Community Forums

Mikeeg · 04-22-2010, 07:54 PM

Hoping for help!! What I have is a Ford 2001 DS which has a chassis battery draw down after 2 or three days and will not boost off booster switch with full house battery bank. I did have a loud clicking sound coming out of the islolator with out key on which stopped with a light tap when the problem started. I'm not up on the electric side of the isolator and relay and hoping one of the electric wizards on this great site can tell me the story in simple english. Is it the relay,isolator or the switch HELP!!!

Mikeeg

Luv2go · 04-23-2010, 11:31 AM

Mike:

You may have multiple problems, one being your chassis battery is weak. When did you last replace it, and has it been dead a lot since you replaced it (leaving even a new battery discharged for some time will ruin it).

The other problem is most likely related to your isolator relay. Since the boost switch does not work I would guess that the isolation relay is bad, especially since it required "coaxing" to stop clicking before. You should be able to get the part number off of it and get a replacement over the internet at a reasonable price. Newmar also will sell you the part directly nowadays.

Note if you keep your coach plugged in all the time you may not have seen the chassis battery draw down before the isolator bent bad. This is because Newmar uses a "BIRD" , at least on their newer coaches. The BIRD, when working correctly, will keep the chassis battery charged whenever the coach is plugged in (the coach battery disconnect has to be on in my coach for this to work).

That's about all I can guess about, not knowing your exact coach's electrical setup, hopefully someone who has a coach closer to yours will see this and answer.

Good Luck!
Stewart

GaryKD · 04-23-2010, 11:41 AM

Hi Mikeeg,
Stewart provided good advice. The only thing I can emphasize is to get the chassis battery(s) checked out. The easiest way to do this is to remove the batteries and take them to your local auto parts store. They can fast charge the batteries and put them under load. This will provide you the status of the battery(s).

If the battery(s) are good, there may be a problem with your alternator, not charging the battery(s). Check the output VDC of the alternator. It should be close to 14.5 VDC.

Mikeeg · 04-23-2010, 12:27 PM

I should have put in post that battery was new in Oct.it was from 2003.I never was in need of boosting until after the clicking sound from the isloater relay if that is the item with two hot battery leads running to it.I think one of them is from house batteries and one from chassis battery RIGHT?

Rick Long · 04-23-2010, 12:59 PM

What your describing "hot lead from each battery" is the auxiliary start solenoid and it's also used to charge both sets of batteries.

Mikeeg · 04-27-2010, 06:42 AM

Thanks to everyone sounds like relay or aux. start booster.I have my local tech. guy taking a look at it next week.He seems to think easy fix. Hope so.

Thanks again
MIKEEG

enjoyrv · 05-08-2010, 08:39 PM

Couple questions regarding dead chassis batteries on 2010 DADP so batteries should be good. Coach was parked for about 30 days and had main coach kill switch turned off. Coach batteries were ok to run lights and slides but I could start the generator or engine even when using the boost button.

Questions are:
When I put a battery charger on the chassis battery tomorrow will it charge both batteries when charger is connected to 1 of the 2 chassis batteries?
As I recall, there is a kill switch for the chassis batteries in the right rear compartment where the batteries are. Is that correct and should I be killing the switch when stored for 30 days or so? What might be causing the drain?
Coach has solar panel for charging chassis batteries as I understand it but it been overcast for several days.

"007" · 05-09-2010, 08:18 AM

If you can keep your coach plugged into a 110v outlet the 'BIRD" setup in post 2 will keep your house batteries fully charged and when they are at full charge will switch charge to your chassis batteries.
I have my coach always plug to house and never had battery problems.
If you can't do that than use battery cut off switch to retain battery power as best you can.
Shut off refridge, radio,CB, LP detector, furnace, water heater so control boards 12v will not be drained FROM BATTERIES.

GaryKD · 05-09-2010, 08:50 AM

Hi Rich,
When my coach sits for 30 days or more (rarely) I cut power to the coach. However, I leave the chassis kill switch in the on position. I think this allows the solar panel to maintain the chassis batteries. So far, I've never had any chassis battery problems.

enjoyrv · 05-09-2010, 02:19 PM

Went out to the coach after lunch to see if the solar charge unit had charged the chassis battery any since today is the first day in many days that the sun has been out. Batteries had a little charge to turn over engine but just barely. So I put on my battery charger for a few hours and I'll recheck later today to see if the chassis batteries are charged up enough to start the engine. Will keep you posted on my progress. Thanks for the replies.

"007" · 05-09-2010, 03:15 PM

Have you checked all battery wire connections and the battery ground wire to chassis frame of coach. I had a loose battery ground cable on my new coach when we bought it.
If you have one loose will be a long time charging if ever.

enjoyrv · 05-09-2010, 04:24 PM

007
No I didn't. I will do so. Thanks.

enjoyrv · 05-09-2010, 07:08 PM

Back out to check and after 5 hours of battery charging, it started right up. Ran the engine for a bit and the generator as well. I have appointments with Spartan and Newmar in a couple weeks so I can ask them to check it out if I have trouble again. Still under warranty. Thanks for suggestions. Rich

DutchStarDoug · 09-10-2010, 10:13 AM

I am having the exact same issue with my 2008 DSDP--changed out the chassis batteries and same problem: after about 3 weeks the batteries drain very low and after 30 days they are dead.

Using "kill" switch in engine bay alleviates the problem but I have stored this coach for 60 or more days previously without issue.

What did Newmar find for you? I am heading to the factory in early October.

Thanks!
Doug