Forum Discussion

saronabound's avatar
saronabound
Explorer
May 13, 2013

Converter not charging, I don't think

I keep my 5er plugged in year round, so the dehumidifier runs.
My original battery lasted 8 years, which is damn good for any battery and for a 5er kept in Florida. That battery recently died.
I noticed the 12v lights were very dim,and my slide out would not slide in or out. I replaced the battery, and all seemed good.
I went out there today and no lights whatsoever. I checked the new battery and it was at 3v. The only thing running 12v is the Propane detector, so it must have drained the new battery, which may be shot now. After putting on a battery charger, I was able to get lights.
I don't recall hearing the Converter come on. I am getting 12v up to the converter from the battery.
Is there any way to test the converter to see if it is good, or charging the battery. The converter is a World Friendship model WF-8935/45/55 ANP.
Does anyone know if the converter has a master fuse, or circuit breaker.
I don't see any circuit breakers on my 110V panel for the converter.

Thank you,
Saronabound
  • ken_burke's avatar
    ken_burke
    Explorer
    May 14, 2013
    RoyB wrote:
    Before you call the converter dead you might want to make sure it is getting 120VAC on its input. No 120VAC input - No 13.6DC output...

    just my thoughts
    Roy Ken


    Roy . . . . Good idea. I am also checking out my WF converter (DC lights dimming). I will check out the incoming AC voltage to the converter. I have checked everythin else but the incoming power.

    ken
  • saronabound's avatar
    saronabound
    Explorer
    May 13, 2013
    I am getting 12v to the Panel from the battery, but only 3v DC back to the battery from the converter. I will check for any inline fuse or fuse blocks. I am fairly certain it is the converter.
    Thanks for everyone's input
  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer
    May 13, 2013
    saronabound wrote:
    Ok, I found the PDF file for the converter. I followed the troubleshooting. Disconnect the battery cables from the battery.
    Plug in Shore power and check voltage at the battery cables.
    This turned out to be about 3v dc. So the converter is shot.
    I will buy a new one. Just the guts though. Thanks for all the input.

    saronabound


    There is usually a fuse/circuit breaker between the battery and converter (located near the battery) - before buying new converter make sure the problem isn't a few dollar breaker than needs replacing or resetting. In my rig it's an auto reset circuit breaker.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    May 13, 2013
    Before you call the converter dead you might want to make sure it is getting 120VAC on its input. No 120VAC input - No 13.6DC output...

    Since you saw 3VDC it is most likely dead but would be nice to measure 120VAC on the input just to be sure. Also there should be a circuit breaker in the 120VAC circuit breaker side of the power panel for the converter. Probably the second one down...

    You might want to consider a different smart mode technology unit to replace the WF8945 unit. The WFCO units are prone to not go into smart mode charging when you want them to. The Progressive Dynamics PD9245 or PD4645 unit should slip right into to the same spot where the 8945 unit is installed and hookup the same. Probably same cost as well...

    just my thoughts
    Roy Ken
  • saronabound's avatar
    saronabound
    Explorer
    May 13, 2013
    Ok, I found the PDF file for the converter. I followed the troubleshooting. Disconnect the battery cables from the battery.
    Plug in Shore power and check voltage at the battery cables.
    This turned out to be about 3v dc. So the converter is shot.
    I will buy a new one. Just the guts though. Thanks for all the input.

    saronabound
  • saronabound's avatar
    saronabound
    Explorer
    May 13, 2013
    Ok, I found the PDF file for the converter. I followed the troubleshooting. Disconnect the battery cables from the battery.
    Plug in Shore power and check voltage at the battery cables.
    This turned out to be about 3v dc. So the converter is shot.
    I will buy a new one. Just the guts though. Thanks for all the input.

    saronabound
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    May 13, 2013
    Some converters have a regular power cord on them that plugs into an AC outlet.
    Some converters get AC power from panel on a Circuit Breaker......some share a breaker.

    Need to find where converter is getting AC power from and that it is hot.

    If AC power checks good you need to check DC output from converter to battery.
    Disconnect battery cables and then check converter output at converter terminals/lugs for battery

    Converter Troubleshooting Guide
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    May 13, 2013
    Managing batteries without benefit of an instrument is like managing at car at night without benefit of lights. Start with the basics.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    May 13, 2013
    WFCO output should be 13.2 to 13.6 volts or it is dead.
    Check the main fuses also.

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