dougrainer wrote:
The 12 volts on the small wire to activate the charge solenoid does NOT come from the Alternator. It comes from an Ign side 12 volt fuse and wire. When you turn the ign OFF the solenoid opens. As to the post about junk Solenoids, I guess he does a LOT of RV repair and replaces solenoids. Me? I am a professional RV tech and yes, I replace a lot of solenoids, but on different RV's as the ones we install and get from regular RV suppliers rarely fail. There are 2 types---100 amp (your type) and 200 amp (called a big boy). Most Diesels built in the past 15 years use the 200 amp model and older Diesels and Gas rigs use the 100 amp type model. Doug
Doug, thanks for the info. Here is what I find odd with what you are saying. The signal wire on my charging solenoid is only receiving 7V. As far as it coming from a keyed ignition, I don't know about that either. When I tested voltage at the back of the alternator I had 1 small wire receiving 12V and another with 7V (same as signal). I took the 7V wire of the alternator and put it onto the lug that was supplying the 12V small wire and then had 12V at the signal wire for the solenoid. So I'm assuming the solenoid is getting it's signal from the alternator once the engine is running?? ?? Heck, I don't know. I'm not trying to dispute anything your are saying, i really appreciate your help! I purchased my coach in 08 and it has been an electrical nightmare from day 1. Ever have your headlights shut off on you in the middle of the night? I have......multiple times. I called tiffin on it and they sent me a new head light switch for $60. Not bad I thought. What they failed to tell me is that I also have to purchase a $450 wiring harness to adapt it to my wiring. Haven't been able to pull the trigger on that one yet. I just wired a few relays in and it has helped. The way my coach is wired (and I guess I assume everyone else's), my lights run off of the house batteries. So when the house batteries go bad......your ship outta luck! I guess I'll run it like it is.....
