Coach batteries not charging

[TJ&LadyDi]

It would have been great if Newmar would have suggested where to even look for the chassis battery inverter but that info is not given out to an owner per Newmar.

Interesting. When I called last fall, one of the reps (Bruce IIRC) not only told me where to look, but stayed on the phone with me while I crawled into the storage compartment (with my cell phone) and found the inverter. He then helped me find the inverter breakers and reset them.

BTW, I believe the charging circuit is an integral part of the “inverter.” It is a combination unit (all in the same enclosure) and has circuit breakers on the input side. If one of them opens, you will lose battery charging capability. They are usually small button type breakers (push in to reset) and not easy to spot since the inverter is usually installed up between the frame rails.

TJ

 

[Hook2205]

Interesting. When I called last fall, one of the reps (Bruce IIRC) not only told me where to look, but stayed on the phone with me while I crawled into the storage compartment (with my cell phone) and found the inverter. He then helped me find the inverter breakers and reset them.

BTW, I believe the charging circuit is an integral part of the “inverter.” It is a combination unit (all in the same enclosure) and has circuit breakers on the input side. If one of them opens, you will lose battery charging capability. They are usually small button type breakers (push in to reset) and not easy to spot since the inverter is usually installed up between the frame rails.

TJ

Thank you. I have spoken to another rep at Newmar after asking for a supervisor. She was very helpful and we are now locating it.

 

[Hook2205]

UPDATE:
Mark, a certified Newmar tech came out. Said we needed to replace the converter. Converter replaced. Still no charge. Changed out outlet. Still no charge. SO…..we are definitely at a loss and out $$$. Any other suggestions folks? BTW, called the tech Mark and he has also stated he can’t figure it out. On the phone again with Newmar and they are also at a loss. It’s a mystery and we are stuck stopping every three hours to recharge batteries.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Is the charging circuit outputting power? Since it is new, I suspect it is, but that needs to be checked at the unit. If it is, the wires between the converter and the battery need to be checked. I believe there may be a high-amperage inline fuse in the charging circuit, It is probably located somewhere near the batteries and may be inside a small plastic enclosure that is not readily visible. The fuse needs to be checked, as well as whether there is power to that point in the circuit. There may be a diode in the circuit as well; has it opened. Are the connectors where the charging circuit connects to the battery clean and tight. Check for power at that point as well.

These type of problems need to be diagnosed methodically. Too many “technicians” are simply parts replaces and have no idea how to do that. It is simply a matter of starting at the beginning of a circuit and tracing power to each individual point along the way. And, never “assume” at any point; question everything—including “new” parts. Verify everything.

TJ

 

[Hook2205]

Is the charging circuit outputting power? Since it is new, I suspect it is, but that needs to be checked at the unit. If it is, the wires between the converter and the battery need to be checked. I believe there may be a high-amperage inline fuse in the charging circuit, It is probably located somewhere near the batteries and may be inside a small plastic enclosure that is not readily visible. The fuse needs to be checked, as well as whether there is power to that point in the circuit. There may be a diode in the circuit as well; has it opened. Are the connectors where the charging circuit connects to the battery clean and tight. Check for power at that point as well.

These type of problems need to be diagnosed methodically. Too many “technicians” are simply parts replaces and have no idea how to do that. It is simply a matter of starting at the beginning of a circuit and tracing power to each individual point along the way. And, never “assume” at any point; question everything—including “new” parts. Verify everything.

TJ

Ty so much. Another day in the bays!! :-(

 

[redbaron]

I just sent you a PM @Hook2205 - send me your newmar coach SN via PM. I am going to lookup the components used on your build.

You used the worrd Converter---which I don't think newmar used in 2013.

There was 3 different Inverters used

1000w (Option #J260) - Xantrex SW1000

600W (Optoin #L280) - MM612

2000W (Option #J655) - MS2012

 

[redbaron]

Here are the options for the panel inside:

If none of these match, then you may truly have a separate converter. The smaller inverters in my prior post do not have a converter/charger built in.

here are the standard options for that year:

OPT L330 - 80 Amp Charge Wizard

 

[redbaron]

Op has these components:

Intellitec 9280 Converter
Powerwatt inverter w/ Xantrex 1000


Check the output voltage on the converter. There is a charge relay between converter and the batteries. That may be the issue.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Excellent pieces of information, @redbaron! Hopefully, it will point the OP to the problem. These kinds of issues can be maddening and, if not approached methodically, can drive you up the wall. Having good information on the components and circuit certainly helps.

TJ

 

[Hook2205]

Op has these components:

Intellitec 9280 Converter
Powerwatt inverter w/ Xantrex 1000


Check the output voltage on the converter. There is a charge relay between converter and the batteries. That may be the issue.

Ty. The converter is brand new however we will check in am.

 

[Hook2205]

Excellent pieces of information, @redbaron! Hopefully, it will point the OP to the problem. These kinds of issues can be maddening and, if not approached methodically, can drive you up the wall. Having good information on the components and circuit certainly helps.

TJ

It certainly is maddening! We are at our witts end! “Change this, change that…) We are beginning to think these techs are just replacement happy on someone’s else’s dime!

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Ty so much. Another day in the bays!! :-(

There is one bright spot! While you are finding the problem, you will accumulate a wealth of valuable knowledge and experience with your electrical system. The next time you have an issue, you will know an expert you can turn to for advice—yourself!

TJ