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Dead battery

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jim.godfrey

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Re: Dead battery
« Reply #30 on: April 30, 2020, 04:21:32 pm »
Don: wondering if there is a boot process the electronics on the generator need to go through before it enables to operate?
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donc13

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Re: Dead battery
« Reply #31 on: April 30, 2020, 06:20:23 pm »
Quote from: jim.godfrey on April 30, 2020, 04:21:32 pm
Don: wondering if there is a boot process the electronics on the generator need to go through before it enables to operate?

I don't think so... But obviously don't know for sure.  I just know I do not get a light on the switch in prime position nor do I get a light when I try to start.  About 20 seconds later, it's all good. My memory says I hear a click when the 20 seconds is up... but it's been a while, so I could be wrong on that.

Next time I go to the storage yard, I will turn on the inverter and lighting and see if they come on immediately when I turn ignition on or if there's a delay too.    I have a generator maintenance manual (pdf file) somewhere here or on my laptop, I will look and see if it mentions anything about a boot up sequence.

Don
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donc13

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Re: Dead battery
« Reply #32 on: April 30, 2020, 07:32:15 pm »
OK, found the maintenance manual.  The main control module (control A) is a group of relays, resistors and the like permanently potted to make waterproof.   No "brains" so nothing to boot up and nothing in the manual about it having any delay built in.

Don
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donc13

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Re: Dead battery
« Reply #33 on: May 02, 2020, 07:19:26 pm »
BTW, there is a new model Trik-l-Start.   Same hookup and so forth but it charges the chassis battery at 10amp rather than the original 5amp.   $54.95 + $1.50 shipping + tax direct from LSL.

No, I have no affiliation with LSL.
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Tarnold

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Re: Dead battery
« Reply #34 on: May 03, 2020, 08:55:03 am »
Is this the Amp L Start?
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garmp

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Re: Dead battery
« Reply #35 on: May 03, 2020, 03:53:49 pm »
Doneworking: How'd the heck did you ever get that cut-off switch in there? There is like no space!!!!
Gor the negative disconnected, but would like the switch.
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Jack is what we call our PC 2351D, and he has taken us from campers to RV'ers and loving it. We're no longer Team Bob. Just Jack the RV!
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mikea

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Re: Dead battery
« Reply #36 on: August 18, 2020, 06:44:16 pm »
I found that the house batteries on my new-to-me 2551 are dead because I didn't turn off the battery switch when I parked it.
The step won't extend.

I don't have shore power near my parking space.

So...what is the best way to bring it back to life?
I figure the generator won't start with no house battery power for the starter.

Will starting the engine eventually charge the house batteries?  I replaced the isolator relay in my Clarion with a hybrid one that automatically switches in the house batteries for charging once the engine battery is topped off:     https://www.powerstream.com/battery-isolator.htm

Should I plug it in to shore power temporarily? Jump the house batteries from my car? How long should it take for the convertor to charge the house batteries?

I do have a solar panel and controller.  That may be one more thing I add to the list for Phoenix to install when I visit in September.

 
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donc13

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Re: Dead battery
« Reply #37 on: August 18, 2020, 07:33:16 pm »
The step extends via the engine battery, or at least on my 2015 model.  Yes, the engine will charge the house batteries after the engine has been running for a minute or so.  There is already an isolator in the PC.  Shore power is better, you don't need a 30 amp outlet as long as you don't try to run the air conditioner or microwave.   So a standard 120v plug adapter to a 30 plug works fine. 

On my 2015 model, the generator will start via the engine battery but the engine must be running for a minute or two before you get any power to the generator starter.

Make sure, if your house batteries have water in them if they are flooded cell batteries.  If they are the original batteries, they may just be plain worn out.

No, do not jump the house batteries with your car.   That will only give you a momentary charge unless you want to leave your car idling for several hours.

A standard 12v battery charger will work.  Depending on the amperage of the charger, it could take 12 or more hours and that's if your house batteries are in good condition.
« Last Edit: August 18, 2020, 07:36:52 pm by donc13 »
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Engineerlt

Re: Dead battery
« Reply #38 on: August 20, 2020, 09:10:15 pm »
Hello Don
My 2017 2552's generator power comes straight off of the house battery. There is a 125amp circuit breaker that was located behind the house batteries. I can remove the engine battery and still start my generator.
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donc13

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Re: Dead battery
« Reply #39 on: August 21, 2020, 08:24:50 am »
Quote from: Engineerlt on August 20, 2020, 09:10:15 pm
Hello Don
My 2017 2552's generator power comes straight off of the house battery. There is a 125amp circuit breaker that was located behind the house batteries. I can remove the engine battery and still start my generator.

