Freedom 458 Inverter/Charger

[bob109]

Having problems with my inverter/charger! Lost one a/c circut which powers the microwave, tv's, bath vanity lights and three recepticals. This circut is located on the passanger side of my 01 Discovery. Followed the info manual and have been unsuccessful in resolving the problem. Whenever the invert button is pressed the unit clicks several times but seems not to engage. Before this problem the inverter shut down with the red warning lights blinking. As per the mnual I restarted the inverter and it would engage and work for several minutes before returning to the fault condition. Have checked the house batteries and they are good. Both circut breakers on the front panel of the inverter were checked. Turned the shore powere off and then back on with no results.

I have a feeling that a internal relay is faulty! Has anyone opened up a Freedom 458 and took a peek inside? I suspect that there two relays as there are two seperate circut breakers on the front panel.

Any input from someone who has performed surgery on their 458 inverter would be appreciated.

I have access to a new 458 for almost $1400.00. These inverters are definately pricey Would like to repair mine if possible. Have a good needle file set for dressing contact points if necessary

[bdpreece]

Before doing anything else disconnect from the power and remove the small white lower panel where the power lines are. On my unit the wire nuts inside had come loose and at least two of the wires had heated up and melted due to the loose connection. I too had lost about half the ac power on my coach. I was able to clean up the wires solder them together and tape them. Hope it's that simple for you.

[TechWriter]

If you can't repair your Freedom 485, consider replacing it with a Magnum RS2000.

The Magnum is a 2000W pure sine inverter/charger and has a very similar footprint to the 485.

Also, the remote control for the Magnum can use the existing RJ11 wiring that's on the 485.

For $1500 you can get the RS2000 & remote:
Magnum Energy MS2000 Series Inverter-Charger

[bob109]

Thanks to all for the input.

Got the second a/c circut operational. Not sure if turning off the shore power and reseting all breakers and switches was the cure. With the shore power on and the inverter turned off I started the charger only to replenish the house batteries. After approximately 3 hours the red overtemp/overload light was solid red. Hit the inverter button to reset and the red light went out. Turned the charger off as the inverter was really hot to the touch. The outside temp was about 85 degrees with high humidity. I'm beginning to think that the Temperture Sensitive Charging sensor my be faulty or have a bad contact. I'll be checking that tomorrow. I also leave the compatment door ajar to increase air flow around the inverter. After reading a article on 458's being temp sensative that may help.

["007"]

With the age of your coach you may want to check all your battery ground connections to frame of chassis plus inverter and Gen grounds also.
You don't need a high resistance connection at these points.