Help...Batteries or what?

[silverdream2]

I winterized my 345 almost according to instruction manual. When batteries were reinstalled, the main one (and others likely) were drained. Took to town, had recharged and tested good. Reinstalled. MH will still not even begin to turn over.

Any suggestions? Charging the other two house batteries and using that switch in the glove compartment? Getting someone out here? Is this a battery problem or maybe something else?

All suggestions appreciated.

[Wsmith]

Did you clean the terminals on the battery and cables. It it a Diesel or gas engine? Is there any noise at all?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Wsmith

Did you clean the terminals on the battery and cables. It it a Diesel or gas engine? Is there any noise at all?

Yep...charge the batteries fully (got a charger?), Clean all the cables, including starter cable and grounds, a strong click,click sound may indicate a good charge but faulty starter, Could go on but better to start with the obvious.

[Mike Leary]

Originally Posted by Wsmith

Did you clean the terminals on the battery and cables. It it a Diesel or gas engine? Is there any noise at all?

What he said.

[Waipio Rim]

Just finished a 1,300 mile trip (we took the long way) from San Antonio to Knoxville. When we were getting ready to go at our son's in San Antonio, had problems like this. Our son found the problem. The cable terminals at the batteries were good, but following the positive chassis battery cable to its other end in the back of the battery box found that the terminal had broken from too many drawer open/close cycles, and it was alternately making contact, not making contact, or shorting everything out. New terminal, and all is good.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Waipio Rim

Just finished a 1,300 mile trip (we took the long way) from San Antonio to Knoxville. When we were getting ready to go at our son's in San Antonio, had problems like this. Our son found the problem. The cable terminals at the batteries were good, but following the positive chassis battery cable to its other end in the back of the battery box found that the terminal had broken from too many drawer open/close cycles, and it was alternately making contact, not making contact, or shorting everything out. New terminal, and all is good.

New is Good...

Bob

[crazeevw]

I'm having similar problems with my engine battery. Have to keep in on a trickle charger all the time when Motorhome is sitting.
Was told by mechanic friend of mine, disconnect either cable, set up a test-light (attached to battery, other end to cable) If light is 'lit', go pull fuses one at a time until light goes out. At that point, you've at least isolated the problem.
Still there may be something more than what I've just described. Cables for battery drawer going in and out could be a problem as well.
Thanks, Derek

[Keyair]

Didnt you have a non starting issue before?
Did you press the boost battery button?

[crazeevw]

Originally Posted by Keyair

Didnt you have a non starting issue before?
Did you press the boost battery button?

"Boost Battery Button"? I can't seem to find this magical switch. Location? I've looked in glovebox, but never found it.
Thanks, Derek

[eubank]

Geez, I was not aware that the electrics on the Airstream motorhomes were made by Lucas (the Prince of Darkness, if you must know). Just more proof that there's a strong affinity between Airstream and MG. Or maybe just between Airstream owners and MG owners.

Come to think of it, maybe it is Lucas wiring. In that case, be sure to check to make sure that the wires are properly filled with smoke.


Lynn

Originally Posted by crazeevw

I'm having similar problems with my engine battery. Have to keep in on a trickle charger all the time when Motorhome is sitting. ...Thanks, Derek

[overlander64]

Greetings Lynn!

Originally Posted by eubank

Geez, I was not aware that the electrics on the Airstream motorhomes were made by Lucas (the Prince of Darkness, if you must know). Just more proof that there's a strong affinity between Airstream and MG. Or maybe just between Airstream owners and MG owners.

Come to think of it, maybe it is Lucas wiring. In that case, be sure to check to make sure that the wires are properly filled with smoke.


Lynn

GM has also had a relationship with Lucas. My dealer told me that it was Lucas that designed the electronic controls for the transfer case in my 1999 GMC K2500 Suburban . . . . that electronic control has a 12,000 to 15,000 life expectancy and the part costs around $750. I have owned the truck since it was new (in fact, I special ordered the truck), so I have been through the routine something like 14 times now. The last time it failed, the transfer case was also deemed unrepairable so my plan is to have the truck converted to 2-wheel drive -- should have had the conversion done years ago rather than at 200,000 miles.

Kevin

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by eubank

Geez, I was not aware that the electrics on the Airstream motorhomes were made by Lucas (the Prince of Darkness, if you must know). Just more proof that there's a strong affinity between Airstream and MG. Or maybe just between Airstream owners and MG owners.

Come to think of it, maybe it is Lucas wiring. In that case, be sure to check to make sure that the wires are properly filled with smoke.


Lynn

Primary exposure to LUCAS IGN>

58 MGA
65 ROYAL ENFIELD 750
Neither of which had the Ign part quite figured out.

Sometimes made for memorable adventures.

Bob

[Mike Leary]

Originally Posted by eubank

Come to think of it, maybe it is Lucas wiring. In that case, be sure to check to make sure that the wires are properly filled with smoke.


Lynn

::::Spews coffee over the keypad::::

[ScrapIrony-2]

Voltage regulator.
Battery cables from terminal to solenoid will sometimes wear holes from drawer sliding in/out.
Cut-off switch on wall just inside door...this one is a hard-to-find puppy if it needs replacement.
Ignition(key) switch.

[Crusty]

"A gentleman does not motor after dark".
-Joseph Lucas

The British drink warm beer because they've got Lucas refrigerators.

[Kota]

This might not apply but a commonly overlooked problem, especially on vehicles that sit a lot, is a dirty battery. Dust, salt, ect... can cause conduction paths that will drain a battery over time. Especially in humid climates.

[alfalsetto]

Get a cheap amp meter and put one lead on the battery then on the frame. If you get a reading. Clean the top of your battery. It has a draw