And I have done the same with the house batteries disconnected or removed.  Start the engine, wait a minute or two and then the generator can be primed and started. 

That was how I would "exercise" the generator when the unit was stored over the winter and the house batteries were removed and sitting at home on a battery tender.  If you shut the engine off, the generator will go off too.
« Last Edit: August 21, 2020, 08:29:38 am by donc13 »
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mikeh

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Re: Dead battery
« Reply #40 on: August 21, 2020, 11:09:51 am »
Quote from: donc13 on August 21, 2020, 08:24:50 am
Quote from: Engineerlt on August 20, 2020, 09:10:15 pm
Hello Don
My 2017 2552's generator power comes straight off of the house battery. There is a 125amp circuit breaker that was located behind the house batteries. I can remove the engine battery and still start my generator.

And I have done the same with the house batteries disconnected or removed.  Start the engine, wait a minute or two and then the generator can be primed and started. 

Lance--remember the engine alternator feed through the firewall relay back to the house batteries----don't remember exactly how the cabling connects in the battery compartment, but as long as that charging wire gets to the feed cable to the 125 amp breaker to the generator, the engine battery bolstered by the alternator output very likely feeds enough juice to crank the generator, even with no house batteries installed.

Mike
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mikea

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Re: Dead battery
« Reply #41 on: September 12, 2020, 10:50:23 pm »
Quote from: donc13 on August 18, 2020, 07:33:16 pm
The step extends via the engine battery, or at least on my 2015 model.  Yes, the engine will charge the house batteries after the engine has been running for a minute or so.  There is already an isolator in the PC.  Shore power is better, you don't need a 30 amp outlet as long as you don't try to run the air conditioner or microwave.   So a standard 120v plug adapter to a 30 plug works fine. 

On my 2015 model, the generator will start via the engine battery but the engine must be running for a minute or two before you get any power to the generator starter.

Make sure, if your house batteries have water in them if they are flooded cell batteries.  If they are the original batteries, they may just be plain worn out.

No, do not jump the house batteries with your car.   That will only give you a momentary charge unless you want to leave your car idling for several hours.

A standard 12v battery charger will work.  Depending on the amperage of the charger, it could take 12 or more hours and that's if your house batteries are in good condition.

Thanks, Don.

I brought the PC home and put it on house power.  Everything, including starting the generator works, EXCEPT the power step will not extend.
The inverter panel shows 13.7 volts, which dropped to 12.n when I cranked the generator, which did start after a handful of tries.

Did I read here that there's reset switch for the step underneath?  I may be able to have someone look.

I'll be ofg to Elkhart to get my long list of to-dos addressed, up to putting a solar panel on the roof.  I can drive it so I may get the step fixed on arrival.
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keelhauler

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Re: Dead battery
« Reply #42 on: September 13, 2020, 07:33:44 am »
There is NO reset switch. One thing that will keep steps from working is the little switch to the left of the steering wheel was left on. (It would have had to be changed out to an on-off switch) Or the engine is running or key on. This is a safety feature so step goes in when you start.

A separate issue is the main power switch near the door on? If not batteries will not charge.

How old are your batteries? Are the 2-6v in series?
« Last Edit: September 13, 2020, 07:35:24 am by keelhauler »
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John
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mikea

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Re: Dead battery
« Reply #43 on: September 13, 2020, 12:45:42 pm »
Quote from: keelhauler on September 13, 2020, 07:33:44 am
There is NO reset switch. One thing that will keep steps from working is the little switch to the left of the steering wheel was left on. (It would have had to be changed out to an on-off switch) Or the engine is running or key on. This is a safety feature so step goes in when you start.

A separate issue is the main power switch near the door on? If not batteries will not charge.

How old are your batteries? Are the 2-6v in series?

I put the step door bypass switch in both positions but the step never extends.
I now have the house batteries connected at the panel by the door and the PC has been on shore power overnight.

Mine has two 12v batteries in parallel. 
If PHX tells me they're bad - which doesn't seem to be so now - I'll do as Ron did and get 2 6v AGM batteries to put in series, provided I can make them fit.

I bought a TRIK-L and have a permanent connect eigne BatteryMINDer conditioner on my old MH that I'll transfer over.
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keelhauler

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Re: Dead battery
« Reply #44 on: September 13, 2020, 04:08:09 pm »
The step is powered by the Ford chassis battery. There is a fuse under left floor mat. There is a 4 wire connector near the step. As long as the ignition is off the red wire should be 12v.
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John
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