Confusing Engine Start Issue

kentdavido · 06-05-2021, 06:17 AM

Start of this question, we keep our rig indoors plugged in. I service the batteries. Before we left on the big adventure we took him out and filled him up. Fired right up. Two days later We go to bring him closer to the house and nothing. I turn the Key On and nothing.I mean the dash is black and not even a crank. So I turn on the house switch, fire up the generator, give it a minute. Turn the switch, dash lights up and he fired up. So, we’re out on the road, and we’re going through the same thing, I’m really confused. I mean why nothing on the dash even if it was a low battery issue. We purchased him new. We’ve not replaced the batteries. What is up? Transfer switch, battery discount?

Witch Doctor · 06-05-2021, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kentdavido

Start of this question, we keep our rig indoors plugged in. I service the batteries. Before we left on the big adventure we took him out and filled him up. Fired right up. Two days later We go to bring him closer to the house and nothing. I turn the Key On and nothing.I mean the dash is black and not even a crank. So I turn on the house switch, fire up the generator, give it a minute. Turn the switch, dash lights up and he fired up. So, we’re out on the road, and we’re going through the same thing, I’m really confused. I mean why nothing on the dash even if it was a low battery issue. We purchased him new. We’ve not replaced the batteries. What is up? Transfer switch, battery discount?

I had a similar problem, I was always afraid to shut the motor off. Well Atleast with mine the problem came out to be the starting relay, I replaced the relay for about 20 bucks, knock on wood the problem stopped. I also would have zip when it happened. Sometimes it took 5 x’s to try and crank it, I found that GM had a bad batch of relays for years, I got to replace it by there newer model. I think the new one is Delco. I also had a problem with my fuel pump, my engine just cranked and cranked, I changed that relay to, it was the exact same relay, no problems since. Hope that’s your only problem, drove me nuts for awhile.

bubbles · 06-05-2021, 07:45 AM

Could be your chassis battery is dead. When you started the gen and connected the house batteries the coach and chassis batteries are being charged via the converter. Next time when this occurs hold your emergency start switch (puts the coach batteries and the chassis battery in parallel) and see if things are normal. If so, your chassis battery is either toast or has corroded posts. Just guessing.

NXR · 06-05-2021, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kentdavido

Start of this question, we keep our rig indoors plugged in. I service the batteries. Before we left on the big adventure we took him out and filled him up. Fired right up. Two days later We go to bring him closer to the house and nothing. I turn the Key On and nothing. I mean the dash is black and not even a crank. So I turn on the house switch, fire up the generator, give it a minute. Turn the switch, dash lights up and he fired up.

I see you have a 2016 Georgetown 364TS per your profile.

Quote:

So, we’re out on the road, and we’re going through the same thing, I’m really confused. I mean why nothing on the dash even if it was a low battery issue. We purchased him new. We’ve not replaced the batteries.

Lead acid batteries have a life of around four to five years so you're "right there" and likely a bit over. If your chassis battery, the one that starts the engine, and the house batteries are original you're due or overdue for replacement.

If a battery develops a defective cell it can take a charge and then die rather quickly once the charging circuit is removed.

When parked on this trip, what is your source of 120 volt AC power? Shore power or what? If solar, a bad chassis battery is likely your issue since there is no charging overnight.

If this were me and with batteries so old, I'd be hitting up an auto parts store today and replacing the chassis battery. Even if that battery is not yet dead, it will be soon. Just make that problem or possibility of that problem go away.

Since all batteries are original, you should consider the possibility (probability) that eventually your old house batteries will not be able to start the generator.

If you want to do some troubleshooting first, you likely have the SDC-107A Battery Control Center. When on shore power the BCC should keep a charge on both the house batteries and the chassis battery IF the house batteries are connected.

I know people have had issues with the contactors in the BCC that caused the batteries to not charge when they should. TomInVegas just had this on his 2019.

There are some docs that explain how to troubleshoot the SDC-107A BCC here: https://rvcustomproducts.com/sdc-107a

Ray

cfo111 · 06-06-2021, 12:28 PM

Why do you start genny can't you just hit transfer switch on dash sent house battery's to front to start your coach like most do?

Daroyaci · 06-08-2021, 11:23 AM

Kent......I too had this exact same issue on my 2016 364ts. Scratched my head for a long time. Chassis battery tested good, but took a chance and replaced it with a new one and never had the issue again. I think maybe the battery had a bad cell in it that would show its ugly head at certain times but not others. I sometimes had to hit my house battery switch to help start the engine but not always. I know its a cost to take a chance on a new battery, but just letting you know that it worked for me. Good luck.

kentdavido · 06-09-2021, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daroyaci

Kent......I too had this exact same issue on my 2016 364ts. Scratched my head for a long time. Chassis battery tested good, but took a chance and replaced it with a new one and never had the issue again. I think maybe the battery had a bad cell in it that would show its ugly head at certain times but not others. I sometimes had to hit my house battery switch to help start the engine but not always. I know its a cost to take a chance on a new battery, but just letting you know that it worked for me. Good luck.

I think you’re exactly right, I’m headed to check it out tonight. Thank you so much. Do you remember what battery you replaced it with?

Daroyaci · 06-10-2021, 09:45 AM

Sorry, I do not remember the exact one i bought but just bring your old one to Auto Zone or similar place and get exact match. You should be good to go after that.
thanks

Daroyaci · 06-15-2021, 10:27 AM

Kent, just curious if you changed out your battery and if so, did it work for you?

kentdavido · 06-21-2021, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daroyaci

Kent, just curious if you changed out your battery and if so, did it work for you?

Yep and it fixed the issue by replacing the battery I feel really stupid and the information about taking out the grill made the task so much easier.

Daroyaci · 06-21-2021, 01:05 PM

Fantastic, Glad to hear. FYI, I can't take credit for the "fix", I learned it from someone else here. This forum has a TON of knowledgeable folks that make this really fun and easy. I have learned so much from these great people. Good luck in your journey's.

kentdavido · 06-21-2021, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daroyaci

Fantastic, Glad to hear. FYI, I can't take credit for the "fix", I learned it from someone else here. This forum has a TON of knowledgeable folks that make this really fun and easy. I have learned so much from these great people. Good luck in your journey's.

I agree with you totally it’s the best group of people. It’s really amazing the knowledge that’s held and everyone who participates. I feel really blessed by all the support. You guys are a great gift.

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