Need some advice... DX3 Inverter

[orangecrush]

So I picked up my RV from the freightliner dealer after getting some work done (BTW, the 150 ft-lbs of torque from the tune was soooo worth it)

I'm sure there is no correlation but they shut everything off (which I never do, I just let the AGS system kick on) but when I got it back, the inverter doesn't work.

The inverter works on shore power or generator but nothing else. I checked all the power in and power out, etc, etc (13.9 volts) and called a mobile RV tech who FaceTimed me and had me check other things.

It was as suspected, the inverter died. The reason I'm posting this in this particular forum rather than an electrical because one of the side effects is my side marker lights and tail lights on the RV stay off most of the time now, they flicker at best so I don't know if this is some weird wiring exclusive to a DX3 or all RV's.

I had to drive to FL today so I had to run with my generator on to keep the refrigerator running (my intention was to meet a tech in FL and he was going to replace it there... that's another cluster fudge that didn't work out)

Anyway, is it feasible that the fact the inverter isn't working has anything to do with side marker lights and/or rail lights?

I know as with most modern cars, any variance in voltage with create havoc with the car's system but this just seems weird it's only side effects are the parking lights and tail lights flickering.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[bclemens]

Shouldn't be connected. Are you sure the inverter is shot?

 

[firedude2]

Lights problem sounds more like a ground issue. Possibly a bad or loose connection or switch. Are all batteries good?

 

[FOURWHL]

I would also be looking hard at batteries and their health. IMO no theres no chance (outside of shorted wires) that the inverter has anything to do with the lights. It's only interface with the 12v system is to get power, and those are different batteries. Now if the batteries are shot and the relay is connected wierd things can happen.

I had a DEF code /CEL this winter and and when I searched it the 12 page cummins troubleshooting doc spent 8 pages talking about proper grounds and battery. I knew my stock chassis batteries were well past their best by date so decided to start there. Turns out after a couple successful restarts the code cleared.

So your assessment as to how sensitive things are to voltage is correct. I just don't see how that links to the inverter or charger. Batteries are far more likely imo and would also explain the dead inverter.

 

[KRedburn]

I'll also say that the marker lights issue is a grounding issue. There is a chassis grounding post near the back of the chassis. Start there for the marker lights.

Regarding the inverter -- I'll bet it is in search mode. Won't work with that setting activated. Recheck the inverter system settings. I'll also bet that the inverter was shut off using the red button. Never use this button just use the battery disconnect switch. The red button will put the inverter back to default which will set it into search mode.

my 2 cents.

 

[johndjmix]

I agree also check ground.

If it’s not the ground, and the hot feed to the lights is broken somewhere, don’t waste the time to find the break. Much faster to just run a new wire to the front of the coach where the wire starts.

—John

 

[orangecrush]

Thanks y’all. So we got home from our trip last night. As far as settings, I read what Brian shared and all my settings are correct. John, what red button gets reset? I don’t know if the dealer did something but I did go through and make sure the settings are correct. I did notice all three of the soft reset buttons can not be pushed or clicked on.

As far as the lights, all the way home they flickered. I too assume that it’s a bad ground. I did check the frame ground and ran the full length of the Rv looking for any wires that may have been broken, torn or chewed but from a visual inspection, I saw nothing.

Having said all that, when I pulled in the driveway, all the marker lights came on except for one. I suspect that the one not working is interfering with the rest of them. The funny part is when I was at the RV resort, I took a test light to the back of that same light not working, I didn’t get any power to either wire. If the marker lamp is defective, would it interfere with the rest of them?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[KRedburn]

Thanks y’all. So we got home from our trip last night. As far as settings, I read what Brian shared and all my settings are correct. John, what red button gets reset? I don’t know if the dealer did something but I did go through and make sure the settings are correct. I did notice all three of the soft reset buttons can not be pushed or clicked on.

As far as the lights, all the way home they flickered. I too assume that it’s a bad ground. I did check the frame ground and ran the full length of the Rv looking for any wires that may have been broken, torn or chewed but from a visual inspection, I saw nothing.

Having said all that, when I pulled in the driveway, all the marker lights came on except for one. I suspect that the one not working is interfering with the rest of them. The funny part is when I was at the RV resort, I took a test light to the back of that same light not working, I didn’t get any power to either wire. If the marker lamp is defective, would it interfere with the rest of them?

Thanks,

Mark

Maybe ---- The marker lights are LED. Marker light circuits are protected by circuit breaker on most all trucks. Many times an LED light will short circuit in a defective condition and will trip the breaker. This repeatedly happens until the circuit for the faulty LED "burns" the connection (flickering all marker lights). Once that burn happens the rest of the marker lights will work. Replace the offending marker light (there are usually a lot of black spots (the burnt LEDs) in it).

 

[orangecrush]

Maybe ---- The marker lights are LED. Marker light circuits are protected by circuit breaker on most all trucks. Many times an LED light will short circuit in a defective condition and will trip the breaker. This repeatedly happens until the circuit for the faulty LED "burns" the connection (flickering all marker lights). Once that burn happens the rest of the marker lights will work. Replace the offending marker light (there are usually a lot of black spots (the burnt LEDs) in it).

Ken,

Thank you. That explains why the GFI circuit breaker kept tripping. Now that that light is burnt out, all the rest of them work fine.

Much appreciated, thanks everyone.


Mark