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EVC Electrical Problem


jastamford
 

My 95 was working fine with the coach battery being charged by the
altnator while driving or by shoreline when parked... an THEN! I go on
a trip and the coach batter goes dead keeping the refridge cold while
driving. A volt meter told me that I was not getting any juice at the
battery with the engine running and the alternator showed 14.5 VDC
output at the battery under the hood. Shoreline recharged the coach
battery no problem. In trying to fix the problem, I have come to the
conclusion that there is a relay the switches between the shoreline and
the alternator to charge the coach battery... question is; 1) am I
correct? 2) where the hell did wennibago hide it? 3) how do I change
it? and 4) where to buy a replacement? That for anyone's help.


 

There's a solenoid that is supposed to pick up when the engine is
running (actually, when the key is on) to recharge the rear battery.
A lot of auto parts places have them or can get them. Usually about
$20. Make sure you get a continuous duty solenoid. There should be 3
wires, 2 heavy and 1 small. Also a couple of bolts and/or nuts
holding it to the wall.

Can't help with the location, but I'd guess it's pretty close to the
rear battery. When you find it, you might try rapping on it with a
non-metallic object. May get you by until you get one.

Duane
05HD Rialta

--- In ev_update@..., "jastamford" <johnstamford@...> wrote:

My 95 was working fine with the coach battery being charged by the
altnator while driving or by shoreline when parked... an THEN! I go on
a trip and the coach batter goes dead keeping the refridge cold while
driving. A volt meter told me that I was not getting any juice at the
battery with the engine running and the alternator showed 14.5 VDC
output at the battery under the hood. Shoreline recharged the coach
battery no problem. In trying to fix the problem, I have come to the
conclusion that there is a relay the switches between the shoreline and
the alternator to charge the coach battery... question is; 1) am I
correct? 2) where the hell did wennibago hide it? 3) how do I change
it? and 4) where to buy a replacement? That for anyone's help.


 

Been there and done that. The solenoid on the EVC is located on the
firewall in the engine compartment above the vehicle battery. Rapping
on it is a good suggestion and it may just cure the problem...at
least temporarily. Ideally, if you change the solenoid, you should
disconnect the negative cable from the both the vehicle and coach
batteries should the wrench that you use to loosen the terminals nuts
come in contact with an electrical ground point. Alternatively, you
could wrap most of the wrench in black electrical tape to preclude
contacting ground. Also, once you have removed the wires, do not let
them contact ground either.

Richard Cox
2002 HD Rialta
Former '95 & '97 EVC

--- In ev_update@..., "txpigeon" <txpigeon@...> wrote:

There's a solenoid that is supposed to pick up when the engine is
running (actually, when the key is on) to recharge the rear
battery.
A lot of auto parts places have them or can get them. Usually about
$20. Make sure you get a continuous duty solenoid. There should
be 3
wires, 2 heavy and 1 small. Also a couple of bolts and/or nuts
holding it to the wall.

Can't help with the location, but I'd guess it's pretty close to the
rear battery. When you find it, you might try rapping on it with a
non-metallic object. May get you by until you get one.

Duane
05HD Rialta


--- In ev_update@..., "jastamford" <johnstamford@>
wrote:

My 95 was working fine with the coach battery being charged by
the
altnator while driving or by shoreline when parked... an THEN! I
go on
a trip and the coach batter goes dead keeping the refridge cold
while
driving. A volt meter told me that I was not getting any juice at
the
battery with the engine running and the alternator showed 14.5
VDC
output at the battery under the hood. Shoreline recharged the
coach
battery no problem. In trying to fix the problem, I have come to
the
conclusion that there is a relay the switches between the
shoreline and
the alternator to charge the coach battery... question is; 1) am
I
correct? 2) where the hell did wennibago hide it? 3) how do I
change
it? and 4) where to buy a replacement? That for anyone's help.


jastamford
 

Thanks... the solenoid is located on the firewall just above the
battery and checks out! From there, there is a 30 amp circut-breaker
inside with the regular fuses... current at the breaker and fuse
checks out. Questions is, where is the wire's next connection for
distribution?

