Need help with Electrical problem

[mikeg72]

I have a 2006 Four Winds 29' Class C Motorhome. Recently, the 12V coach power stopped working. I just replaced both batteries and charged them and changed out the battery cables, the engine starts fine. It works when on shore power and with generator but when I try turning the cabin overhead lights on using battery power, nothing. Also, the generator won't start unless I jump the starter solenoid directly to the battery. When I jump to the switched side and hit the "start" button, the gen starts fine and runs. Without the jump to battery, when I hit the start button, it just clicks. I cleaned all the terminals and think it has something to do with the 12v problem. I asked a dealer and they said I need a new power distribution panel, the transfer switch is bad. I have also been told it could be the transfer switch which is not located in the power distribution panel. I don't want to spend $200 plus to find out it wasn't the panel at all. Any experts with advise??

Mike

[hershey]

Since things seems to have worked before you fixed things with a new battery and cables....I'd bet that you have switched a battery cable. Re-track your installation.

[tenbear]

It seems to me that since everything works on shore power, there is nothing wrong with your power distribution panel. The distribution panel is used whether the converter or the battery is supplying the 12v power. It sounds to me that you have a bad connection in your battery wiring or the wire between the battery and the converter.

Your battery disconnect switch is probably located beside the door, that's where it is in my Four Winds. It is a momentary on switch. Press the top to connect the battery, press the bottom to disconnect the battery.

Don't get confused with the chassis electrical system. The chassis and coach are separate systems except the alternator charges the coach battery when the engine is running.

[1492]

Moved from Forum Technical Support

[homedad]

Thanks wittmeba. One day I'll learn the advanced stuff.

[wittmeba]

Clicky for above link

[homedad]

I've had similar problems, (actually every season). In my case it is either a bad ground connection at the battery or a small 12v circuit breaker that gets tripped whenever I put the batteries back in the coach or sometimes it has something to do with plugging in and the 12v disconnect. Just find the breaker and push the tiny reset. Mine is located in a metal closed electrical box inside one of my compartments.

This link has a picture of mine.http://www.amazon.com/SEACHOICE-50-13081-Manual-Reset-Breaker/dp/B002PHXVGQ/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1367586510&sr=8-12&keywords=12+volt+breaker

[enblethen]

Look for a switch that controls the battery disconnects. Many have them adjacent to the entry door. Cycle it off and then back on. You should hear a distintive click. Locate the relay by having someone operate the switch.
There should be a circuit breaker or fuse adjacent to the battery disconnect. Verify it is good.