Forum Discussion

Coelacanth's avatar
Coelacanth
Explorer
Oct 10, 2014

DC Down

Folks,
A few days ago I went out to start the generator on my '96 Itasca Suncruiser for just it's regular monthly warmup when I noticed that I had no DC cabin power. This is all of a sudden. For months (years?) all has been fine.

I expected it might be a battery issue, even though I keep the batteries connected to microchip style battery monitors when the rig is being stored. But, the batteries tested fine using a multimeter. And, when I attached 12v bulbs to the battery directly they lit normally. The minders indicate full/normal status.
But, when I try to start the generator all I get is solenoid clicking noises.

The engine starts normally, but I know that uses a separate battery circuit.

Is there a main DC fuse that might have blown? I cleaned the negative line where it bolts to the the frame. The terminals themselves do not appear corroded.

I'm at a loss.

:?
Class A
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Oct 10, 2014
    I'm surprised that a '96 Winnie does not have a battery disconnect, usually located near the entry door, but the generator clicking suggests a very low voltage condition, rather than a blown fuse. Our '95 Coachmen Class A did have a 150 amp main fuse for the coach DC, but it was attached to the battery disconnect solenoid. When it blew, it also removed all power to the generator starter as well as the cabin.
  • Coelacanth's avatar
    Coelacanth
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2014
    rcmiller32 wrote:
    Check the voltage at the generators starter solenoid. Check both the battery side and the starter motor side. Could be a bad solenoid. Also check for ground cables from generator to the mounting tray of the generator. And mounting tray to frame of vehicle. If possible have a load test done at the starter solenoid battery terminal. Could have a bad connection or cable going to generator.


    Will do.
    But, how does this relate to no house DC either?

    :?
  • rcmiller32's avatar
    rcmiller32
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2014
    Check the voltage at the generators starter solenoid. Check both the battery side and the starter motor side. Could be a bad solenoid. Also check for ground cables from generator to the mounting tray of the generator. And mounting tray to frame of vehicle. If possible have a load test done at the starter solenoid battery terminal. Could have a bad connection or cable going to generator.
  • Coelacanth's avatar
    Coelacanth
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2014
    Mandalay Parr wrote:
    If a main fuse was out, I don't think you would hear a click.
    It might be hard but measure the voltage at the generator starter while trying to start it.
    Also check all battery and starter ground connections.


    Will do.
    I'll get back to you.
    Thanks.

    ;)
  • Mandalay_Parr's avatar
    Mandalay_Parr
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2014
    If a main fuse was out, I don't think you would hear a click.
    It might be hard but measure the voltage at the generator starter while trying to start it.
    Also check all battery and starter ground connections.
  • Coelacanth's avatar
    Coelacanth
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2014
    10forty2 wrote:
    Just a few thoughts to consider...

    Check convertor circuit connections/fuses/breakers?

    Did you have cabin power without the generator running? IE., normal 12VDC lights turn on? If not, then I'd lean towards the battery.

    Do you have 120VAC in the outlets with the genset running?

    What was your volt meter reading on the battery without chargers or without the engine running? If it's only 12VDC then it's going or has already gone bad. A 12VDC light bulb (unless it's LED) will work on lesser voltages than 12VDC....just not as bright. It should be somewhere in the 13.5-14VDC range without a load on it.

    Check for tripped breakers and/or blown fuses at your house main panel

    Again, just some thoughts to hopefully get you on a direction anyway....


    This is a reply to everyone who has posted a suggestion. My thanks to all.
    1.) There is no battery disconnect switch.
    2.) The generator will not start, only clicks.
    3.) I'll re-check with the meter as to the voltage. The light I attached was extremely bright.
    These are 2 batteries in parallel. I even attached a third from my shop that I knew to be good. Still no luck.
    4.) All appliance fuses are fine. But, is there a Main fuse somewhere?

    :h
  • 10forty2's avatar
    10forty2
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2014
    Just a few thoughts to consider...

    Check convertor circuit connections/fuses/breakers?

    Did you have cabin power without the generator running? IE., normal 12VDC lights turn on? If not, then I'd lean towards the battery.

    Do you have 120VAC in the outlets with the genset running?

    What was your volt meter reading on the battery without chargers or without the engine running? If it's only 12VDC then it's going or has already gone bad. A 12VDC light bulb (unless it's LED) will work on lesser voltages than 12VDC....just not as bright. It should be somewhere in the 13.5-14VDC range without a load on it.

    Check for tripped breakers and/or blown fuses at your house main panel

    Again, just some thoughts to hopefully get you on a direction anyway....
  • Mandalay_Parr's avatar
    Mandalay_Parr
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2014
    Can you measure the battery voltage while trying to start generator.
    Does sound like bad battery.

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