Charging System

turbojimmy wrote:
I would have the alternator checked out. Sounds like it quit working. Actually it's probably the voltage regulator in the alternator, but you have to replace the whole thing.

We had a similar issue with an '06 Mercury and installed an Autozone reman alternator. It's a few months old and getting mixed results from the Autozone tests. It has a warranty but we're going with a new (not reman) part this time.

Good suggestion .... I probably should do the same thing if it comes down to the alternator.

Yes the primary function of the alternator is to charge the chassis battery with about 14 volts along with running the chassis engine/accessories. Secondary would be a system to charge the house battery.

Some MH also have a system for the house charging system to charge the chassis battery.

Lwiddis wrote:
How did you maintain your house battery(ies) charge after winterizing? Did you “cut off” the house battery(ies)? You list no location but an uncharged battery will freeze. That “kills” them. RIP

Yes everything I did before winterizing this vehicle over the last couple of years, that worked I'm doing now.

theoldwizard1 wrote:
The battery light means that the alternator is putting out less voltage than the battery, so the battery is DISCHARGING ! No need to check the belt, it is on a tensioner. Check the connections at the battery and the alternor to see if they are clean and tight.

After that, 99% chance it is the alternator.

Maybe this may help? I have an emergency start system on the vehicle. Today I went out to start the vehicle using the emergency start system. I presume that the Coach & Chassis batteries are charged simultaneously/together when the engine is started and running?

Not sure if I got the procedure correct using the emergency start system uses the Coach battery but it was dead or would not respond. The Chassis battery turned over strong & started the engine. However the charging system light remains on.

Maybe tomorrow I will remove the Coach battery and see if it has a charge and how much of a charge. Correct me if I am mistaken but I presume that both batteries should be charging when engine is running?? Providing the alternator & charging system is working?

The battery light means that the alternator is putting out less voltage than the battery, so the battery is DISCHARGING ! No need to check the belt, it is on a tensioner. Check the connections at the battery and the alternor to see if they are clean and tight.

After that, 99% chance it is the alternator.

I would have the alternator checked out. Sounds like it quit working. Actually it's probably the voltage regulator in the alternator, but you have to replace the whole thing.

We had a similar issue with an '06 Mercury and installed an Autozone reman alternator. It's a few months old and getting mixed results from the Autozone tests. It has a warranty but we're going with a new (not reman) part this time.

Auto Zone does the same "lifetime warranty" deal on some parts, if they are closer.

I would assume it is the alternator. If you are inclined to do this yourself then take the alternator in and have it tested.

I did this while on the road a few summers ago with my F150. O'reilly set me up with a lifetime warranty, sold me a small tool set and charged my battery while I turned wrenches in the parking lot. Back on the road in 90 minutes.

On edit:
I asked for their best so it was a new alternator with a lifetime warranty.
I don't do rebuilds unless I know the actual person doing the rebuild.

Check the belt for the alt for looseness but the diodes in alternators like to die while vehicles sit so next step would be removing it and getting it checked at someplace like Orielly's. Might get the battery checked too.

How did you maintain your house battery(ies) charge after winterizing? Did you “cut off” the house battery(ies)? You list no location but an uncharged battery will freeze. That “kills” them. RIP