Is my BIRD working?

[cvbdsl]

OK, so my chassis batteries keep going down, even when plugged in.
When I run the genny they do not charge, when I run the engine they do charge.

When plugged in I do not hear any clicking from the BIRD (as some state they do) even when the chassis batteries are down.

I'm thinking of ordering a new BIRD but it looks like a PITA to change it, a large red power cable runs right tight over it.

Its either the BIRD or the relay - a quick look the other day seemed to show fuses on either side of the relay (MH not in a good location to really see - am moving it). Are there fuses on either side?

[cvbdsl]

holstein13 wrote:
Newmar no longer uses the BIRD. Now they use a BIM, Battery Isolation Manager.

Any idea if it backwards compatible (e.g. can I swap it in for the BIRD)? If I have to replace it, might as well use the latest technology?

Thanks

Chris

[holstein13]

Newmar no longer uses the BIRD. Now they use a BIM, Battery Isolation Manager.

[cvbdsl]

Actually the transfer switch is something else - mine is made by Iota and they tend to catch fire (happened on my 99 DSDP). I know, I had to buy a new one after it melted. Got the pictures on a different forum - easier posting pictures there than here.

The transfer switch is (in mine anyhow) a black plastic box that switches between the generator and shore power (after a pre-set delay). It does not switch between house and coach batteries. Two totally different systems (12 volts vice 120 volts).

Chris

[gbopp]

Big Katuna wrote:
Commonly called a transfer switch.

Now it makes more sense.

[Big_Katuna]

Commonly called a transfer switch.

[newman_fulltime]

I was hoping to see a parrot working :B

[cvbdsl]

Thanks, I didn't think of checking the ground:o!
BIRD = Bi-directional Isolator Relay Delay
It is the device that is supposed to switch between charging house and chassis batteries.

Chris

[dverstra]

I'm not sure what a BIRD is but on my coach, when the module that was supposed to charge the chassis battery didn't work, it was a ground wire that was loose.