Battery Disconnect Switch Issue

[ATE123]

The battery disconnect switch on our 2014 Interstate will not switch off. Whether you flick the switch up or down, the red light stays on...until it drains the battery when the RV is idle. Any ideas on a quick fix for a not-so-handy person like me? Thanks in advance for your time.

[Al - K4GLU]

The light stays on in either switch position when you're hooked to shore power. When not connected to shore power the light should go off when the switch is turned to off.

[clancy_boy]

Buy a manual disconnect switch that mounts on the battery terminal. It will be a positive mechanical disconnect. Get a battery trickle charger while in storage.

[ATE123]

Originally Posted by Al - K4GLU

The light stays on in either switch position when you're hooked to shore power. When not connected to shore power the light should go off when the switch is turned to off.

Yep- I am not hooked up to shore power. Just driving around the country...and it won't turn off. Was hoping there was a quick fix that could avoid a trip to the shop.

[Protagonist]

Yours is a 2014, so that means you're using the remote switch, right? There should still be a big red manual switch on the curb side inside the hatch under the sofa next to the fuse panel. Use that one until you can get the remote one fixed.

[ATE123]

Right as usual, Protagonist. Thanks!

[ATE123]

One more question- with the battery disconnect switch not working by sliding door and using the manual red switch under couch, does it matter how far I turn it and/or whether or not I turn it on/off a couple times a day? Also, does the engine need to be when I turn the switch? Thanks.


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[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by ATE123

One more question- with the battery disconnect switch not working by sliding door and using the manual red switch under couch, does it matter how far I turn it and/or whether or not I turn it on/off a couple times a day? Also, does the engine need to be when I turn the switch? Thanks.


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You can't turn it any farther than it will go. It should be about a quarter turn from on to off.

I'd turn it on and off with the engine off, mostly for the protection of your Battery Isolation Module (BIM) which is a relay that connects your house and chassis electrical system so that your alternator can charge both sets of batteries at once.

[ATE123]

Copy that. Thanks again.


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[e93pvaz]

Originally Posted by ATE123

Copy that. Thanks again.


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Mine is doing the same thing! (I posted in another thread too). Did you ever get this fixed? Thanks

[MILATV]

When I replaced my batteries I had problems getting things to work again. Cut off switch didn't work; 30amp service wouldn't switch over, scared me.

Not sure what sequence was that made it all work but Started the vehicle and let it run for3-5 minutes, then started the generator for 2-3 minutes, then when I shut the generator off the 30 AMP came on and all the switches started working fine.

Might just try that - maybe it does a reboot on some switch or something; not sure. But I can't count the number of times I've fixed employees computers by having them turn it off and on again!.

[CEGorton]

My 2008 Safari batter disconnect switch is stuck off. No little red light even when connected to shore power. No lights will come on etc. what can I do?

[Al and Missy]

I believe that on some versions there are two fuses, one on each side of the solenoid. Check those fuses if yours has them.

Al

[CEGorton]

I checked both green fuses and wires look connected. Still no power but solar system should have kept batteries going whether or not on store or use. Still think it is stuck in store position. No red light either way. Need to take it somewhere tomorrow and am freaking out.

[CEGorton]

By the way, I don't really know where the solenoid is. I just went back out to recheck the system in case it all was miraculously working, but still no red light on battery disconnect switch. I have it plugged into to shore power. Solar system should have been working anyway to charge the batteries and it shows they are. Still can't turn on lights, monitor etc. Befuddled.

[VAtom]

Originally Posted by ATE123

The battery disconnect switch on our 2014 Interstate will not switch off. Whether you flick the switch up or down, the red light stays on...until it drains the battery when the RV is idle. Any ideas on a quick fix for a not-so-handy person like me? Thanks in advance for your time.

The BEP "manual" disconnect is motor driven. the rocker switch at the door remotely turns it on and off. The BEP has a third position to the far right which is a manual override. (on)

When in the third position the switch is always on and the door switch LED stays lit even when shore power is disconnected.

[Titus]

I believe previous posts said something about the electric cut-off switch getting out-of-sync with the manual switch that it is supposed to turn. Unfortunately I don't remember what was done to get them back in sync. (I don't have the electric switch by the door, so the solution did not get filed away in the recesses of my mind.)

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Titus

I believe previous posts said something about the electric cut-off switch getting out-of-sync with the manual switch that it is supposed to turn. Unfortunately I don't remember what was done to get them back in sync. (I don't have the electric switch by the door, so the solution did not get filed away in the recesses of my mind.)

Ditto. But common sense says that if you manually put both switches in the "Off" position, they should then work in concert with each other as long as you only use the switch by the door and leave the other alone.