Charging solenoid?

No way can I fit into storage compartment to work on anything in that bay.

Glad to hear you solved the problem. Well done!

Nice job! Always good to have that DIY savings.

Success! Switched out the solenoid and using a better VOM, getting 14.1V both coming in and going out. On the 23D, it's an easy swap in a lousy place (bottom storage compartment). Wasn't too bad, got my son to do it! Couldn't find a local source silver contact solenoid, if I had more time I should have mail ordered one. Used a NAPA ST95- $40. The local shop wanted $300 to look at it!

Thanks to all of you for your help!

Norm

A few other things to check before replacing the solenoid.

Check the voltage on the small terminal(s). If one small terminal check for 12v to ground when the ignition switch is on, if 2 check for voltage between them with the ignition on.

If that's good, check that the voltage to ground on both large terminals is the same with the engine running. If the same, the solenoid is doing its job. If different (higher on the engine battery side) replace the solenoid.

Mine has a circuit breaker in the wire to the engine battery. That could also be the problem.

Thanks, all of you! Good info. Like Dusty said, found the box on the side of the storage compartment. What a lousy spot!
Will post back when finished, might be a while before I get to it.

Norm

Dusty,
Finding mine was a similar pain. I traced the "big" 12V leads from batteries to an enclosed box that is behind the house battery. The solenoid was inside that box. The big leads have to be connected to it so that is the trail to follow.

We have an '03 Itasca 24V on a Ford E-350. The Solenoid went out when we were on the road. I had a hard time finding it where it was on the mh, and getting to it to change. The front storage boot has a removable back where there a couple of fuses, behind it. Then behind the removable back of the second compartment is a third compartment and that is where is the solenoid is located. Real fun to get to and work on.

Dusty

Had same issue a few years back and it was the solenoid. I bought a replacement from our local NAPA auto parts. As poncho62 says be sure to get one rated for continuous use.

I did a search for my old thread on this and I replaced with a NAPA ST85 solenoid. The description states "Starter Solenoid" but also says continuous use. I replaced it in 2009 and it has been fine since then.

Sounds like it might be the solenoid....BTW, these are a constant use solenoid, not just a starting solenoid like on a vehicle starter. When you turn the ignition on, you should hear it click.