Chassis Batteries 6.2 volts (dead)

[Skip426]

Yes the ignition wire is a feed from the chassis batteries when the engine is running .

[RV-Writer]

Confirmed, at genset pin on BIRD I see 13.4v
at Ignition is see 1.2v
at relay I see 1.2v
At Coach Batt i see 13.4v

[RV-Writer]

Originally Posted by Skip426

Yes the ignition wire is a feed from the chassis batteries when the engine is running .

Thanks for that. I was thinking it was an OUTPUT signal from bird to solenoid to allow charging but from what you are saying it is input from gen, input from alternator. ?

Finally, the cabling from House battery Positive Lug to Solenoid has 13.65v and the output of the solenoud to the Chassis battery has 12.65v - so either the Solenoid is bad or the BIRD

[Skip426]

The markings on my Bird case for terminal use don't line up properly , and the lower terminal isn't used ( gen set ) can you see the terminals marked on the printed circuit board ?

Bird info is included in this pdf , you have to scroll through to find it.

[Skip426]

Here's a closer look ; red boxes . Note that the coach battery wire is fused .

[RV-Writer]

Originally Posted by Skip426

The markings on my Bird case for terminal use don't line up properly , and the lower terminal isn't used ( gen set ) can you see the terminals marked on the printed circuit board ?

Bird info is included in this pdf , you have to scroll through to find it.

Thanks. Yeah, mine seem to line up. I am going to replace the bird and the solenoid if I can find parts

[Skip426]

Originally Posted by RV-Writer

Thanks. Yeah, mine seem to line up. I am going to replace the bird and the solenoid if I can find parts

With both battery banks charging with the engine running , the solenoid shouldn't need replacing , it's working in that situation.

[RV-Writer]

Originally Posted by Skip426

With both battery banks charging with the engine running , the solenoid shouldn't need replacing , it's working in that situation.

That makes sense. I appreciate your help. Will update when I get that BIRD replaced. For now, my house bank is charging and I will be using a charger on my chassis bank if sitting too long

At least I know for sure NOW that the bird and solenoid are there to ensure both are charged - that’s LITERALLY what the BIRD does - and my memory of seeing both charge in the past wasnt faulty

[RV-Writer]

Changed out my BIRD

Shore power is correctly charging both batt banks now

But

My solenoid is making a weird hum
The chassis batts are NOT being charged with genny
AND when no charging source is applied, my chassis & house batteries appear to be equalizing each other. That can’t be correct.

Any thoughts? Anyone know the right part number for the solenoid? I see white rogers 586-102111-3 coil 6vdc

Can I get that at auto parts stores?

[RV-Writer]

Final update - Replaced my chassis battery disconnect (its never click properly when shutting off but thats a side issue!)

Replaced the solenoid and I am charging both banks properly when plugged in to shore power.

Both banks charge on alternator with engine running

Only house batteries charge on Generator (per the manual on the BIRD, that is by design.

House batteries start the generator (which I think is normal too)

So all good I think. Thanks everyone for your help & suggestions

(next I have a coolant leak to fix - most likely a head gasket or a cracked head )

Jim