Community Forums

Gorlininc · 12-08-2013, 10:00 AM

I guess my system is different than yours.
I have IRD setup with a 12v big boy that is continuos. I checked the voltage from the IRD and it's 12V. I know the BIRD is bidirectional and must work as you say at 6 volts.

distaff · 12-08-2013, 10:18 AM

Actually, I gave the wrong name - BIRD stands for "Bi-directional Isolator Relay Delay" and they have gas and diesel versions.

As mentioned - Monaco has used several different configurations, which makes it hard sometimes to give good advice on the forum.

Gorlininc · 12-08-2013, 10:48 AM

Very true

bullardt · 01-29-2014, 02:07 PM

My buddy's 2002 Diplomat chassis batteries are low and his engine will not start. Coach batteries are 13.9v at the terminals. Battery boost does nothing. I hooked up his battery charger so he can start it and charge up his batteries with the alternator.

If the solenoid is good it should show continuity across it when the switch is held down, right? I get no continuity or voltage across the solenoid terminals. How else can I check it?

Thanks to all!

Mike Canter · 01-29-2014, 02:21 PM

Tom, does it have a BIRD with a Big Boy relay. If so it sounds like the Big Boy relay is bad. That will stop the chassis batteries from charging and not allow battery boost.

bullardt · 01-29-2014, 02:29 PM

Mike,

Not sure. I need to dig into my buddy's documents to see. He thinks the boost switch has been held down for an extended period of time when he had a no-start issue at a rally recently. That would kill the relay from what I read above. If it's not working properly that would explain why I can't get a continuity check from it when he holds the momentary switch down....correct?

Mike Canter · 01-29-2014, 02:48 PM

Tom, there is no mistaking a Big Boy. Open the rear Run box in the engine compartment and see if there is a giant solenoid in there.

bruceisla · 01-29-2014, 03:29 PM

On my 97 HR Endeavor there is a fuse in the Aux Start circuit. Mine is fuse 7 on the firewall. Check for +12vdc on the "pick" side of the boost solenoid ... usually a purple wire. Regardless of whether the solenoid is a "Big Boy" or a different solenoid, failure is not uncommon. Sometimes it is a shorted coil, sometimes an open coil, sometimes dirty/corroded internal contacts.

chawkins99 · 01-29-2014, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1948boat

2005, Monaco 40DST. Two part question, is the battery boost relay continuous service/100% duty? If so, has anyone installed a switch to energize it to charge chassis batteries when hooked up to shore power for long stays (several months) while full timing?

My Beaver is the same as yours but a couple of years older.
Last year the day before a planned trip to Florida, discovered the alternator was toast and unable to get it repaired in time.
Decided to jam something under the boost switch on the dash and run the genset to keep the chassis battery charged.
Ran 1,000 miles to Florida and back in that state.
No problems at all.
Trik-L-Start was one of our first additions following a dead chassis battery after 3 weeks on shore power.