12 volt system not working on 2011 Winnebago Vista

[JeLe]

We just purchased a 2011 Winnebago Vista and have discovered one issue that we need help with. The 12 volt system will not work when the shore power is disconnected or if we are not running the generator. We can push the coach battery connect switch 'on' but it will not stay on. Thanks for any help.

[Sam_Spade]

JeLe wrote:
Again, thanks for taking time to respond. I will try the distilled water first (nothing to lose) but understand that new batteries will probably be needed. Take care and safe travels.

It they take a LOT of water....as in, completely or mostly empty, then the subsequent charging should NOT be with the built-in converter/charger. It will crank too much current into them too quickly.

They should first SIT undisturbed for about 24 hours and then be charged slowly; guessing at 5 amps max.
A 2 amp tender charger might take a week to do much good.

[JeLe]

Again, thanks for taking time to respond. I will try the distilled water first (nothing to lose) but understand that new batteries will probably be needed. Take care and safe travels.

[Bumpyroad]

Ivylog wrote:
Distilled water is cheap so not out much filling them But if dry for a long time you are probably looking at new batteries.

yep, I'd gamble with my 63 cents and give them a try.
bumpy

[Ivylog]

Distilled water is cheap so not out much filling them But if dry for a long time you are probably looking at new batteries.

[johnwalkerpa1]

JeLe wrote:
Thanks for responses. Went out in rain to look at house batteries and they are dry. Will fill them when weather clears. I think that may be the problem. Since they are bone dry, should I use distilled water or acid?

If they are that dry, don't bother refilling them...they are toast...time to replace...

[siggyd777]

Replace the batteries,but first take a picture of the connections
with all the plusses & minusses clearly marked !
Do this with all power OFF!
Siggy

[Edd505]

DownTheAvenue wrote:
You should replace them. Those batteries are ruined.

+1 replace them

[DownTheAvenue]

JeLe wrote:
Thanks for responses. Went out in rain to look at house batteries and they are dry. Will fill them when weather clears. I think that may be the problem. Since they are bone dry, should I use distilled water or acid?

You should replace them. Those batteries are ruined.

[JeLe]

Thanks for responses. Went out in rain to look at house batteries and they are dry. Will fill them when weather clears. I think that may be the problem. Since they are bone dry, should I use distilled water or acid?

[Mrbaggins07825]

Hi,

I had a similar issue on my Brave, while connected to shore power all was good, off shore power no power, not even enough for the lights.. I found the issue to be a blown 12V fuse on the power converter. Though I did not know it was there. I found it when setting up a mouse trap under the galley drawer. Pull the bottom drawers out and see if you can locate the converter, then check that 12V blade fuse! hope it helps.

[ScottG]

Is there a battery disconnect switch someplace that's got everything turned off?

[Bumpyroad]

clean connections on negative side.
bumpy

[gbopp]

Make sure your batter teminal connections are clean and tight before you start to diagnose the problem.
A little corrosion can cause problems.

[Sam_Spade]

JeLe wrote:
We can push the coach battery connect switch 'on' but it will not stay on. Thanks for any help.

VERY common problem, sometimes even for seasoned RVers.

LIkely that the switch you are pushing is the EMERGENCY switch which ties the two battery banks together as long as you keep it pushed......so you can use your house batteries to start the main engine if those batteries go dead.

There is ANOTHER SWITCH somewhere that you haven't found yet. It is usually right inside the side door. It completely disconnects the house batteries from everything. Throw that switch and you should be fine.