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Mr_D · 02-20-2012, 07:34 PM

Have a 2002 DSDP that is not charging the house batteries when driven. Need to get it fixed, hopefully before we leave for Phoenix.

Also, does anyone know if Newmar will have service/repairs available at the Good Sam rally in Phoenix? Got a couple problems like a slide that needs help getting it in even with new batteries and controller.

GaryKD · 02-21-2012, 12:31 PM

Hi Mr_D,
For the second question consider contacting Newmar (800-731-8300 or email Phil Stilley, at pstilley@newmarcorp.com). In the past, Newmar has not sent factory techs to GS rallies. But who knows, things change.

As to the coach batteries not being charged when driven, what diagnostics have you done to determine this?

Mr_D · 02-21-2012, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD

As to the coach batteries not being charged when driven, what diagnostics have you done to determine this?

Drive for an hour and the almost new U-2200's are down to 84%.

Mr_D · 02-22-2012, 03:04 PM

Yes, I do hae a BIRD, went out and found it. Still doesn't answer why the house batteries aren't being charged from the alternator. The dash gauge shows the alternator is working fine but somewhere it isn't getting to the house batteries.

Mr_D · 02-22-2012, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD

Hi Mr_D,
For the second question consider contacting Newmar (800-731-8300 or email Phil Stilley, at pstilley@newmarcorp.com). In the past, Newmar has not sent factory techs to GS rallies. But who knows, things change.

As to the coach batteries not being charged when driven, what diagnostics have you done to determine this?

Yep, but they do sometimes go to FMCA rallies. I'll give him a call and ask I guess, too late in the day now due to time difference.

"007" · 02-22-2012, 03:52 PM

I have had Birds since 98 and you may want to check all grounds in the system to frame of chassis.

Perry White · 02-22-2012, 04:04 PM

If your Chassis battery's aren't up to snuff it won't switch over to the coach battery's. I think it has to hit a certain voltage before the bird switches. I might be wrong.

Gene Fortune · 02-22-2012, 04:22 PM

Mine did the same thing, had a blown blade fuse in the side compartment that the electrical cord is connected to There are 2 solenoids that switch over from coach to house battery once the coach battery is charged My Coach is a 2005 newmar Mountain Aire, Works Fine now.

GaryKD · 02-22-2012, 04:52 PM

Hi Mr_D,
Sorry for the delay in answering, it is tax season.

It's time to get out your meter and trace the defect down. Assuming your almost new batteries are in very good health, Consider starting at the BIRD. You know the drill. With the coach disconnected from shore power and the engine at high idle after about 5 minutes take the reading for input and output form the BIRD terminals.

The previous suggestion from Perry White is a good one. A failed chassis battery kept my coach batteries from getting a charge while driving. To top it off, the Cummins never hesitated to start. This kept me chasing my tail for a couple of days. If you have the tester, stress test the chassis batteries.

Mr_D · 02-22-2012, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perry White

If your Chassis battery's aren't up to snuff it won't switch over to the coach battery's. I think it has to hit a certain voltage before the bird switches. I might be wrong.

My house batteries are about a month old and my starting batteries are less than 2 months old so they should be good but then I could have a bad one too. You never know anymore do you?

Mr_D · 02-22-2012, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD

Hi Mr_D,
Sorry for the delay in answering, it is tax season.

It's time to get out your meter and trace the defect down. Assuming your almost new batteries are in very good health, Consider starting at the BIRD. You know the drill. With the coach disconnected from shore power and the engine at high idle after about 5 minutes take the reading for input and output form the BIRD terminals.

The previous suggestion from Perry White is a good one. A failed chassis battery kept my coach batteries from getting a charge while driving. To top it off, the Cummins never hesitated to start. This kept me chasing my tail for a couple of days. If you have the tester, stress test the chassis batteries.

Gary:
I've started my taxes, barely. Got the donations added up and all the income/expenses forms have finally come in.