Battery Disconnect Switch

[dmotwell]

I'm in storage.
The Battery switch will not engage unless I hook up to shore power.. It won't engage if I have the TV hooked up to the charging system. Only when The shore power is attached.
What's up?

[lewster]

Test you battery voltage with a multi meter. I would bet that your battery is toast! The disconnect solenoid will not operate if you have no battery power. Conversely, when plugged in to shore power, your converter is supplying the 12VDC power and it will reach the solenoid, allowing it to operate.

[dmotwell]

I have 12.1 to 12.2 volts dc

[dmotwell]

I have 12.1vdc

[cwf]

Is that with the shore power or just the battery alone? Battery voltage is low. Should be over 12.5, mine are 12.7 standalone

[lewster]

The disconnect solenoid should be operational down to 11.5VDC. If you are getting 12.1 at the batteries, you have several possibilities:

• the solenoid contacts are closed and the battery is getting voltage from your converter. The converter is bad if it is only giving you 12.1 at the batteries.

• the solenoid contacts are open and the battery is not receiving charge from the converter. The solenoid is bad and should be replaced.

•*the solenoid contacts have been closed, your battery has been getting charge but is not retaining the charge. The battery is bad and should be replaced.

When you activate the solenoid switch, you should hear a definitive 'click' as the solenoid coil is activated and the contacts either open or close. Up usually closes the contacts and down usually opens the contacts, disconnecting the battery from the 12VDC trailer wiring.

Let us know how you make out with these tests.