Community Forums

TimmyB · 04-04-2020, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve-W

I would take a close look at the power distribution block located under the hood. there are various relays and hi current fuses that feed sections of the under dash fuse panel as well as other major systems. Based on the fact that you have multiple items that are non functional this is the 1st place I would look. It appears the house system is functioning normally. The issue points to the chassis power system.
Your Ford owners manual will the fuse/relay assignments listed.

Checked that but not sure how to determine a bad relay. Simply swap them around, like for like?

TimmyB · 04-04-2020, 03:28 PM

My apologies for not saying thank you! I've been trying to respond so fast to each person, my manners went out the window. THANK YOU for helping us!

Podivin · 04-04-2020, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

House battery disconnect ( salesman switch ) doesn't power the wipers.

Excellent point, as always.

Steve-W · 04-04-2020, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimmyB

Checked that but not sure how to determine a bad relay. Simply swap them around, like for like?

Yes that is the way to test.

Also there may some fusible links (look just like wire but are usually marked in some way) near the chassis battery. Check those as well. They are to protect from major shorts.

TimmyB · 04-04-2020, 03:44 PM

Just arriving at campground so if I don't respond to suggestions, I'm not ignoring you! Thanks again to all. I will post results, good or... good!

Jgeib · 04-04-2020, 03:53 PM

What RV chassis you have? This a chassis issue not a house issue?

Bossmike · 04-04-2020, 03:58 PM

Check the 12 breakers in the rear run box if is a diesel pusher this happens to my brother his his starting batteries got low and it tripped the breakers

**CLIFFTALL** · 04-04-2020, 04:08 PM

I’m pretty sure it’s a Ford Chassis

winniman · 04-04-2020, 04:21 PM

Are you sure the alternator is working. If it quits, the engine batteries will keep the rv running until you hit around 10 volts, then it will die too. Maybe the inverter is draining the house batteries as well if the alternator isn't charging anything. Did they get the generator to start by pressing the aux start button? If it will start, you can run a jumper from the house batteries to the engine batteries to keep you going. If you are at a campground, the converter/inverter should charge up the batteries overnight. We had an alternator go several times, and it acted similar to what they are describing. You should have a tester on board. Hard to solve electrical problems without one. Good luck.

YC1 · 04-04-2020, 04:25 PM

Once connected to shoreline and letting the converter charge the house batteries for at least 30 minutes, try starting the generator.

Or if impatient, press the emergency start button with your engine running and try starting the generator..

You have at least lost your house battery charging and if you had your inverter on you ran them down.

Some simple fuse may have popped and separated your banks of batteries while driving. The fuse may be the same that supplies rocker switch lights.

So to get things going, IF the generator starts after using shoreline then just start your generator tomorrow before leaving and do not turn the inverter on. Converter on of course.

Address those switch light fuse/fuses using your owners manual. Fixing the obvious often solves many other weird symptoms.

TimmyB · 04-04-2020, 04:28 PM

Well, we are not doing well. At campground, plugged in to shore power. You can hear the transfer switch clunk after about five seconds of powering on but we have nothing in the coach that requires 12v. No slides no lights. Inverter now says it's in absorb mode so power is making it it to the inverter/charger but the 12v stuff isn't getting fed.

YC1 · 04-04-2020, 05:31 PM

So inverter has power but it is not getting the output to the battery bank.

Are your battery banks in the same compartment? Do you have an automotive jumper cable handy?

With extreme caution you can use one jumper cable between the coach and engine battery. Once that is done start the engine and see if you get lighting.

The converter may be showing full charge because the engine battery is being charged and is full from driving all day. IF that is the case the path from the engine battery to the coach batteries can be combined using a jumper cable.

Look closely in the battery compartment to locate any mechanical breaker tripped.

Your

YC1 · 04-04-2020, 05:33 PM

I sent you a private message.

TimmyB · 04-04-2020, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YC1

Once connected to shoreline and letting the converter charge the house batteries for at least 30 minutes, try starting the generator.

Or if impatient, press the emergency start button with your engine running and try starting the generator..

You have at least lost your house battery charging and if you had your inverter on you ran them down.

Some simple fuse may have popped and separated your banks of batteries while driving. The fuse may be the same that supplies rocker switch lights.

So to get things going, IF the generator starts after using shoreline then just start your generator tomorrow before leaving and do not turn the inverter on. Converter on of course.

Address those switch light fuse/fuses using your owners manual. Fixing the obvious often solves many other weird symptoms.

House batteries appear to be well. They are reading 14.7 right now on my inverter remote panel. Shore power has been on for over an hour and still nothing. Power is getting through the transfer switch to the inverter/charger but not making it inside the coach, at least not the 12v. AC outlets are working, TV's power up but can't be watched because the antenna is 12v, overhead lights don't work, but fridge is running and cold. Just flipping crazy.