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Topic: Light switch (Read 1323 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Light switch

Reply #25 –
Quote from: Michaeloh59 –
Yea the pic i posted is of the fixture with the defuser cover removed.

The white center piece in your picture will come out by squeezing it also
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Light switch

Reply #26 –
Craneman is correct....... center  metal cover must be removed to expose the ballast, in the same way as the plastic lens
You do not need to remove the fixture to do this
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Light switch

Reply #27 –
Here is what the ballast looks like in that Thin-Lite model (after you remove the center metal cover).  You can easily see where the two power leads (the clipped wires) attach to the circuit board.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Light switch

Reply #28 –
If you decide you want to convert that fixture to LED, here is a thread with some photos and ideas (scroll down to Reply #7):

Another (Interior) LED Project
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Light switch

Reply #29 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
Here is what the ballast looks like in that Thin-Lite model (after you remove the center metal cover).  You can easily see where the two power leads (the clipped wires) attach to the circuit board.
Pulled off that metal cover and tried to take a reading from the power leads where they are attached to circuit board. Not sure i had enough naked wire exposed but i did get a very small reading, .04 and jumping around a little. But when i turned off the light switch the meter drops to 0. Turn the switch back on and back to .04. I thought it should be 12V but then i dont know much, and it may be that there was not enough exposed wire to get a good reading. In any caee it would appear that i am getting power to the ballast but no powerr from the ballast. So bad ballast, right?
97 U320
Build 5099
Victoria, Tx

Re: Light switch

Reply #30 –
As long as you replaced both bulbs with el cheapo made in China by GE (the only ones available here) and no light, then it is your ballast, which generally don't go out. That being said, my neighbor with his Wanderlodge had one of his banks just go out, had him get fresh bulbs, nope. We pulled the fixture and could see where one of the wires on the ballast had fried. He's going on line, but we did talk about LED replacement, also. Good luck.  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Light switch

Reply #31 –
No, you need to verify that you do have 12 VDC to the ballast. .04 DVC means either a bad reading, or something is wrong with the wiring.  You should have a butt connector between house wire and fixture.  insert a pin or other small metal object and get an accurate reading.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Light switch

Reply #32 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
No, you need to verify that you do have 12 VDC to the ballast. .04 DVC means either a bad reading, or something is wrong with the wiring.  You should have a butt connector between house wire and fixture.  insert a pin or other small metal object and get an accurate reading.
Which I did on my friend's coach, we had 12VDC to the ballast. I'd find someone who is familiar with a VOM, no offense.  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Light switch

Reply #33 –
Be sure your meter is set for DC Volts, like maybe 20 Vdc setting. The reading you got sounds like the meter might have been on AC Volts.
Dick, '03 U320 40' Tag, 2 slides, Coach #6075
Full Timers
2009 Honda CR-V

Re: Light switch

Reply #34 –
Quote from: Dick S –
Be sure your meter is set for DC Volts, like maybe 20 Vdc setting. The reading you got sounds like the meter might have been on AC Volts.

It was set on 20V DC. Double checked it. .04 V
97 U320
Build 5099
Victoria, Tx

Re: Light switch

Reply #35 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
No, you need to verify that you do have 12 VDC to the ballast. .04 DVC means either a bad reading, or something is wrong with the wiring.  You should have a butt connector between house wire and fixture.  insert a pin or other small metal object and get an accurate reading.
Ok. Dont see a butt connector so perhaps i will have to drop the fixture.
97 U320
Build 5099
Victoria, Tx

Re: Light switch

Reply #36 –
Remove the white section in the center by squeezing it together, the ballast is under it.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: Light switch

Reply #37 –
If you are SURE that you are getting a good connection (reading) with the meter and it's only reading .04 V ......
Then check the voltage at the switch. Both to and from (line / load)
Would be best to verify that you have a good ground connection for your meter.
The voltage may be there and you have lost (or at least a poor) ground connection.
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Light switch

Reply #38 –
Quote from: Michaeloh59 –
Bought a meter, watched some you tube and put the probes on what i take to be the metal contacts in the fixture. Zip zero nada. Of course that is literally rhe first time i have ever used a meter and perhaps i should try on a battery or something to see what happens. Yea.

Since the meter and checking a circuit is new to you, as you suggested above, were you able to check a known working circuit with the meter so you know what that looks like on your meter. Not saying that the ballast isn't faulty but you need to have faith in your meter and settings.

Good luck,
Darrel
97 40' U320 #5017
2004 Saturn Vue
Bella & Jesse in charge of security