Breaks and 12V system

Dutch_12078 wrote:
Thanks for letting us know the outcome, and I'm glad in the end it was an easy fix!

I agree with the thanks. But I would like to point out that 99% of electrical problems are very easy to fix. The hard part is to find them.
Anybody that is good at finding the problems will start where he knows power is, and follow step by step until find where power is not.

Dutch_12078 wrote:
Thanks for letting us know the outcome, and I'm glad in the end it was an easy fix!

Yeah, glad this one was easy. I'm just embarrassed that I missed something this simple.

Al

Thanks for letting us know the outcome, and I'm glad in the end it was an easy fix!

OK, looks like we (mobil RV tech and myself) ran down the problem. So I have to eat crow and defer to a couple of you guys who called it - LOOSE BATTERY CONNECTION. Yep, the Alt is putting out what it should be, the converter on genny or shore power is putting out what it should, no apparent bad connections, EXCEPT the positive on the battery terminal, which we could move with our hands. While I could blame it on the pounding we've been taking on the trip up here (which has been insane), we were able to tighten all the battery connections, but the main chassis positive was in fact loose.

Lesson - every oil change check the battery connections as well, which I should be doing anyway when I check the water levels....

Al

Consider adding a voltmeter if the indicator is inadequate. This will give fair warning long before you lose power depending a hill or anything else.

FloridaRosebud wrote:
To add to the data, the little battery light has been flickering, indicating the output of the Alt is not good.

Flickering could indicate a loose connection. This might have nothing to do with the alternator.

Starting later may just be that the loose connection is temporarily connected when sitting.

time2roll wrote:
Was there no warning light or gauge to indicate low voltage? Usually voltage will creep down from 13, 12, 11, 10 volts over a few hours if the alternator is failed. Something should indicate this condition allowing you to start the generator etc and avoid the issue.

It could have, but I did not notice it. I have no gauge, just a warning light.

Al

Was there no warning light or gauge to indicate low voltage? Usually voltage will creep down from 13, 12, 11, 10 volts over a few hours if the alternator is failed. Something should indicate this condition allowing you to start the generator etc and avoid the issue.

Everything worked great today with the genny running. Battery connections (posts) are clean and good. After shutting down the genny I read 12.8V before I connected to shore power. I don't have my load tester with me (at home) but when we get to NY I will be getting a mobil guy out there. To add to the data, the little battery light has been flickering, indicating the output of the Alt is not good. In addition, with the genny off, the MH starts fine (after charging the battery), so that pretty much rules out the ignition switch as well.

AFA my question, thanks for the answers. If I loose 12V looks like I'll be standing hard on the brake with both feet.

BTW - I need to spell check my stuff....Breaks in the title....duh....

Al

Didn't the F53 have an ignition switch issue in the past. I seem to remember that there were issues where the vehicle would not start but a problem with the ignition switch could definitely cause a loss of 12 volt power to the engine. Simple enough to check with a voltmeter as to whether or not the alternator is working. Check the battery voltage with the engine off and then start the engine. If the voltage increases, then the alternator is not your problem.