Community Forums

zzjea · 10-18-2013, 06:37 AM

My 2000 W Xantrax Freedom inverter/converter sometimes shows 14+ V when plugged into shore power. Most of the time it shows 13.5. When it is showing 13.5, the genset will crank but not start. When it shows 14+ V, it usually will start. What is happening here?

I don't quite understand how this thing works or is supposed to work in any detail. I get the principle but am trying to see if there is something wrong with it. It has the non-digital panel inside that I am reading from. It says the 4 batteries are full. The genset won't start in these conditions even with the engine running. I have 4 house and 2 starting batteries. All the 12v items in the MH seem to work well. The inverter circuit works OK most of the time. I have had issues with it not coming on. Not sure why it is workiing OK now. Was intermittent. Maybe internal auto transfer switch was stuck.

Do I have an inverter issue or a battery issue? I have cleaned all the contact points I can find from inverter to batteries to genset. Earlier this summer I thought it was the genset (Generac 7.5KW) and took panels off to get to starter and cleaned all contact points including grounds (on relays, chassis and everything I could find). It worked OK after that but the inverter was putting out 14+ V too. At that time I checked the batteries with a hydrometer and they showed they were good but they are older (at least 5 years). Lately, the genset won't start but the inverter only shows 13.5V.

Should the voltage be 14+ when the engine is running? I thought that would be enough to start the genset but it did not.

Under what conditions does the inverter put out 14+v and what regulates that? Any technical info would be appreciated.

Thanks,

John

bruceisla · 10-18-2013, 07:01 AM

Here's your manual:
http://www.xantrex.com/documents/Inv...1_rev-2%29.pdf

page 20 has the battery charge voltages and circumstances.

so47 · 10-18-2013, 07:04 AM

I have a similar set-up. Sometimes, the genset pops right off as soon as I push the start button and other times I have to hold the rocker switch down for 10-20seconds, but mine has always started. Plenty of expertise on this board. Many others will be along shortly, I'm sure. Good luck.

zzjea · 10-21-2013, 09:49 PM

Maybe I don't have an inverter/charger issue. I held the preheat switch for about 15 seconds today and the genset started just fine. I did not do anything else so maybe I need to prime it longer.

John

Mr_D · 10-21-2013, 10:25 PM

That's what I have to do with our PowerTech 8.0 diesel unit too. If I don't do that it won't start unless it pretty warm out. If I don't it will "chuff" a few times and quit, just won't catch.