--- In ev_update@..., "txpigeon" <txpigeon@...> wrote:

There's a solenoid that is supposed to pick up when the engine is
running (actually, when the key is on) to recharge the rear
battery.
A lot of auto parts places have them or can get them. Usually about
$20. Make sure you get a continuous duty solenoid. There should
be 3
wires, 2 heavy and 1 small. Also a couple of bolts and/or nuts
holding it to the wall.

Can't help with the location, but I'd guess it's pretty close to the
rear battery. When you find it, you might try rapping on it with a
non-metallic object. May get you by until you get one.

Duane
05HD Rialta


--- In ev_update@..., "jastamford" <johnstamford@>
wrote:

My 95 was working fine with the coach battery being charged by
the
altnator while driving or by shoreline when parked... an THEN! I
go on
a trip and the coach batter goes dead keeping the refridge cold
while
driving. A volt meter told me that I was not getting any juice at
the
battery with the engine running and the alternator showed 14.5
VDC
output at the battery under the hood. Shoreline recharged the
coach
battery no problem. In trying to fix the problem, I have come to
the
conclusion that there is a relay the switches between the
shoreline and
the alternator to charge the coach battery... question is; 1) am
I
correct? 2) where the hell did wennibago hide it? 3) how do I
change
it? and 4) where to buy a replacement? That for anyone's help.


 

Look for a circuit breaker or fuse at the coach battery location.

Richard Cox

--- In ev_update@..., "jastamford" <johnstamford@...>
wrote:

Thanks... the solenoid is located on the firewall just above the
battery and checks out! From there, there is a 30 amp circut-
breaker
inside with the regular fuses... current at the breaker and fuse
checks out. Questions is, where is the wire's next connection for
distribution?

--- In ev_update@..., "txpigeon" <txpigeon@> wrote:

There's a solenoid that is supposed to pick up when the engine is
running (actually, when the key is on) to recharge the rear
battery.
A lot of auto parts places have them or can get them. Usually
about
$20. Make sure you get a continuous duty solenoid. There should
be 3
wires, 2 heavy and 1 small. Also a couple of bolts and/or nuts
holding it to the wall.

Can't help with the location, but I'd guess it's pretty close to
the
rear battery. When you find it, you might try rapping on it with
a
non-metallic object. May get you by until you get one.

Duane
05HD Rialta


--- In ev_update@..., "jastamford" <johnstamford@>
wrote:

My 95 was working fine with the coach battery being charged by
the
altnator while driving or by shoreline when parked... an THEN!
I
go on
a trip and the coach batter goes dead keeping the refridge cold
while
driving. A volt meter told me that I was not getting any juice
at
the
battery with the engine running and the alternator showed 14.5
VDC
output at the battery under the hood. Shoreline recharged the
coach
battery no problem. In trying to fix the problem, I have come
to
the
conclusion that there is a relay the switches between the
shoreline and
the alternator to charge the coach battery... question is; 1)
am
I
correct? 2) where the hell did wennibago hide it? 3) how do I
change
it? and 4) where to buy a replacement? That for anyone's help.


jack_son_73
 

The Black [+] lead from non-battery sde of relay
goes to an insulated tie point terminal, just
forward of the Converter. The converter is
connected to that tie point, & to
rear battery [+] terminal - with a Black Wire.
There is another circuit breaker near the rear
bat. When the converter is NOT connected to
shore power, the rear bat is conectred to the
3 DC rear outlets, & appliances, & to the front
firewall relay.

BTW, on my '03 EVC, I had a very poor crimp on
one lug on the front 30A breaker. There was also
a defective identical 30A breaker inside the
Converter-Charger [excess drop with 6A load], so
my rear bat never got a full charge, from
alternator or on shore power. I drove back to
selling dealer a few weeks after purchase, but
they "found nothing wrong" [missed BOTH problems].
Good old Winnie, & VW - who never saw an EVC they
welcomed back 'home'.

BTW, I used Red and Black electrical tape to
chamge color code of ALL of Winebago's "house
wiring code", so anyone testing, jumping, etc.
would not be confused. No one working on a vehicle
ever considers BLACK = Positive. I changed colors
as different ends of ALL Winnie wires were exposed
while working on my van.

