Solera not charging on engine

Pedrodasdas · 08-28-2013, 05:34 PM

I am slowly getting my charging problem solved,,,,,,almost !

Got my new converter 55 amp so now, it's charging on 110 volts.

It's still not charging on alternator.

Point A: 14,21 volts from engine running
point B: 9,8 volts from coach batteries,
Point C; 0 Volts but if I trigger with a current, it will then show chassis battery current
Ignition: Shows 0,11 volts !?!?!?

Is the problem the relay or the BIRD ?

Pedrodasdas · 08-29-2013, 09:31 PM

Hum, I supposed I will have to ask somewhere else

Just to add, the relay is now very hot, normal or not ?

DebbieMH · 08-30-2013, 05:50 AM

Sorry, like I've posted before - I'm lucky to change a lightbulb - so I'm no help. Hopefully someone in the know can help.

Loefflerh · 08-30-2013, 07:58 AM

It sounds like my Problem when I got the coach - read my post "Battery Isolator-!2V from Ignition" maybe you got the same problem! Initially I thought too the BIRD is defective, it was the orange cable coming from the steps to the control panel supplying voltage from the ignition!
BTW can you move the slide and electric awning when the engine is running??

DebbieMH · 08-30-2013, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loefflerh

BTW can you move the slide and electric awning when the engine is running??

No, no one can move either when the engine is running ....

VinceU · 08-30-2013, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedrodasdas

Hum, I supposed I will have to ask somewhere else

Just to add, the relay is now very hot, normal or not ?

Solonoids usually heat and or vibrate when energized and the core cannot find the center. Good ones can be aligned, yours is sealed and cannot. The gas solonoid BTW can burn you on contact!

Loefflerh · 08-30-2013, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DebbieMH

No, no one can move either when the engine is running ....

Debbie, my question was for troubleshooting....I know you should not be able to...but like it my case with the orange cable ripped off the safety feature was disabled!
Hans

Pedrodasdas · 08-30-2013, 10:33 AM

DebbieMH: Thank you for the moral support, I need it !

VinceU: OK, I will keep my fingers and my nose away.

Loefflerh: Just went to Forest (that's my Solera's nickname, Roll Forrest Roll) Yes, with the engine runnig , the slide and awning works

I know there is a problem with the orange wire and a posted the problem last year cause my electric step would not retract and did not get an answer.

I will read your post but if you have the solution, please let me know !

Pedrodasdas · 08-30-2013, 10:49 AM

Loefflerh: Just read your post, very easy to understand for a Frenchie like me, thanks.
I will go dig in the foam and see if I can find a broken wire because,the steps were working fine when I bought Forest.

Now, can somebody confirm or infirm I should get 12 volts on that orange wire in the battery manager section (look at the low right corner on the picture on the first post), it's the orange wire market ignition.

Loefflerh · 08-30-2013, 10:51 AM

I am sure you have the same problem I had ....read my post. you have to crawl underneath the coach next to the steps (forward of them) and start digging the foam away till you find that orange cable there. Once you find it and reconnect it everything is working fine and the slide out will not work with the engine running!
Steps were working fine on mine too when I had that problem....and yes you should have 12V on that orange wire with the engine running (just to turn on the ignition is not enough)
Hans

Pedrodasdas · 08-30-2013, 11:09 AM

Ok, first found THE big plug-in .
I know now the meaning of the expression; secrets of behind the scene !

Unplugged it and there is an orange wire, I supposed this is the wire that should send 12 volts when engine is runnig.

I have no voltage on it right now. I continue to dig.

Dig! Baby Dig! dixit Sarah Paulin

Pedrodasdas · 08-30-2013, 12:26 PM

Update: I now have current on that orange wire when engine runs BUT only between 7 and 9 volts MAX, not 12 volts. I'm looking for a short now.

Nats · 08-30-2013, 12:53 PM

Interesting, on my (new to me) 2012 I know I can open and close the slide when the engine is running. Have not tried the awning.

My steps do work and they retract when the engine is started. I have not verified that my house battery is being charged when the engine is running.

I guess I will have to do that.

Keep us posted on what you find.

Loefflerh · 08-30-2013, 01:26 PM

to my knowledge that safety feature for the slideout was added last year...

Slow_movin · 08-30-2013, 01:46 PM

My 2011 Solera...the step opens and closes when the engine is running and I would think that it should be that way if you desire to go in or out of the coach while the engine is running. The awning will NOT open or close with the ignition on turned on.

Pedrodasdas · 08-30-2013, 01:50 PM

I found a big grey wire going up, this is probably the awning safety but it is not working right now. Still trying to find out why i'm getting only 8 volts on that orange ignition wire !

Pedrodasdas · 08-30-2013, 02:29 PM

Follow the orange wire all the way to under the driver seat. Getting 0 volts with ignition off and 14,1 volts with engine running.

Gonna do the reverse path and take reading at all connection. Getting somewhere !

Loefflerh · 08-30-2013, 02:31 PM

Follow that orange cable from the big plug all the way up to where it disappears in the wall going to the control box. I my case there was another Y-connection all the way up there - and that is where it is ripped apart.

Btw - just in case your car battery is not fully charged, it will not charge the house battery. First the car battery gets a full load and then the coach.

Normal use, when you start the engine about 90sec later you can hear the relay closing, and then your house battery will get charged. Easy to see - your battery will indicate 4 lights (fully charged) immediately although its not fully charged yet....

Loefflerh · 08-30-2013, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slow_movin

My 2011 Solera...the step opens and closes when the engine is running and I would think that it should be that way if you desire to go in or out of the coach while the engine is running. The awning will NOT open or close with the ignition on turned on.

Everything is working as it is supposed to!

Pedrodasdas · 08-30-2013, 02:52 PM

OK, VOILÀ ! After untwisting all the connections, cutting all the tie-wraps and removing the black tape and foam. I AM GETTING 14 VOLTS ALL THE WAY ! BRAVO TO ME ! But , I don't know what the problem was. Probably some people at FR are playing too rough on those wires.

My step is working as it should, means it close by itself when ignition is put on. My awning can not be opened when engine is running but the slide out does (I think it is normal for a 2011)

I am now discharging my coach batteries to verify if they will get charged by the alternator.

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