Would removing the coach batteries effect starting the motorhome?

[dunecrazed]

When I turn the key I only get a click from the power distribution box. Tried jump starting, different battery, charged the heck out of the battery??? I am now thinking starter?? The coach batteries were shot so I took them out. Haven't tried to start the engine since. Could that somehow cause an inturruption in the electrical system? Always thought they were separate?

1994 Minnie Winnie with Ford 460...

Thanks for any ideas...

[srydve]

The coach batteries should be isolated from the chassis batteries. If your chassis batteries are properly charged and tested and it still won't start then I would advise to check and clean all connections. If it still won't go I would try to jump with (if possible) a direct connection to the starter. If that doesn't work I would then suspect the starter. Good luck.

[fletch460]

Me thinks the clicking is from the solonoid. Try just jumping it. House batts are separate from chassis batts. Taking the other batts out is probably just coincedence.

[Ed-Sommers]

Would removing the coach batteries effect starting the motorhome?

In effect, it should not affect them!

Ed

[Pusherman]

General answer: No.

There is a however -- if when you removed the coach batteries and the terminals are potentially shorting to ground, then when turning on the ignition, the solenoid may open the circuit to the coach batteries; may result in a short circuit causing engine battery to not start the coach.

Easy enough to check. Verify that both the positive (most important) and negative terminals from the removed coach batteries are insulated and not shorting to anything.

[dunecrazed]

Thanks! I will check to make sure there is no short there. I did get under there and jump the starter with a screw driver. Between the two large posts, the starter turned fine. When I jumped the large hot post to the small tab that has the little wire to it the starter engaged and turned. I turned the ignition on and did the same and the engine fired right up. Does this mean my solenoid is OK too?

I double checked the cliking sound and it IS NOT coming from the solenoid. It is coming from the power distribution box under the hood. Is there a secondary solenoid or relay in there that may have gone bad?

Thanks again guys...

[GaryKD]

Hi dunecrazed,
Welcome to iRV2. Consider posting this question in the Winnebago Owner's forum. On the iRV2 main page scroll down about 1/2 way and you see the forum. I suggest this because nobody knows your coach like somebody who owns one just like yours.

[JimM68]

That is somewhat odd. So you have a good starter. And there is enough power reaching the starter to start the moho when u jump it with a screwdriver.

But not enough power to engauge the. Solenoid when u turn the key....but u do hear a relay clicking somewhere.

So.... turning the key is energizing a relay somewhere... but the relay is failing to energize the starter?

[ksg5000]

Fords have a separate solenoid between the starter and the battery -- like any solenoid it's prone to sticking. Follow the chassis battery red wire and you should find the solenoid - if you have to replace it's no big deal - available at any auto parts store.