Jack_son
'03 EVC '01 Passat
===============
--In ev_update@..., "jastamford" <johnstamford@.> wrote:

Thanks... the solenoid is located on the firewall just above the
battery and checks out! From there, there is a 30 amp circut-
breaker
inside with the regular fuses... current at the breaker and fuse
checks out. Questions is, where is the wire's next connection for
distribution?

--- In ev_update@..., "txpigeon" <txpigeon@> wrote:

There's a solenoid that is supposed to pick up when the engine is
running (actually, when the key is on) to recharge the rear
battery.
A lot of auto parts places have them or can get them. Usually
about
$20. Make sure you get a continuous duty solenoid. There should
be 3
wires, 2 heavy and 1 small. Also a couple of bolts and/or nuts
holding it to the wall.

Can't help with the location, but I'd guess it's pretty close to
the
rear battery. When you find it, you might try rapping on it with
a
non-metallic object. May get you by until you get one.

Duane
05HD Rialta


--- In ev_update@..., "jastamford" <johnstamford@>
wrote:

My 95 was working fine with the coach battery being charged by
the
altnator while driving or by shoreline when parked... an THEN!
I
go on
a trip and the coach batter goes dead keeping the refridge cold
while
driving. A volt meter told me that I was not getting any juice
at
the
battery with the engine running and the alternator showed 14.5
VDC
output at the battery under the hood. Shoreline recharged the
coach
battery no problem. In trying to fix the problem, I have come
to
the
conclusion that there is a relay the switches between the
shoreline and
the alternator to charge the coach battery... question is; 1)
am
I
correct? 2) where the hell did wennibago hide it? 3) how do I
change
it? and 4) where to buy a replacement? That for anyone's help.


forest flanigan
 

If you have a hard time finding a replacement solenoid or can't trace the
problem you can always drive with the fridge on propane . Some folks
recommend turning the propane off during fueling but I find no problem with
leaving the fridge lit while refueling. If you do turn off the fridge while
putting gas in you need a well charged rear battery to get it re lit.
Good luck
Forest


jastamford
 

Thanks for your input! I have a pdf of the coach wiring instal
diagram and have located a 30 amp breaker by the fuse panel and
another by the coach batter, however, there is no indication of a
breaker at the converter. How did you access the converer... through
the air vents for the heater?

--- In ev_update@..., "jack_son_73" <jackr1@...> wrote:

The Black [+] lead from non-battery sde of relay
goes to an insulated tie point terminal, just
forward of the Converter. The converter is
connected to that tie point, & to
rear battery [+] terminal - with a Black Wire.
There is another circuit breaker near the rear
bat. When the converter is NOT connected to
shore power, the rear bat is conectred to the
3 DC rear outlets, & appliances, & to the front
firewall relay.

BTW, on my '03 EVC, I had a very poor crimp on
one lug on the front 30A breaker. There was also
a defective identical 30A breaker inside the
Converter-Charger [excess drop with 6A load], so
my rear bat never got a full charge, from
alternator or on shore power. I drove back to
selling dealer a few weeks after purchase, but
they "found nothing wrong" [missed BOTH problems].
Good old Winnie, & VW - who never saw an EVC they
welcomed back 'home'.

BTW, I used Red and Black electrical tape to
chamge color code of ALL of Winebago's "house
wiring code", so anyone testing, jumping, etc.
would not be confused. No one working on a vehicle
ever considers BLACK = Positive. I changed colors
as different ends of ALL Winnie wires were exposed
while working on my van.

Jack_son
'03 EVC '01 Passat
===============
--In ev_update@..., "jastamford" <johnstamford@> wrote:

Thanks... the solenoid is located on the firewall just above the
battery and checks out! From there, there is a 30 amp circut-
breaker
inside with the regular fuses... current at the breaker and fuse
checks out. Questions is, where is the wire's next connection for
distribution?

--- In ev_update@..., "txpigeon" <txpigeon@> wrote:

There's a solenoid that is supposed to pick up when the engine
is
running (actually, when the key is on) to recharge the rear
battery.
A lot of auto parts places have them or can get them. Usually
about
$20. Make sure you get a continuous duty solenoid. There
should
be 3
wires, 2 heavy and 1 small. Also a couple of bolts and/or nuts
holding it to the wall.

