Battery Disconnect Solenoid Fuse

[jdrocci]

2005 Holiday Rambler Ambassador 40PLQ

Under the driver seat on the outside is a compartment with a box that contains the battery disconnect solenoid. This solenoid has a nominal 5A fuse in the actuator circuit. Several times, I've lost all DC power to the house and found the cause to be this fuse. The last time it happened, I replaced the fuse with a 10A unit. Yesterday, with the MH parked in my driveway on shore power and the AC running, I locked up the unit and went inside my residence for the evening. This morning when I opened the MH for the day, I found all 12VDC circuits dead and the solenoid fuse blown again, This seems to have happened with no known stimulus.

Is this kind of failure well-known and if so, how/why does it happen?

Joe

[enblethen]

12-volt buss you are making reference to is most likely the battery control center.

[joesmail84]

Thank you both for that info. The 3 amp fuse is on the 12 volt buss board right next to the solenoid/batteries/wiring. I am not sure what my system is called? 2003 Tioga 31N. I searched everywhere for specific information and this thread was the closest. Only info I have is this:For REV Group class A motorhomes / RVs such as American Coach, Holiday Rambler, Fleetwood and Monaco Coach. RV Elite part number 08536963.

[dougrainer]

joesmail84 wrote:
Yes typo sorry. Thank you for responding. I have not jumped the terminals at the switch. I did try a 5 amp fuse and it blew. I'm going to get a new switch, but I should try jumping terminals at switch first. We Have a trip planned this weekend and not wanting to break anything else. I assume it's the switch or wiring from switch to solenoid. There's multiple solenoids and breakers in that area, hard to follow the wiring.

You stated 3 amp fuse. Intellitec(the system we are talking about on this thread) uses a 5 amp fuse. WHERE is the fuse (3 amp) located? On the solenoid or on the RV main 12 volt buss board? Onj an Intellitec to check for bad switch or wiring between the switch and solenoid, you disconnect the 2 small terminal wires ON the solenoid. Then activate the interior switch. IF the fuse blows, you have either a bad switch or a short in the wiring. MOST causes of the 5 amp blowing on a Intellitec is a bad solenoid. Doug

[enblethen]

Make sure the wire connections on the switch are clear of each other!

[joesmail84]

The solenoid stayed latched like it should when working. I will measure it and see but today I will try to find a switch so I have one just in case that is the issue. Everything works great now except I think if I press the switch to either turn off the solenoid/ turn it back on I will blow the fuse again. Thank you for the info on this, hoping it is fixed tonight.

[CA_Traveler]

Use a ammeter to jump the fuse and check the amps. Some ammeters will measure the maximum amp draw. At the same time measure the voltage.

When you jump the solenoid and then remove the wires, does the solenoid stay latched as it should? Beginning to wonder it it's the solenoid.

You might want to get help and one option is to completely bypass the solenoid for your trip. I wouldn't just jump it for the trip.

[joesmail84]

Yes typo sorry. Thank you for responding. I have not jumped the terminals at the switch. I did try a 5 amp fuse and it blew. I'm going to get a new switch, but I should try jumping terminals at switch first. We Have a trip planned this weekend and not wanting to break anything else. I assume it's the switch or wiring from switch to solenoid. There's multiple solenoids and breakers in that area, hard to follow the wiring.

[CA_Traveler]

BTW "lashing solenoid" Is this a typo? Did you mean latching solenoid?

[CA_Traveler]

You jumped the solenoid and then the switch and it worked. That may point to the solenoid drawing more that 3A. I'd try a 5A fuse and measure the amps.

Possibly the switch or wiring could be a factor. BTW "looks clean" doesn't mean the connection is good...

[joesmail84]

I jumped the terminals the switch uses to turn the solenoid on and off and it worked. Does anyone think a faulty switch would be the issue or a short? Wiring looks clean but switch is 20 years old.

[Grit_dog]

Bobbo wrote:
Why don't you start a new thread rather than hijack one that is 3 years old? You are more likely to get help that way.

Because it’s not hijacking if it’s A. Already a dead conversation. And B. Actually applicable.
Lol

[joesmail84]

Figured anyone in this thread or that may have fixed there issue from this thread would be most helpful.

[Bobbo]

Why don't you start a new thread rather than hijack one that is 3 years old? You are more likely to get help that way.

[joesmail84]

Hello, I am experiencing something similar. I press my aux battery switch my 3 amp fuse blows. If I jump the lashing solenoid on the larger positive posts my house power works again. I am not sure if it is the solenoid or something else. Switch seems to work and all wiring looks clean. part number for solenoid is rvc1200. There are other relays and solenoids nearby but not sure what to do? Please help!I bought the solenoid 250$ but have not installed because the fuse blows when I try to turn the battery for the house power on.

[CA_Traveler]

Because of the 10A blown fuse there is more to this story.