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Bondad · 10-01-2013, 08:29 PM

I need some help here (again).

Monday I discovered that I have no 12v power to the coach. It is completely and totally dead. I tested some light sockets and get a zero reading. And I turned the "saleman" switch on and off at least a dozen times. The solenoid was clicking load and clear. The two 12v Interstate Marine Batteries tested at 10.4 volts (YIKES) so I charged them overnight and they settled at 12.7 volts after 24 hours off the charger. Still NOTHING in the coach.

On shore power or generator, everything works as designed. If I remove the negative terminal from the batteries and start the engine the generator won't even think about turning over and the salesman switch won't make a sound. After reconnecting the negative terminal, I started the generator and checked the voltage on the batteries - Still at 12.7v when it should be 13.3ish I believe. Same thing with shore power.

So I believe my batteries are isolated somehow. That's why they were at 10.4v even after having the RV on shore power for 48 hours over the weekend and why there's no 12v in the coach. But seems able to run the generator and solenoid on the SS.

At this point it's above my pay grade! Where do I go from here?

Bondad

KIX · 10-01-2013, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bondad

...............And I turned the "saleman" switch on and off at least a dozen times. The solenoid was clicking load and clear...........
Bondad

Sounds like the contacts inside the solenoid are not making contact. You could temporarily bridge the two large lugs (heavy gauge wire) which is what the contacts do when engaged.

Bondad · 10-02-2013, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KIX

Sounds like the contacts inside the solenoid are not making contact. You could temporarily bridge the two large lugs (heavy gauge wire) which is what the contacts do when engaged.

So if I bridge the lugs and get 12v to the coach I assume I need to replace that solenoid. Any idea where I can buy a replacement?

Bondad

Dr4Film · 10-02-2013, 10:45 AM

Most people will bridge or Bypass that solenoid as they are a high failure item and frankly have no useful purpose other than to be a complete headache to RV owners when they have no 12VDC power. They were installed solely for RV salesman as they were too lazy to head for the electrical bay to turn on the battery disconnect switches when showing a RV.

Some people like them but mine has been bypassed for 8 years now and I have NEVER needed to use it in those 8 years.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

bruceisla · 10-02-2013, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr4Film

Most people will bridge or Bypass that solenoid as they are a high failure item and frankly have no useful purpose other than to be a complete headache to RV owners when they have no 12VDC power. They were installed solely for RV salesman as they were too lazy to head for the electrical bay to turn on the battery disconnect switches when showing a RV.

Some people like them but mine has been bypassed for 8 years now and I have NEVER needed to use it in those 8 years.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

X2 ... worst invention ever compounded by cheesiest components available. And just for good measure, the switches are usually located where everybody can lean on them

Bondad · 10-02-2013, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr4Film

Most people will bridge or Bypass that solenoid as they are a high failure item and frankly have no useful purpose other than to be a complete headache to RV owners when they have no 12VDC power. They were installed solely for RV salesman as they were too lazy to head for the electrical bay to turn on the battery disconnect switches when showing a RV.

Some people like them but mine has been bypassed for 8 years now and I have NEVER needed to use it in those 8 years.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

Thanks. I will bypass the solenoid this weekend and see if that fixes my problem!

Bondad

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