Community Forums

StewNTexas · 09-29-2012, 12:35 PM

Picked-up a new to me unit from PPL last Tuesday.

All checked out, very happy with it. Decent price, seven new Firestone tires, in-motion satallite, surround sound and a few extras.

Used generator on trip home, shut it down, plugged in to shore power. Decided to take it to a local station yesterday to blow a hundred bucks on fuel.

Coach engine started right up, tried the generator and got what I think is a low voltage alarm. It will not crank.

Checked three batteries under the steps, all seem to be fully charged.

Where should I look next. My next best guess would be to wait until Monday, take it to a local repair shop and get all the batteries load tested.

Suggestions???

trackman · 09-29-2012, 01:18 PM

Make sure your switch for the 12 volt is on. Should be just inside the entry door. Most gens will not crank unless the 12 volt is live

monkey · 09-29-2012, 02:17 PM

You should post make/model of the motor home so people here can give detailed advice,, and

Monkey

StewNTexas · 09-29-2012, 04:11 PM

Sorry for the incomplete information--

This is a 2005 Winnebago Sightseer Special Edition, model 29R.

Not really sure of the 12v switch as mentioned by 'trackman'.

Thanks for trying....

monkey · 09-29-2012, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StewNTexas

Sorry for the incomplete information--

This is a 2005 Winnebago Sightseer Special Edition, model 29R.

Not really sure of the 12v switch as mentioned by 'trackman'.

Thanks for trying....

Don't give up !! You will get plenty of Great informative responses from the people on this site !

There is also a Winnebago forum that you might try here on IRV2.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f101/

Monkey

Dunner · 09-29-2012, 05:10 PM

There should be a switch just inside the door that says battery or disconnect. If it is off, your generator may not start.

OldChief7155 · 09-29-2012, 06:27 PM

Look on the dash too for a switch labeled "Battery" or "Aux. Battery" or something similar. My m/ h does NOT have a battery switch by the door, only on the dash and it is a Winnie product.

Ripperfarms · 09-29-2012, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldChief7155

Look on the dash too for a switch labeled "Battery" or "Aux. Battery" or something similar. My m/ h does NOT have a battery switch by the door, only on the dash and it is a Winnie product.

The dash switch "11" (top right)in this picture is the battery AUX switch that turns off the house 12 volt batteries so they won't discharge. Take a look ..... it should be turned on. This is on my 1999 Winnebago Chieftain.

John Hilley · 09-29-2012, 09:03 PM

If you tried to start the generator while the engine was running, both battery banks would have been connected by the Battery Isolation Solenoid. If it didn't start with the engine running it is probably a loose or corroded connection on the generator cable either at the battery or generator starter or the generator ground.

mgscott4 · 09-30-2012, 02:55 AM

You can drive your RV to the local "Advance Auto parts" or "Autozone", they can load test your batteries for free.

bjsheldon · 09-30-2012, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgscott4

You can drive your RV to the local "Advance Auto parts" or "Autozone", they can load test your batteries for free.

And thats about whats it worth; nothing. Last time I had them check my battery saying it was good, I had to get a jump and replace the battery the next day.

Dunner · 09-30-2012, 04:15 AM

The last time I took one in, they had to charge it for two hours, then load test it. Well, sure it's going to pass; they just put a hot surface charge on it.

StewNTexas · 09-30-2012, 07:02 AM

I feel really dumb.

Found the switch, turned it to the on position and the generator starts right up.

Now I 'think' this switch should be left in the 'on' position anytime the coach is being used, on in anticipation of use. This switch disconnects these batteries from the system so that they will not discharge when the coach is not in use.

Is this correct?

Thanks to everyone that posted and gave me help.