No Longer Charging from Alternator to Coach Batteries

In Lance's thread about his lithium battery install, I mentioned that my alternator was no longer charging my lithium batteries.  Thought I'd post a follow up.

Initially thought it was the 40 amp auto-reset circuit breaker under the coolant bottle, but that was fine.  I had a blown 30-amp fuse.  This was the fuse for the ignition wire that connects to the control side of the solenoid under the coolant bottle.  Without the ignition wire active, the solenoid never activated to charge the coach batteries when the engine was running.  I have the newer 7.3L "Godzilla" engine and this fuse, as well as others are "MCASE" fuses.  I didn't have MCASE spares, but now I'm stocked.

Not sure why the fuse blew, but after replacing it, I subsequently installed a Victron DC-DC charger - works great!  Part of that install, which was kindly assisted by Lance (still active, but on Facebook), included disconnecting the ignition wire from the solenoid - hopefully no more issues! 

I think you will like the Victron unit.  Lance also helped me with figuring out the wiring.  Too bad he is no longer a participant here!

I think you will like the Victron unit.  Lance also helped me with figuring out the wiring.  Too bad he is no longer a participant here!

Lance is a treasure!  I told him PC should hire him as a consultant.  I should also mention Dave Berman was a big help!

I've now installed a Smart Shunt, Solar Controller, and DC-DC charger, all Victron.  I really enjoy being able to monitor what is going on.

I believe I saw pics of your PC battery compartment on FB.  VERY nice work!

The Victron stuff is a little more expensive than some, but it is all very high quality.  This is my second RV redo using Victron components and it  included all Victron where possible including , inverter and remote, charge controller, DC to DC, Smart shunt and power distribution.  All of it works as it should; with much having blue tooth monitoring. 

I would encourage anyone upgrading to consider the Victron products!

Picture attached shows the BMV-172 shunt and remote, along with the Victron distributor and two 206ah SOK batteries in a new battery box I had to fabricate to hold it all.

Lance was invaluable in providing guidance, I would still be fumbling along with out his help.

After a bit more troubleshooting, the blown 30 amp fuse was for my driver seat - not sure why it was blown. I am also now not sure why the ignition wire was not working the other day when I tested it for voltage. Since the ignition wire did not have a 12 volt signal, it couldn't activate the solenoid and begin alternator to coach batteries charging.  However, now that I've disconnected the ignition wire from the solenoid (no longer need it attached to the solenoid since I installed a DC-DC charger), and have it attached directly to the white mirror wire, the ignition wire has 12 volts even if I pull the 30 amp fuse.  Obviously the fuse was not the issue - still not sure what was, and I apologize for any confusion!