Help with Electrical
Brand new here, brand new to RV's --- HELP Recently acquired a 1989 Southwind, P-30. Was well taken care of its whole live. Owned it for 3 weeks and took it to a local shop to have it gone through,...
Forum Discussion
I'd suggest you not replace the alternator until you have the other new pieces in place. It may be an unneeded repair.
Your issue could be as follows: Take rig to shop for AC work with battery of unknown health. Technicians use the 12V system to install and test AC unit, run lighting and other devices in the process, they do not use the battery disconnect switch. You return to pick up rig and notice 12V issues because of discharged battery. Your 12v charger doesn't work because it is engineered not to charge a badly discharged battery. Jumping battery allows engine operation. In this scenario your alternator and even the Intellitec controller may be fully functional.
Alternator function can be diagnosed with a meter when the engine is running. A voltage of higher than 13.5V would show the alternator to be functioning. If you get to a point where the battery is somewhat charged, put your battery charger back on the engine battery and charge for a few hours. Carry on diagnosis from that point.
Your issue could be as follows: Take rig to shop for AC work with battery of unknown health. Technicians use the 12V system to install and test AC unit, run lighting and other devices in the process, they do not use the battery disconnect switch. You return to pick up rig and notice 12V issues because of discharged battery. Your 12v charger doesn't work because it is engineered not to charge a badly discharged battery. Jumping battery allows engine operation. In this scenario your alternator and even the Intellitec controller may be fully functional.
Alternator function can be diagnosed with a meter when the engine is running. A voltage of higher than 13.5V would show the alternator to be functioning. If you get to a point where the battery is somewhat charged, put your battery charger back on the engine battery and charge for a few hours. Carry on diagnosis from that point.
