Xantrex Temperature Sensor

[slabman]

My son has a broken temp. sensor on his MH and is looking for advice on how to work around this problem, since ordering a new one will take some time. Battery corrosion has destroyed the sensor, so now the inverter won't make 120 v., apparently since it doesn't receive a signal from the sensor about battery temperature. Is there a "workaround" for this missing sensor on the end of the cable where it attaches to the battery? I'm thinking we should be able to "hotwire" a couple of the leads in this cable, tricking the inverter into thinking all is well and allow it to produce 120 v. Anyone got an answer to this one?

[slabman]

My son has a broken temp. sensor on his MH and is looking for advice on how to work around this problem, since ordering a new one will take some time. Battery corrosion has destroyed the sensor, so now the inverter won't make 120 v., apparently since it doesn't receive a signal from the sensor about battery temperature. Is there a "workaround" for this missing sensor on the end of the cable where it attaches to the battery? I'm thinking we should be able to "hotwire" a couple of the leads in this cable, tricking the inverter into thinking all is well and allow it to produce 120 v. Anyone got an answer to this one?

[beaverjim]

slabman, when i replaced my batts last spring i forgot to hook up my sensor wire. just found out about it when winterizing. meanwhile our inverter worked fine all summer. he may have other problems. good luck! jim

[slabman]

Interesting point, Jim. He just replaced all 4 batts and had the coach plugged in to charge the new ones. After about 24 hrs. he found ONE batt was completely dry, with fluid spread across the top, but no cracks in the case. Also lots of corrosion on the hold-down clamps. Seems like it IS over charging, doesn't it?

I suppose the non-functioning battery is causing the inverter to "see" an inadequate suppply of battery power, so is shutting down. Does this make sense?

[beaverjim]

sounds right to me!

[Bob (WA0MQE)]

beaverjim is correct... Xantrex charger/inverters do not require the sensor. The sensor is an option you can purchase to help the charger determine what the batteries might need due to temperature. It causes the charger to change it's current a small amount. I've had a Xantrex RV3000 for five years and never installed the temperature sensor.