Converter?

[finblock]

Hey all, I have a 1999 Monaco Diplomat 38. I think I have a converter problem, looking for confirmation of this and some assistance.

The coach is plugged into shore power, AC power (like the electric plugs) all work, but I can't get DC items to work - like the lights! I started noticing that the lights were getting dim, now they don't work at all. I also had a "dc LOW" error flashing on my refrigerator. I'm thinking either my house batteries are toast, or my converter isn't working. Whaddaya think?

And if it's the converter, where is it? My INverter is a small black box, that has a reset button on it. I also have a panel in the cabinet inside that shows me battery status, remote inverter turn-on, etc. - and it tells me battery status is "low." I haven't figured this whole thing out yet, I haven't had the coach long, and never had this particular setup on previous RVs. I believe the converter might be part of the inverter, right? And if so, if the converter is bad, I change the whole thing out - ?

This is probably a simple thing to trouble shoot - I appreciate any advice.

[Skip426]

Yes your inverter may also be the converter/ battery charger .

Can you post make and model info off the inverter ?
Do you have a manual for the inverter ?

Do you have a battery charger?
If so hook it up to get the coach batteries started to charge, and get the fridge working .

Do you have a volt meter ?

[Old-Biscuit]

INverter/Charger should maintain/charge batteries when plugged into AC shore Power
INverter uses DC from batteries to supply AC Items when not plugged into AC power

CONverter/charger maintains/charges batteries when on AC power
CONverter doesn't do anything when not lugged into AC Power---batteries supply DC

CONverter DC Output is connected to DC Fuse Dist Panel ---same place Battery cables connect
Check DC Dist Panel to see if you have a CONverter cable or just battery cables

Could be INverter/Charger Failed.....
Could be Batteries are bad....
IF you have a CONverter/charger it is bad

[Gary RVRoamer]

And it could be as simple as the battery disconnect relay is open (accidentally switched or perhaps failed) or one of the main DC supply fuses has blown (or corroded). You need to spend some time with a voltmeter and track down where there is still 12v power and isolate to where it gets lost.

[THenne1713]

One recent poster finally found the CONVERTER circuit breaker was OFF when he thought it was ON? Try cycling yours and verify proper position/ proper RESET? Then check for blown MAIN fuses (usually 25amp or 30a?). If battery was recently removed/ reinstalled, is it wire proper POLARITY, (many see black corrugated protector and put on NEG when it is a RED wire inside)... or some with BLACK/WHITE BATTERY CABLES put Black on NEG when it should be on POS+ (where BLACK/RED CABLES, RED= POS+) Confusing to many. Good Luck LET US KNOW?