Community Forums

conn97 · 09-16-2012, 01:27 PM

We have a 2000 36' Alpine Coach. Model SDS. I Changed out 4 house batteries last week, the two chasis batteries were purchased in January. At this point the only way the coach will start is with the battery boost switch. It will not start without it and I have no power in the dash including lights when it is not running. The monitor shows batteries are full and I am plugged into shore power. Help!!!

BFlinn181 · 09-16-2012, 01:47 PM

I'd suggest you check your ground connections from the batteries to the chassis. Also make sure all other connections to batteries are clean and tight.

EngineerMike · 09-16-2012, 03:11 PM

Start at the start batteries, remove & clean all connections then reassemble & tighten. Take a photo first of the cable layout as it may not be bone stock, and you want it back as it started.
Sounds like you are running on alternator voltage, and unable to start off battery connections as they are now. the dash lights & gauges take full voltage only or they won't work. You're beyond that and not getting enough voltage to starter.
Be careful to inspect cable ends for corrosion. Occasionally I run into connections that are clean & tight but there is just enough corrosion inside the connection to kill proper passage of electricity for start/run. If cables are long enough, you can nip off the crimped end, clean the wire & crimp on a new cable end. If not long enough, you may be able to use that cable for another shorter run now or in the future, so don't chuck a cable w/bad end until its too small to replace your shortest cable.

We just went thru this w/an 04 here at the SoCal rally in St. George, UT. Coach needed boost to start, but had no lights, gauges, or SmartWheel functions; boost to start gave horn on full blast w/out pressing on anything. Removed start batt cables, load tested (good), cleaned & replaced connections & Voila!!, the coach fired up, gauges & lights went thru start check then run. These types of "12V" computer items (gauges, idiot lights, SmartWheel, VDC) need full voltage to run properly, otherwise they don't know what to think.

+1 on

Dave Fernandez · 09-16-2012, 07:27 PM

When cleaning cables do not forget to clean the ground cables. They are the most over looked when cleaning cables.

Algoma · 09-17-2012, 06:51 AM

If that doesn't work check in the rear service bay where there is (at least in my coach) a chassis disconnect switch and also a fuse in the ground wire.

EngineerMike · 09-17-2012, 07:51 AM

John- I thought WRV had worked thru the inventory of rigs w/the ground fuse (basically a mistake in design), and done something to fix the recurring problems. What was that?

conn97 · 09-17-2012, 10:40 AM

Thanks to all that responded, it was great. This am i cleaned all connections, no change.took the coach back to the battery shop & had the starting batteries checked. One failed on starting power. Both were bought in 1/12 from interstate. Seems to be working fine. Once again, we thank all of you. Dick.