Can't help with the location, but I'd guess it's pretty close
to
the
rear battery. When you find it, you might try rapping on it
with
a
non-metallic object. May get you by until you get one.

Duane
05HD Rialta


--- In ev_update@..., "jastamford" <johnstamford@>
wrote:

My 95 was working fine with the coach battery being charged
by
the
altnator while driving or by shoreline when parked... an
THEN!
I
go on
a trip and the coach batter goes dead keeping the refridge
cold
while
driving. A volt meter told me that I was not getting any
juice
at
the
battery with the engine running and the alternator showed
14.5
VDC
output at the battery under the hood. Shoreline recharged the
coach
battery no problem. In trying to fix the problem, I have come
to
the
conclusion that there is a relay the switches between the
shoreline and
the alternator to charge the coach battery... question is; 1)
am
I
correct? 2) where the hell did wennibago hide it? 3) how do I
change
it? and 4) where to buy a replacement? That for anyone's help.


jack_son_73
 

Jas -

I was trying to keep you from having to access the
Converter-Charger. It is about 12" forward of the
rear power panel, & access requires removing the
large plastic panel below the closet. The converter
has an internal breaker similar/identical to the
ones near the batteries.

I needed a larger converter-charger, so I replaced
mine with a 45A unit, which puts the full output
into my 2 rear bats, in parallel with whatever DC
'house' loads are connected. [Stock unit only had
6A for charging house bat.]

If you checked the easier two battery areas, & all
seems OK, then you need to remove that long plastic
cover to the left of luggage area, below closet.

Someone on this list mentioned using Velcro to attach
the grill adjacent to the Converter, so he didn't
have to remove the whole panel just to get [partial]
access to converter. When I put my panel back on, I
will do the same.

The isolated/insulated tie point is a few inches
forward of the converter, where the rear bat, [via
converter], & front relay connect.

Regards,

Jack-son
========================
---In ev_update@..., "jastamford" <johnstamford@..> wrote:

Thanks for your input! I have a pdf of the coach wiring instal
diagram and have located a 30 amp breaker by the fuse panel and
another by the coach batter, however, there is no indication of a
breaker at the converter. How did you access the converer...
through
the air vents for the heater?

--- In ev_update@..., "jack_son_73" <jackr1@> wrote:

The Black [+] lead from non-battery sde of relay
goes to an insulated tie point terminal, just
forward of the Converter. The converter is
connected to that tie point, & to
rear battery [+] terminal - with a Black Wire.
There is another circuit breaker near the rear
bat. When the converter is NOT connected to
shore power, the rear bat is conectred to the
3 DC rear outlets, & appliances, & to the front
firewall relay.

BTW, on my '03 EVC, I had a very poor crimp on
one lug on the front 30A breaker. There was also
a defective identical 30A breaker inside the
Converter-Charger [excess drop with 6A load], so
my rear bat never got a full charge, from
alternator or on shore power. I drove back to
selling dealer a few weeks after purchase, but
they "found nothing wrong" [missed BOTH problems].
Good old Winnie, & VW - who never saw an EVC they
welcomed back 'home'.

BTW, I used Red and Black electrical tape to
chamge color code of ALL of Winebago's "house
wiring code", so anyone testing, jumping, etc.
would not be confused. No one working on a vehicle
ever considers BLACK = Positive. I changed colors
as different ends of ALL Winnie wires were exposed
while working on my van.

Jack_son
'03 EVC '01 Passat
===============
--In ev_update@..., "jastamford" <johnstamford@>
wrote:

Thanks... the solenoid is located on the firewall just above
the
battery and checks out! From there, there is a 30 amp circut-
breaker
inside with the regular fuses... current at the breaker and
fuse
checks out. Questions is, where is the wire's next connection
for
distribution?

