Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: WS6_Keith on March 11, 2022, 08:46:20 pm

Title: Lost power to dash/key switch - engine batts
Post by: WS6_Keith on March 11, 2022, 08:46:20 pm
We're out boondocking not too far from civilization.  Got here last night with no issues.  Ran the generator this morning to charge the batteries.  Left the coach about 7am with the generator running, dash cigarette lighter voltage gauges showing 14.3 volts, charging.  Shut the generator off remotely about 3.5 hrs later.  Came back to the coach at lunch and find no dash cigarette lighter voltage on the chassis side.  House side showing 12.8V.  Turn the key, nothing.  No dinger, no dash lights, nothing.  After some time, the cigarette lighter voltage started showing again, but if I turn the key on, it goes out and there is still nothing at the dash.  Takes a while for it to reset and show voltage again...last time took 40 mins.  Odd.

Fired the generator and it is charging the house batts (dash cig lighter showing 14.1V now), but still no voltage on showing on the cigarette lighter for the chassis.  Going to check if the BEP voltage sensing relay is showing power being sent to the chassis batteries.

Going to grab the schematics, but if you guys have some suggestions, I'm all ears.

Edited to add:  Checked chassis batteries - 12.87V at the batteries.  Checked power at boost solenoid, normal on house batteries, 2.4V on chassis side.  Checked positive post on starter, 2.4V.  What is between the house batteries and the starter or boost solenoid that could cause a loss of power? 
Title: Re: Lost power to dash/key switch - engine batts
Post by: Dakota Slim on March 11, 2022, 09:12:25 pm
The salesman switch?
Title: Re: Lost power to dash/key switch - engine batts
Post by: WS6_Keith on March 11, 2022, 09:19:21 pm
Pretty sure that's just for the house batteries, not the chassis batteries.  I've never turned it off and everything inside works...just not the dash or key switch.
Title: Re: Lost power to dash/key switch - engine batts
Post by: dsd on March 11, 2022, 09:59:33 pm
There is a wire lug mounted between the batteries and the starter. Suspect you will find resistant or indication of burns. Both for power and ground.
Title: Re: Lost power to dash/key switch - engine batts
Post by: WS6_Keith on March 11, 2022, 10:52:31 pm
I hate intermittent issues.  Ran the generator for about an hour and now I see the chassis cigarette lighter has 14.2V.  Checked the voltage at the boost solenoid and starter...both at 14.2V also.  Turned the key on, everything working once again.  Makes no sense.

Title: Re: Lost power to dash/key switch - engine batts
Post by: dsd on March 12, 2022, 09:26:27 am
Load cell , battery charger, test lights and a volt meter, Its not intermittent, its hiding in plain sight.
Scott
Title: Re: Lost power to dash/key switch - engine batts
Post by: red tractor on March 12, 2022, 07:00:26 pm
Check all chassis battery connectors