DC Down

[Coelacanth]

Folks,
A few days ago I went out to start the generator on my '96 Itasca Suncruiser for just it's regular monthly warmup when I noticed that I had no DC cabin power. This is all of a sudden. For months (years?) all has been fine.

I expected it might be a battery issue, even though I keep the batteries connected to microchip style battery monitors when the rig is being stored. But, the batteries tested fine using a multimeter. And, when I attached 12v bulbs to the battery directly they lit normally. The minders indicate full/normal status.
But, when I try to start the generator all I get is solenoid clicking noises.

The engine starts normally, but I know that uses a separate battery circuit.

Is there a main DC fuse that might have blown? I cleaned the negative line where it bolts to the the frame. The terminals themselves do not appear corroded.

I'm at a loss.

:?

[Mandalay_Parr]

If a main fuse was out, I don't think you would hear a click.
It might be hard but measure the voltage at the generator starter while trying to start it.
Also check all battery and starter ground connections.

[Coelacanth]

10forty2 wrote:
Just a few thoughts to consider...

Check convertor circuit connections/fuses/breakers?

Did you have cabin power without the generator running? IE., normal 12VDC lights turn on? If not, then I'd lean towards the battery.

Do you have 120VAC in the outlets with the genset running?

What was your volt meter reading on the battery without chargers or without the engine running? If it's only 12VDC then it's going or has already gone bad. A 12VDC light bulb (unless it's LED) will work on lesser voltages than 12VDC....just not as bright. It should be somewhere in the 13.5-14VDC range without a load on it.

Check for tripped breakers and/or blown fuses at your house main panel

Again, just some thoughts to hopefully get you on a direction anyway....

This is a reply to everyone who has posted a suggestion. My thanks to all.
1.) There is no battery disconnect switch.
2.) The generator will not start, only clicks.
3.) I'll re-check with the meter as to the voltage. The light I attached was extremely bright.
These are 2 batteries in parallel. I even attached a third from my shop that I knew to be good. Still no luck.
4.) All appliance fuses are fine. But, is there a Main fuse somewhere?

:h

[10forty2]

Just a few thoughts to consider...

Check convertor circuit connections/fuses/breakers?

Did you have cabin power without the generator running? IE., normal 12VDC lights turn on? If not, then I'd lean towards the battery.

Do you have 120VAC in the outlets with the genset running?

What was your volt meter reading on the battery without chargers or without the engine running? If it's only 12VDC then it's going or has already gone bad. A 12VDC light bulb (unless it's LED) will work on lesser voltages than 12VDC....just not as bright. It should be somewhere in the 13.5-14VDC range without a load on it.

Check for tripped breakers and/or blown fuses at your house main panel

Again, just some thoughts to hopefully get you on a direction anyway....

[Mandalay_Parr]

Can you measure the battery voltage while trying to start generator.
Does sound like bad battery.

[Dutch_12078]

Do you have a cabin battery disconnect switch? Is it turned on?