Sb 164

[c21]

Do 2017's come with the SB 164 solenoid already installed?
Thanks,
Bill

[Pahaska]

Originally Posted by c21bill

Do 2017's come with the SB 164 solenoid already installed?
Thanks,
Bill

No. Airstream realized that was the wrong decision to put in that solenoid.
2017s have a second motorized switch in parallel with the main disconnect switch that performs the same function as the solenoid without requiring the current drain that SB164 caused.

I removed SB 164 from my 2014.5 and replaced it with a manual switch that performs the same function as the second switch in the 2017.

[jennian]

Had Sb164 installed and now it has failed. How do I bypass it? And how did you install manual switch? Thanks

[Mcrid]

Do a forum search on SB 164 and you'll find complete write-ups on how to bypass

[Pahaska]

In my 2014.5 lounge, I installed the switch on the road side of the breaker box, directly opposite the main battery disconnect switch. There was plenty of space there for the switch and there is more than enough cable to reach that location.

The inverter is 1000 watts, so you will want a switch that will carry that load continuously, plus losses in the inverter, plus a safety factor. A switch with a 100-amp continuous rating at 12v is probably a bare minimum and I would like to see at least 125 amp continuous at 12v. I was fortunate that I had several candidate switches laying around in my shop.

Just tie the cables from the solenoid to the new switch and tape off the two small control wires. Throw the solenoid in the trash. I actually used the control wires to power an added cigarette-lighter type outlet for my 12v vacuum.

Make sure both the 12 volt and 12 volt systems are safely de-powered before you start surgery! Bad things could happen otherwise, both to you and to the system..

[jennian]

thanks to all for the help. did the bypass today and all seems fine. has anyone had success getting airstream to correct the situation?

[FlyFishinRVr]

Originally Posted by jennian

thanks to all for the help. did the bypass today and all seems fine. has anyone had success getting airstream to correct the situation?

SB164 was a voluntary Service Bulletin. You didn't have to have it done.

Since AS has decided to no longer use that solution, my guess is if you were to request it, AS would either A) deny it as a "defunct" SB, or B) use the current solution that they've employed on the '17's and beyond, which is a second rotary switch. You would need to contact your AS dealer and see what your options are. Keep in mind the current solution has only been in use for about a year, so don't be surprised if your dealer doesn't have a clue. Be gentle with them and you may get what you want.....

[TheHoff]

Originally Posted by jennian

thanks to all for the help. did the bypass today and all seems fine. has anyone had success getting airstream to correct the situation?

Hahahah. That question is so adorable! Airstream to address the battery drain problem--love your sense of humor.lol Sarcasm on my part which sprung from frustration in dealing with dealer and Airstream.

I found a video on U Tube showing how to bypass the little bugger. Done and done.

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by TheHoff

... I found a video on U Tube showing how to bypass the little bugger. ...

Good info on the YouTube video. It took me a minute to find it as it is titled: "Airstream Interstate Inverter Solenoid bypass/replacement"

It is a Colonial Airstream Service Video. The audio in first part is pretty bad. Also it is pretty nonchalant about the danger of unhooking those high current battery lines. The magnum inverter is remove so it makes the job look easier than it might be. Here is link to video for anyone who wants to have a look.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igDaJxmUafg

[Pahaska]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

Good info on the YouTube video. It took me a minute to find it as it is titled: "Airstream Interstate Inverter Solenoid bypass/replacement" Also it is pretty nonchalant about the danger of unhooking those high current battery lines.

That video is frightening! I can just see someone with a wrench shorting out against some other item or one of those stiff cables getting loose and shorting out. They did not even caution possible novices. I had every voltage source in the coach off when I replaced my solenoid with a marine battery switch.

The fact that they had to tell folks how to deal with a solenoid failure is proof that the solenoid is a worthless piece of junk that never should have found its way into an AI.

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by Pahaska

... I had every voltage source in the coach off when I replaced my solenoid with a marine battery switch....

Good advice to disconnect every battery when working on the high current circuits. This is especially a issue with BIM in the Interstates as it can cross connect the batteries just when you don't want it.