--- In ev_update@..., "txpigeon" <txpigeon@> wrote:

There's a solenoid that is supposed to pick up when the
engine
is
running (actually, when the key is on) to recharge the rear
battery.
A lot of auto parts places have them or can get them.
Usually
about
$20. Make sure you get a continuous duty solenoid. There
should
be 3
wires, 2 heavy and 1 small. Also a couple of bolts and/or
nuts
holding it to the wall.

Can't help with the location, but I'd guess it's pretty close
to
the
rear battery. When you find it, you might try rapping on it
with
a
non-metallic object. May get you by until you get one.

Duane
05HD Rialta


--- In ev_update@..., "jastamford"
<johnstamford@>
wrote:

My 95 was working fine with the coach battery being charged
by
the
altnator while driving or by shoreline when parked... an
THEN!
I
go on
a trip and the coach batter goes dead keeping the refridge
cold
while
driving. A volt meter told me that I was not getting any
juice
at
the
battery with the engine running and the alternator showed
14.5
VDC
output at the battery under the hood. Shoreline recharged
the
coach
battery no problem. In trying to fix the problem, I have
come
to
the
conclusion that there is a relay the switches between the
shoreline and
the alternator to charge the coach battery... question is;
1)
am
I
correct? 2) where the hell did wennibago hide it? 3) how do
I
change
it? and 4) where to buy a replacement? That for anyone's
help.


John Stamford
 

Jack-son,

Thanks, exactly what I didn't want to hear! Was your original converter a Magtech or something else? You say it has an internal breaker... in the converter or an add-on like the one in the coach battery box. I opened the access door to the converter which is accessable through the double grill and found some piss poor wiring connections which I redid.

Regards, John

----- Original Message -----
From: jack_son_73<mailto:jackr1@...>
To: ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update@...>
Sent: Saturday, June 21, 2008 11:23 AM
Subject: [ev_update] Re: EVC Electrical Problem


Jas -

I was trying to keep you from having to access the
Converter-Charger. It is about 12" forward of the
rear power panel, & access requires removing the
large plastic panel below the closet. The converter
has an internal breaker similar/identical to the
ones near the batteries.

I needed a larger converter-charger, so I replaced
mine with a 45A unit, which puts the full output
into my 2 rear bats, in parallel with whatever DC
'house' loads are connected. [Stock unit only had
6A for charging house bat.]

If you checked the easier two battery areas, & all
seems OK, then you need to remove that long plastic
cover to the left of luggage area, below closet.

Someone on this list mentioned using Velcro to attach
the grill adjacent to the Converter, so he didn't
have to remove the whole panel just to get [partial]
access to converter. When I put my panel back on, I
will do the same.

The isolated/insulated tie point is a few inches
forward of the converter, where the rear bat, [via
converter], & front relay connect.

