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Topic: Fluorescent Lights under cabinets not turning on  (Read 671 times) previous topic - next topic

Fluorescent Lights under cabinets not turning on

I've had my 98 U270 since July 3 and can't figure out how to turn on the under cabinet florescent lights. Tried every switch I can find in the coach. I've also checked for power on the downstream side of every wire leading from 12 volt fuse box in bedroom. Only other lights not getting power are the two wall mounted lights in bedroom. Checked bulbs and swapped bulbs with 1076 bulbs in living room and dining room, they work. Could use some help. Thanks
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Fluorescent Lights under cabinets not turning on

Reply #1 –
Some of those had the switch right on the fixture and others had them behind the couch or under the cabinet.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Fluorescent Lights under cabinets not turning on

Reply #2 –
Our 97 270 has them on the fixture itself.  The overheads are switched remotely but the under cabinets are each individual.  That was my first OMGosh as well.
George and Steph
1997 U270 36 Build 5081 "Honu"
1180w Solar 400A lithium all Victron house system
Motorcade 17670, SKP 128300, FMCA F459019
73 VW Camper, 79 VW Camper, 2363 Sunline, and an Arctic Fox 25P

Re: Fluorescent Lights under cabinets not turning on

Reply #3 –
our under cabinet lights are switched on by the centre( of 3 switches) one at entrance door. If you have this set up and it does not work I would check to see if you have 12v at that light, and the one under bathroom cabinet. It also turns on the little one on side of entry steps.
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Fluorescent Lights under cabinets not turning on

Reply #4 –
Removed light lens and ballast cover. 12+ volts measured from both sides of switch and picking up ground wire tied to circuit board on ballast. Same on other under cabinets, none of them work. Switch is on in both positions at the fixtures as if switches were being bypassed. How could four fixtures all be bad?
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Fluorescent Lights under cabinets not turning on

Reply #5 –
The lights in the bedroom worked well for us but the two forward did not.  Rapid pushing of the on button eventually brought the on.  First two to three bring them on now.  Eventually I will clean the contacts.
George and Steph
1997 U270 36 Build 5081 "Honu"
1180w Solar 400A lithium all Victron house system
Motorcade 17670, SKP 128300, FMCA F459019
73 VW Camper, 79 VW Camper, 2363 Sunline, and an Arctic Fox 25P

Re: Fluorescent Lights under cabinets not turning on

Reply #6 –
Can't check right now because of storm will check it out in the coach tomorrow.
George and Steph
1997 U270 36 Build 5081 "Honu"
1180w Solar 400A lithium all Victron house system
Motorcade 17670, SKP 128300, FMCA F459019
73 VW Camper, 79 VW Camper, 2363 Sunline, and an Arctic Fox 25P

Re: Fluorescent Lights under cabinets not turning on

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Realmccoy –
How could four fixtures all be bad?
After we bought our coach at least four of the Thin-Lite fluorescent lamps did not work  There were spare tubes on board.  I replaced some of the tubes, the lamps still didn't work.  In the end though it turned out that it was just bad tubes, even the spares. Not sure why someone would keep the bad ones.  Try the tubes in a lamp that works. 
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Fluorescent Lights under cabinets not turning on

Reply #8 –
When you say under cabinet lights, are you talking about the little tubes under cabs  near the floor in galley and bath?  If so, on a switch by the entry door to the right.
Mike
Mike Brady
'97 U320 SE. #5137
'13 Honda Fit
Willow Springs, MO

Re: Fluorescent Lights under cabinets not turning on

Reply #9 –
Mike, that was my comment a few posts ago
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Fluorescent Lights under cabinets not turning on

Reply #10 –
Helpful suggestions. It's the Thin Lite 18 inch florescent tube lights, two tubes per fixture under the overhead cabinets: one over sink, one over dining table, one over couch, one over recliner. The florescent fixtures in the ceiling all work. I will pick up a pair of bulbs from the hardware store to see if the under cabinet fixtures will then light up. Have pulled covers and verified voltage present in three of four. One tube rattled, others sounded good and looked good.

Has anybody switched to 12 volt LED tubes? That would be an easy rewire, but wonder if the tubes will fit with the "thin" plastic diffusers. My fixtures are partially recessed into the cabinets so changing to different LED light bar fixtures might be a headache.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Fluorescent Lights under cabinets not turning on

Reply #11 –
Try the new bulb suggested by Jerry.  Slept on it and remembered that when I had the issue with the two galley lights, even after finding switches and checking power, I had FOE test them.  All four bulbs were out.
George and Steph
1997 U270 36 Build 5081 "Honu"
1180w Solar 400A lithium all Victron house system
Motorcade 17670, SKP 128300, FMCA F459019
73 VW Camper, 79 VW Camper, 2363 Sunline, and an Arctic Fox 25P

Re: Fluorescent Lights under cabinets not turning on

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Realmccoy –
.........
Has anybody switched to 12 volt LED tubes? That would be an easy rewire, but wonder if the tubes will fit with the "thin" plastic diffusers. My fixtures are partially recessed into the cabinets so changing to different LED light bar fixtures might be a headache.

I used the LEDs from welcome to jirahled.com! to replace the fluorescents.  I clipped the 12 volt leads from the power supply inside the fixtures, and wired the 12 volt directly to the LEDs.  These LEDs are thin, long lasting, low amp draw, look good, and work great.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Fluorescent Lights under cabinets not turning on

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Realmccoy –
Has anybody switched to 12 volt LED tubes?
Lots of topics on LED lights in the forum.  Here is how I did it, that is if the link works.  Homemade Light bulb
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Fluorescent Lights under cabinets not turning on

Reply #14 –
All 8 bulbs bad! I'm checking out led options. Thanks for your help.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Fluorescent Lights under cabinets not turning on

Reply #15 –

Has anybody switched to 12 volt LED tubes? That would be an easy rewire, but wonder if the tubes will fit with the "thin" plastic diffusers. My fixtures are partially recessed into the cabinets so changing to different LED light bar fixtures might be a headache.
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I replaced all of my Thin Lite tubes with the products from Cabin Bright- easy install, works well, Joe has several intensity of lights you can choose from.  CabinBright.com 

 ^.^d

Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing