Forum Discussion

rfarkle's avatar
rfarkle
Explorer
Jun 21, 2013

CO2 Alarm Problem

The CO2 alarm in our unit works just fine, except when we first begin to drive after parking overnight. Driving one-two blocks sets off the alarm and the only way to silence it is to shut it off. Once we arrive at our destination, or stop for any length of time, it turns back on and works just fine. There is no apparent reason for this, but we wonder if there could be a loose wire or connection causing a power disruption when the RV is moving.

I am happy to buy a new unit if needed, but my husband can fix anything and would be interested in knowing if anyone has had a similar situation and been able to fix it.

Thanks!
  • MarshaNichols's avatar
    MarshaNichols
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2013
    I have a 2012, RT 170 and experiencing the same problem...mine is also a propane detector. It was doing fine till one night (yes, at 1 am) it decided to go off...since then the mechanic said they couldn't find anything wrong. Obviously, it went off again on the next trip. I have turned off the propane and pulled the fuse. So, back to the mechanic (RT specialist) it's going. That idea of a temp detector is a good idea!
  • scottykrug's avatar
    scottykrug
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2013
    Of course ours died at 3am while camping. Check the manual, ours beeped 3 quick beeps and only had a green light (red = CO) indicating per the manual that it had expired. We also travel with one of these....
    https://www.aeromedix.com/Ultra-Low-Level-CO-Detector-CO-Experts-2014.html
    Allows you to see EXACTLY how much CO is present. Any UL listed CO detector is forced to sit quietly until a certain level of CO is present over a period of time. The co experts model will alert you immediately.

    Years ago, I was staying on a friends house boat at Lake Powell. I kept hearing this muted beeping noise.... zipped up in my duffel bag, in a closet, in a room 20 feet away, this detector was sensing the CO from an unvented burner on the stove. All the permanent (UL listed) detectors were silent. Call it peace of mind.
  • Dtaylor's avatar
    Dtaylor
    Explorer
    Jun 22, 2013
    There should be an expiration date on it somewhere. You cannot assume it is the same age as your vehicle since most are bought in bulk by the manufacturer
  • Mike__Rose's avatar
    Mike__Rose
    Explorer
    Jun 22, 2013
    Mine would do that if the house battery was low. Once the battery was charged up the detector would stop beeping.
  • powderman426's avatar
    powderman426
    Explorer
    Jun 22, 2013
    And buy one with a readout, then you will know if there is a problem how bad it is although there are no good levels of CO just some worse than others.
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Jun 21, 2013
    I would probably buy a $20 detector at Home Depot and temporarily mount it next to the existing detector. Then go for a drive and see if they both alarm.
  • restlesswind's avatar
    restlesswind
    Explorer
    Jun 21, 2013
    They have a "lifespan" of 4 years or so,it may be telling you that it is time to replace it.I don't believe there is any way to repair one.
    Check to see if it is past the replace date.
    untill mine started acting strange,I had no idea that there was an expiration date.I thought that was for stuff from the grocery store :)
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jun 21, 2013
    It's a CO alarm (assuming carbon monoxide).
    Low battery voltage can make them sing too.

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