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murphys_law's avatar
murphys_law
Explorer
Jun 22, 2020

Dead batteries again

Hi everyone !!
You all helped me the last time on my generator issues, and it really helped !!
I have issues with my batteries again. I just went to start up our 2007 Winnebago Voyage, and either the engine battery is shot or possibly the starter as when I turn it on, it just clicks. I have brand new Interstate house batteries. I couldn't even use the battery booster to start it. I keep it plugged in to 110 volt all the time. Also, should I leave the inverter turned on, or off?
I'm still a newbie, so any advise would be greatly appreciate. Thanks in advance !!
Sincerely,

Steve
Class A

6 Replies

  • dad4papa2's avatar
    dad4papa2
    Explorer
    Jun 22, 2020
    Another quick easy test i usually do is have someone turn the headlights on while you watch them. Are they bright and then get real ddim and go out. Do they not come on at all? If they come on bright and seem to only dim slightly have a helper try to start the vehicle while you are watching the lighrts. I they immedateley go out and you hear the click then not only clean the Battery cables but find the ground to the body or engine and take it loose and clean it really good. I had my ground got coated and it wouldn't let the Ground cable make good contact. Lights were bright until I tried to start it and then went out as I tried to crank it!! Only a thought I had. Hope you find the issue soon, I know that can drive you nuts!!!
    Dad
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jun 22, 2020
    murphys law wrote:
    Hi everyone !!
    You all helped me the last time on my generator issues, and it really helped !!
    I have issues with my batteries again. I just went to start up our 2007 Winnebago Voyage, and either the engine battery is shot or possibly the starter as when I turn it on, it just clicks. I have brand new Interstate house batteries. The chassis battery starts the engine. Sounds like it's discharged and or bad.I couldn't even use the battery booster to start it.The control of the boost may use the engine battery. I keep it plugged in to 110 volt all the time. Also, should I leave the inverter turned on, or off?Inverter off and charger on. But with shore power you can leave the inverter on but all AC devices off.
    I'm still a newbie, so any advise would be greatly appreciate. If your chassis battery is not charged by design there are various ways that can be accomplished including a small trickle charger.Thanks in advance !!
    Sincerely,

    Steve
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Jun 22, 2020
    murphys law wrote:
    I keep it plugged in to 110 volt all the time.

    If you are just plugging in the normal 120VAC cord, most converters will NOT charge the engine battery. You need to buy a separate small battery maintainer (<$50) and connect it directly to the engine battery.

    murphys law wrote:
    Also, should I leave the inverter turned on, or off?

    Off
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Jun 22, 2020
    simple things first, engine battery pull clean charge then take to a auto store for a load test. after we get the results of the battery test we need to check out your converter for proper out put.
  • azdryheat's avatar
    azdryheat
    Explorer
    Jun 22, 2020
    Clicks means a low/bad battery. Did you try a jump start or hooking up a charger to the engine battery?
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    Jun 22, 2020
    !. Check the battery voltage.
    2. Check all terminals and grounds (remove from posts and clean thuroughly).

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