Community Forums

gmrv · 05-05-2018, 04:19 PM

My 2000 Fleetwood Southwind Storm 30H has these two switches ("Main" and "Aux") found above the entry door. They are not "rocker" switches or "toggle" switches, and they do not "switch" between ON and OFF. They are spring-loaded "hold-and-release" switches (I don't know what you call that). So, they are more like buttons that you press and release.

How are these supposed to work? There are no labels or indicator lights that tell you whether the disconnect is activated. And the switches do not change positions. You just press and release them. Anybody else have switches like these? How do you use them?

I've read another thread here on the subject subject of battery disconnects, and it does not address this question. That thread is too old to reply.

Jim Bennett
2000 Fleetwood Southwind Storm 30H
31 ft.

Sbrownstein · 05-05-2018, 04:29 PM

Push to connect, push to disconnect. On my 1996 32H, up was on and down was off, but they are connected to "trombetta" solenoid switches. Power one way to engage, power the other to dis-engage...no power is needed to maintain either state.

ThePowells · 05-05-2018, 05:18 PM

Welcome to the forum. The manual for your coach is available online at the REV group. That will help you with questions you may have now and help you to be better able to enjoy what your coach has to offer.

Their is also a Fleetwood owner’s group forum that may also be able to answer questions and help you out with shortcuts and tips about your coach.

Dutch Star Don · 05-05-2018, 05:19 PM

They're called "momentary" switches. You momentarily push them and release. Typically, they trigger a solenoid, turning it off, push again, turns on. Often there is an associated light that goes with it. In your case, you should lose all 12 volt power inside the coach when you push the switch. Push again, turn power back on.

twinboat · 05-05-2018, 05:28 PM

The main would be wired to a latching relay ( solenoid ) that turns the house power on and off. A latching solenoid only need a short 12 volt pulse to switch on or off.

With NO shore power connected, turn on some lights and see if the main button controls them. For the most part, the only time you want it off, is if your storing the MH with out shore power.

The AUX switch will most likely control a momentary relay ( solenoid ) that connects the start and house batteries together. That is for boosting the low house battery, to start the generator, with the start battery, if you ran it down thru the night. You hold it whilestarting the generator.

On my MH, the AUX solenoid stays on when switched, until I turn it back off. Not the greatest setup. If I leave it on, It will run down both house and start batteries thru the night. I disconnected it.

gmrv · 05-05-2018, 05:56 PM

You are all wonderful. Thank you! I'll dig up the manual and try the suggestions made here.

J. Bennett

wa8yxm · 05-06-2018, 05:53 AM

ELsewhere on the RV are some latching solonoids.

The switch is called an (on)off(on) double pole double throw though you may not see all the poles as connectors.

It operates the solenoid.. If you listen carefully when the switch is pressed you should hear a CLUNK,, NOTE may be better able to hear it from Either outside or inside.. That CLUNK is the actuall switch (Solenoid) switching ..

Two common locations for the colenoid are the battery area and teh engine area.

gmrv · 05-06-2018, 01:58 PM

This morning I pressed the "Main" switch and then turned the ignition key to see if dash lights, etc., would come on. They did not. I pushed the "Main" switch again and the dash lights came on. So that confirms that the "Main" switch controls power for the chassis battery. I do hear the solenoid when I press the "Main" switch.

Then I turned on a ceiling light and pressed the "Aux" switch to see if it would cut the power. Nothing. The ceiling light stayed on. Pushed the "Aux" switch again and no change. I do not hear a solenoid sound when I press the "Aux" switch.

So, the "Main" switch is working, but the "Aux" switch appears to be not working.

Any other practical tests that can be done before taking things apart and using test meters, etc.?

twinboat · 05-06-2018, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmrv

This morning I pressed the "Main" switch and then turned the ignition key to see if dash lights, etc., would come on. They did not. I pushed the "Main" switch again and the dash lights came on. So that confirms that the "Main" switch controls power for the chassis battery. I do hear the solenoid when I press the "Main" switch.

Then I turned on a ceiling light and pressed the "Aux" switch to see if it would cut the power. Nothing. The ceiling light stayed on. Pushed the "Aux" switch again and no change. I do not hear a solenoid sound when I press the "Aux" switch.

So, the "Main" switch is working, but the "Aux" switch appears to be not working.

Any other practical tests that can be done before taking things apart and using test meters, etc.?

Was it plugged in when you tested the AUX ? You may not see a change due to the converter supplying the power.

The test is no shore power and engine off.

If you hear the main clunking, the AUX solenoid may be near it.

Some have fuses mounted on them. They can be hard to see because they are ATC fuses that push in from the top.

gmrv · 05-06-2018, 11:12 PM

Boondocking, not plugged in. Thanks, I'll look for the fuse on the solenoid.

Foodmanim · 05-10-2018, 06:45 PM

I labeled mine up is on down is off you can her solenoid both ways. Can you verify the coach doesn't start with the main switch in the off position? Mine still starts which seems wrong.