1999 Diplomat, no power inside unless plugged in

Question

Hey, I'm new to the forum and tried searching my topic several ways with no luck. Anyway, maybe somebody on here has had my issue...

I have a 1999 Monaco Diplomat, was driving home from a recent trip and lost generator, just shut off. Dash radio as well. Get home plug in and dash radio works, generator clicks like it is about to crank then does nothing. Check batteries, charge state very low. Inverter makes a buzz but doesn't seem to be charging, so I hook up a charger and charge batteries. Then check house batteries with volt meter 12.5 volts. Test light across the battery cutoff switch the solenoids etc. However unplugged nothing 12 volts works in the camper, and In fact when I test light across things unplugged, its like I have no power through the inverter on the `12V side. Then plug in and things work again and my test light lights up.

Is this a simple case of a bad inverter?

Thanks in advance for all your suggestions and thoughts. I've always read this forum and found the response to someone else's question that helped me so I have never had to post before now!

bdpreece · Answer

Starting with the Salesman switch next to the door which I assume is on.  This switch controls a relay that turn on/off all 12 volts to the house.  This relay is notorious for failing and many people just move both of the wires to one side of the relay essentially eliminating it.  On my coach this relay is in the compartment directly beneath the driver but yours may or may not be there.

mrwizard · Answer

inverter makes 120vac from 12v battery power

converter supplies 12v charging power, using 120vac from shore power or generator

i would start by charging the batteries and having them tested

next check output of converter at the converter terminals and again at the battery connections

it sounds like the converter is dead or switch/relay disconnected
generator ran until the batteries lost power.

you might have converter or a charge /inverter combo unit
but in either case its the converter charge section..that does the charging
and you are not charging

mexicowanderer · Answer

Anyone care to make a diagnostic flow chart...WHEN ELECTRICALS PLAY POSSUM?

diplomaticimmun · Answer

Thanks for the replies!On the salesman switch, would this be something a unit as old as mine does not have?  I don't see that by the door, and I've read a bunch on here where people have trouble with them and have looked but maybe i'm not seeing the forest for the trees...its happened before.Also, since I charged the batteries with a charger overnight and they read 12.5 volts, and all, I feel like they have pretty good charge in them, I feel like the generator shoudl crank off them but it does nothing?  It had just cranked with no problems to start the trip, so I guess my next step would be to load test the batteries when I get home from work today.Thanks again

mrwizard · Answer

I really detest the term "salesman switch"
The MFG put in a battery disconnect for the end user aka owner for disconnecting batteries during RV non use periods

My 95 Safari has the switch by the door
My 89 Komfort had a membrane push button above the driver
Your 99 Monaco should have a button or rocker switch some where

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1999 Diplomat, no power inside unless plugged in

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