Forum Discussion

Nomad II

Dec 23, 2014

12V lights flicker on generator

I know there is another thread here called "Voltage fluctuation" and I suspect I'm getting some of the same effects. However, this is an Onan 5500 built-in that didn't used to do this.

Is there something that I can test to see what the problem is?

Is there something that wears in the Onan that could cause this? My unit only has about 200 hours.

It still does it with load (air conditioner) but all my electronic stuff works fine. Doesn't do it on shore power so it's not the converter (WFCO 100 amp). State of battery charge doesn't affect things.

23 Replies

joebedford
Nomad II
Dec 23, 2014
I have mostly halogen lights. They flicker quickly for minutes at a time.

Why would you think it's the WFCO when it doesn't do this on shore power?
Matt_Colie
Explorer II
Dec 23, 2014
Joe,

First, describe the the flicker...
ie: Short blinks that happen a lot -
- - Lights go dim for a few moments and then come back bright -

Most RVs do the interior lights with 12V. If you have LED lighting that is being strange, blame the WFCO. They are pretty much junk out of the box.

Probably most of your "electronic stuff" is running off the AC and that would let the Onan off the hook.

Matt
enblethen
Nomad
Dec 23, 2014
Put a volt meter on the 120 volt output. It can be plugged into a receptacle.
It could be a failing voltage regulator.
You could do it on a 12 volt DC circuit or at the battery as the converter output would rise and fall as 120 volt AC input changes.