Community Forums

SOAV · 08-23-2011, 09:38 PM

I have 1993 Beaver Contessa where the coach batteries will not charge when main motor is running.
The coach batteries charge from the generator or shore power.
When the motor is running the boost solenoid is so hot you can't keep our hand on it.
When you push the boost switch on the dash the solenoid clicks.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Siro

RV Wizard · 08-24-2011, 02:37 AM

Hello Siro and

. We are glad to have you join us here and I am sure you will enjoy the website and forums. Good luck, stay safe and keep us posted.
It sounds like you may have a bad solenoid. When the two battery banks reach a significant voltage difference, measure exact voltages and then without being plugged into shore power or having the generator running, used the boost switch and check voltages again. If the solenoid is working the voltages should become the same indicating the solenoid is working. Based on the symptoms I think the solenoid could be bad; only proper troubleshooting will verify or not.

SOAV · 08-24-2011, 11:46 AM

All fixed,
I measured the voltage between the terminals on the solenoid when it was activated and the volt meter measured about 4 volts, should have been close to zero volts if the solenoid was activated. Dissasembled the solenoid and found everything was corroded inside.
Cleaned the terminal and the shorting bar and everything is fine.
Great forum and thanks for all the help.
Siro

RV Wizard · 08-25-2011, 02:10 AM

Measuring across the solenoid is easier but not knowing your skill level I was not sure you would understand if I went in that direction in my suggestion. Anyway I am glad to see you have found and repaired the problem. Good luck and keep us posted.

hamguy · 08-26-2011, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOAV

I have 1993 Beaver Contessa where the coach batteries will not charge when main motor is running.
The coach batteries charge from the generator or shore power.
When the motor is running the boost solenoid is so hot you can't keep our hand on it.
When you push the boost switch on the dash the solenoid clicks.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Siro

I just replaced my solenoid. About $25 and <1 hour time.

bdpreece · 08-26-2011, 10:20 AM

The solenoid will be hot to the touch since it is a continous duty and picked all the time. Mine was the same way but was passing no voltage. You can see a picture of my disassembled solenoid here http://www.irv2.com/forums/f115/dead...tml#post878319