panel instead of the RC, so forgive me if I mention features that are a bit off.

So first things first, you have two sets of batteries, 2 for the engine, 4 for the house. Generator runs off the house, you need to make sure to check the fluid levels on your batteries. If they get low then it is really hard to get them back to holding a decent charge.

Second, when you are plugged in, you should have two lights, inverting and charging. You should be able to turn off the inverter function and the house stays powered and operating normally. As far as the auto start on the generator, the auto cut off on the inverter, etc, that stuff is all configurable, and it is hard to find the sweet spot if you don't have the SOC monitoring unit.

The BIRD is what should take some of the alternator and charge some of the house batteries. I have a love/hate relationship with this device. I can never tell if mine is working, and while it seems to top off the engine batteries on mine, I never seem to notice it making a difference in house batteries while driving. You have to be in a range for the BIRD to work, and if your batteries are too low it will not attempt to charge them.

[Mr_D]

11.6 is too low. I have my auto gen start set for 12.2 as recommended by several good Country Coach tech's.
They also changed the setup to start from the engine batteries.

[twinboat]

You need to do a simple test.

If you have a boost or AUX switch, with the engine running, push and hold it.

While holding it on, look at the inverter panel and see if the voltage is climbing. It should and get up to what ever the engine voltage is.

If the voltage does not start to climb, you probably have a bad isolation solenoid.

That is very common and would be your problem. The BIRD electronic control system actually automaticly does what your doing by holding the button.

Now, to find the correct solenoid, have someone repeatedly push the boost button on and off, so you can hear the solenoid clunking. When it is bad, they typucally still actavate, but they don't connect internally.

Remove all negetive cables, pull shore power and you can safely replace it. Be sure to get a contionous duty replacement.

If its not clunking, report back.

[ky bob]

Update...
When I toggle thru the dash display, it says “Battery Low”

Is this monitoring the 4 coach batteries ?

[ky bob]

I tried that and the voltage did not increase. When I hold the aux button . The engine starts easily and the headlights are bright when traveling at night ( so I presume the alternator is working)
I was able to locate the solenoid you mentioned.




Any other ideas ?



FYI , The driver instrument panel does show “battery low” . Is this monitoring the 2 engine batteries ? Or the 4 coach batteries ?

Originally Posted by twinboat

You need to do a simple test.

If you have a boost or AUX switch, with the engine running, push and hold it.

While holding it on, look at the inverter panel and see if the voltage is climbing. It should and get up to what ever the engine voltage is.

If the voltage does not start to climb, you probably have a bad isolation solenoid.

That is very common and would be your problem. The BIRD electronic control system actually automaticly does what your doing by holding the button.

Now, to find the correct solenoid, have someone repeatedly push the boost button on and off, so you can hear the solenoid clunking. When it is bad, they typucally still actavate, but they don't connect internally.

Remove all negetive cables, pull shore power and you can safely replace it. Be sure to get a contionous duty replacement.

If its not clunking, report back.

[ky bob]

I tried that and the voltage did not increase. When I hold the aux button . The engine starts easily and the headlights are bright when traveling at night ( so I presume the alternator is working)
I was able to locate the solenoid you mentioned.


How do I test the individual batteries to see if there are any problems with any of them ?

Any other ideas ?



FYI , The driver instrument panel does show “battery low” . Is this monitoring the 2 engine batteries ? Or the 4 coach batteries ?

Originally Posted by twinboat

You need to do a simple test.

If you have a boost or AUX switch, with the engine running, push and hold it.

While holding it on, look at the inverter panel and see if the voltage is climbing. It should and get up to what ever the engine voltage is.

If the voltage does not start to climb, you probably have a bad isolation solenoid.

That is very common and would be your problem. The BIRD electronic control system actually automaticly does what your doing by holding the button.

Now, to find the correct solenoid, have someone repeatedly push the boost button on and off, so you can hear the solenoid clunking. When it is bad, they typucally still actavate, but they don't connect internally.

Remove all negetive cables, pull shore power and you can safely replace it. Be sure to get a contionous duty replacement.

If its not clunking, report back.

[ky bob]

Ok , sorry to be so wordy,

It does clunk,

Can I jumper across the terminals to prove out that that is the problem ?

[ky bob]

I sent a pm to you please look at it.

Thanks
Bob

[twinboat]

Yes you can jumper across to see if it works.

[ky bob]

Does the generator starting voltage come from the coach batteries or the engine batteries ?

[lwmcguire]

Coach or most call them house batteries will start the generator

[ky bob]

I jumpered across the isolator solenoid and still no luck.
All the house batteries have fluid in them.

What is a good way to rest the house batteries ?

When the driver dash panel says low battery, is it referring to the house batteries or the engine batteries ?

[twinboat]

Take some pictures of what your jumping and post them.