12V DC Question

FYI, I reconnected the wiring harness to the new relay and reinstalled the slide motor, then turned on the RV and the slide works like a charm now...In and Out. Yahoo! Thanks everyone for your contributions and helping me to see the obvious. I hope to reciprocate some day. All my best.

I bet you're right, Argosy24. I totally forgot that I needed the vehicle running to bring the slides in. I'll try that and let everyone know. I figured it was something stupid simple that I was overlooking. I'm optimistic now! Thanks.

One wire should be always hot, if not I'd check for a blown fuse, key on if needed, etc.

The relay and motor were already hooked up to 12VDC. All that was required for the new relay from Power Gear was for the switch to have 12VDC to the center switch prong. I think I should be able to use my meter to find 12VDC at the relay wiring harness at least.

It sounds like you've tapped into the light circuit to get power to actuate the relay. You also need to supply power to the relay contact, and wiring to the motor. Do you have those hooked up?

The wire going to the light (which is not hot when the switch is off) is called a "switch leg".

I spliced into the 12VDC leading to the light switch and used the existing ground wire to provide 12VDC power to the center prong of the slide switch. That's all exactly as described by the new relay instructions. Problem now is when I flip the switch to In or Out, I hear the relay click, but the slide motor doesn't respond at all. Using my meter, I'm not finding any 12VDC power at the motor leads or at the relay wiring harness. I'm frustrated with having to manually move the slide and look forward to finding the solution. Ideas?

You're right Garry and Dennis, its for my slide switch, to ensure its compatible with the new slide relay. My question is now answered and I'm ready to tackle this on Monday morning. Thanks again, everyone for your generous help. I hope someday I may be able to reciprocate in some way or pay it forward. All my best, -Edward

I think in an earlier post he was looking for a 12V source for a relay coil.
The relay had something to do with the slide and a modification from the manufacture.

Low current something like 18 gauge wire and a 3 amp fuse in line for protection.

Two ways.. I would use a test light, I have a few of them around here. The one I use most is one I got at an auto parts store. It looks like an ice pick, translucent plastic handle with a wire hanging out of it and a clip on the end of the wire.

Hook clip to any known good ground and touch the tip to one wire and then the other.. HOT lights the handle up.

The others are home made.


But, a question: Why do you want to know? Are you splicing into the lead or replacing the switch.

If you are replacing the switch, which is clearly a SPST (Single Pole Single Throw) it does not matter.