Community Forums

time2go · 08-09-2010, 06:07 AM

Got a Alt fail light this morning when pulling out, chimes and all. Should I call a place like cummins or my rv dealer where I have most of my work done? Not sure if cummins warranty covers the alternator?? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Unit is a 08 Neptune, I have an aftermarket warranty just not sure where to take it or how far I can drive it?? Thanks

LeeB · 08-09-2010, 07:01 AM

You should have a Phone number to call for your aftermarket warranty I would call them first. Good luck

indiana journey · 08-09-2010, 07:54 AM

The alternator is usually covered by the chassis manufacturer.Good Luck.
Indiana Journey

Flagelpater · 08-09-2010, 09:00 AM

FWIW Did the Chime stay On? What was the voltage?

time2go · 08-09-2010, 11:06 AM

Thanks All!!! Really appreciated the quick replies. The chime finally stopped, the light stayed on and the voltage dropped from approx. 13.5 to just under 13. Got the unit back to storage and made some phone calls. Out of curiosity I went back over and started it back up to see if the alt fail light came back on and it did not. The system is charging as normal at around 13.5???? Have an appointment in Wildwood tomorrow to hopefully resolve the issue. The fail alt light had flashed on and off once in the past but with no chime or noticible voltage drop, but it was just a quick on then back off. Hopefully it's just something minor like a loose wire? Will post again once I get it resolved. Sometimes all the bells and whistles can be a little overwelming. Everything seemed a lot simpler with the 5th wheel... Thanks again...

Flagelpater · 08-09-2010, 11:31 AM

FWIW My unit will Chime when the batteries are very low and the alternator is charging them. This is for the first few minutes of the charge and I have been able to reduce the voltage, and the chime, by adding additional load. Putting the Headlights and Blower Fan On will bring the voltage down enough to turn Off the chime on my rig. I now plug the chassis batteries into a Battery Tender when ever I am not using the rig and have never had the problem again.

Dutch Star Don · 08-09-2010, 11:39 PM

time2go.....There may have been two issues going on. If you had it in storage and the batteries were low, your alternator could have been struggling. Your engine also has a large internal fuel rail heater. If you watch you're volt gauge when the coach is first warming up you'll see it dive to the left a couple of times and then stop. That's the internal engine heater coming on. The combination of the two may have caused your issue. I would throw a battery charger on your engine batteries and put a charge on them. It's always better to fully charge them before taking them to a repair shop. If they don't charge them they can miss diagnose things.

time2go · 08-10-2010, 12:15 PM

Started up and drove it the 70 miles up to Wildwood this morning. No issues batteries charged. Techs checked everything out and could not find any issues with the alternator. On the way back home everything was great until I got about 4 miles from home then the same scenerio. Lights chimes and voltage drop.???? Don't know wat I'm going to do, maybe call Monaco tech support see what they say. Funny though while I was paying my bill another gentleman came in and he was having the exact same issue with his Imperial..

bullydogs1 · 08-10-2010, 12:28 PM

Do you have a BIRD or a mega tech bi directional relay? Maybe something is with that and when the circuit closes to charge at a certain time, the board might be bad...This is just a guess by the way...I found a gem of a shop who is owned by an ex Monaco guy but he's up in Southern Mi near Elkhart, IN....the guy knows his stuff and if anyone can find this, he can. His name is Jeff Marner at All4 one Service.

Nonno · 08-10-2010, 06:53 PM

Was it raining at the time this happened? Reason I ask is that I had it happen twice, both times it was raining.

Quote:

the guy knows his stuff and if anyone can find this, he can. His name is Jeff Marner at All4 one Service.

I AGREE !!!

time2go · 08-10-2010, 07:37 PM

Yes it was raining today when the problem came back, but not the morning that the problem first surfaced. Although it was a typical damp FL summer morning following heavy rain. Coach is kept in covered storage.. Why do you ask?

Nonno · 08-11-2010, 07:32 AM

At a HR Pusher Maintenance Session in May 2009, moisture causing faulty beeper warnings was a common problem many were discussing during one of our round table meetings. Most of the problems had to do with the low oil sensor but there are many other things such as the alternator that will have a warning alarm/sensor. Assuming the alternator is good, the intermittent problem may be moisture, from rain or humidity, getting into the wiring. Solution is to find the spot and seal it. If it also happens intermittently when dry, the problem may be a loose wire coming in contact with something.

time2go · 08-11-2010, 05:58 PM

This morning was beautiful and low humidity. Went out and started the MH. Wasn't charging at first but started charging a couple minutes later. Started the journey back to Wildwood. About 8 miles into the trip the alternator failed again. Got the coach the next 50 miles on the battery boost and generator. About 3 miles from Wildwood the alternator started charging again. Off again on again 3 more times for the next 3 miles. Charging when I got to Alliance and could not duplicate the failure. Need to figure something out soon. Leaving for CA next week...

Nonno · 08-11-2010, 07:05 PM

I'd recommend you check out this site Ramblin Pushers - HRRVC Chapter 419 and go to the link for the e-group and post a question about your problem. The Ramblin Pushers are a group of HR diesel pushers owners and may be able to help.

I wish I had the answer for you but unfortunately I don't. I'll be interested to see what it is because I have a unit similar to yours, as well as many of the Ramblin Pushers and my two episodes could be the start of the same issue you have.

BTW- Alliance is a Ramblin Pusher sponsor.