Regards,

Jack-son
========================
---In ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update%40yahoogroups.com>, "jastamford" <johnstamford@..> wrote:
>
> Thanks for your input! I have a pdf of the coach wiring instal
> diagram and have located a 30 amp breaker by the fuse panel and
> another by the coach batter, however, there is no indication of a
> breaker at the converter. How did you access the converer...
through
> the air vents for the heater?
>
> --- In ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update%40yahoogroups.com>, "jack_son_73" <jackr1@> wrote:
> >
> > The Black [+] lead from non-battery sde of relay
> > goes to an insulated tie point terminal, just
> > forward of the Converter. The converter is
> > connected to that tie point, & to
> > rear battery [+] terminal - with a Black Wire.
> > There is another circuit breaker near the rear
> > bat. When the converter is NOT connected to
> > shore power, the rear bat is conectred to the
> > 3 DC rear outlets, & appliances, & to the front
> > firewall relay.
> >
> > BTW, on my '03 EVC, I had a very poor crimp on
> > one lug on the front 30A breaker. There was also
> > a defective identical 30A breaker inside the
> > Converter-Charger [excess drop with 6A load], so
> > my rear bat never got a full charge, from
> > alternator or on shore power. I drove back to
> > selling dealer a few weeks after purchase, but
> > they "found nothing wrong" [missed BOTH problems].
> > Good old Winnie, & VW - who never saw an EVC they
> > welcomed back 'home'.
> >
> > BTW, I used Red and Black electrical tape to
> > chamge color code of ALL of Winebago's "house
> > wiring code", so anyone testing, jumping, etc.
> > would not be confused. No one working on a vehicle
> > ever considers BLACK = Positive. I changed colors
> > as different ends of ALL Winnie wires were exposed
> > while working on my van.
> >
> > Jack_son
> > '03 EVC '01 Passat
> > ===============
> > --In ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update%40yahoogroups.com>, "jastamford" <johnstamford@>
wrote:
> > >
> > > Thanks... the solenoid is located on the firewall just above
the
> > > battery and checks out! From there, there is a 30 amp circut-
> > breaker
> > > inside with the regular fuses... current at the breaker and
fuse
> > > checks out. Questions is, where is the wire's next connection
for
> > > distribution?
> > >
> > > --- In ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update%40yahoogroups.com>, "txpigeon" <txpigeon@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > There's a solenoid that is supposed to pick up when the
engine
> is
> > > > running (actually, when the key is on) to recharge the rear
> > > battery.
> > > > A lot of auto parts places have them or can get them.
Usually
> > about
> > > > $20. Make sure you get a continuous duty solenoid. There
> should
> > > be 3
> > > > wires, 2 heavy and 1 small. Also a couple of bolts and/or
nuts
> > > > holding it to the wall.
> > > >
> > > > Can't help with the location, but I'd guess it's pretty close
> to
> > the
> > > > rear battery. When you find it, you might try rapping on it
> with
> > a
> > > > non-metallic object. May get you by until you get one.
> > > >
> > > > Duane
> > > > 05HD Rialta
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update%40yahoogroups.com>, "jastamford"
<johnstamford@>
> > > wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > My 95 was working fine with the coach battery being charged
> by
> > > the
> > > > > altnator while driving or by shoreline when parked... an
> THEN!
> > I
> > > go on
> > > > > a trip and the coach batter goes dead keeping the refridge
> cold
> > > while
> > > > > driving. A volt meter told me that I was not getting any
> juice
> > at
> > > the
> > > > > battery with the engine running and the alternator showed
> 14.5
> > > VDC
> > > > > output at the battery under the hood. Shoreline recharged
the
> > > coach
> > > > > battery no problem. In trying to fix the problem, I have
come
> > to
> > > the
> > > > > conclusion that there is a relay the switches between the
> > > shoreline and
> > > > > the alternator to charge the coach battery... question is;
1)
> > am
> > > I
> > > > > correct? 2) where the hell did wennibago hide it? 3) how do
I
> > > change
> > > > > it? and 4) where to buy a replacement? That for anyone's
help.
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>


John Stamford
 

Forest, thanks for the suggestion. I had thought about it, but my wife is a little safety crazy. On second thought, I will do that until I pin point the 12 volt problem. Regards, John

----- Original Message -----
From: forest flanigan<mailto:creoflan@...>
To: ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update@...>
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 8:06 AM
Subject: Re: [ev_update] EVC Electrical Problem


If you have a hard time finding a replacement solenoid or can't trace the
problem you can always drive with the fridge on propane . Some folks
recommend turning the propane off during fueling but I find no problem with
leaving the fridge lit while refueling. If you do turn off the fridge while
putting gas in you need a well charged rear battery to get it re lit.
Good luck
Forest


jack_son_73
 

John -

Yes, my original Converter was a Magnetek 30A unit,
& it had an internal breaker, with excess voltage
drop through it. Since only 6A of the 30 was used
for charging, I never got much of a charge. It is
about a $10-15 item, & would only take 1 minute to
replace, once you have the Magnetek out, & open.

I wanted higher DC output, so found the 45A model
on EBay - NIB. They were taken over by Parallax,
who has similar units with their name on them.

If your problem is that internal breaker, get one
like the front breaker on firewall left of battery.

While tracing your problem, don't overlook ALL wires
& crimped lugs done by Winnebago. They did poor work,
& perhaps the same guy was "Quality" inspector.

I kept my original Magnetek in case I had a problem
with the replacement one, but it's never malfunctioned.

I should have looked harder for a better replacement
for my Magnetek. I understand someone makes a
Converter-Charger-Inverter [sine wave]. It would be
great to have a 3-in-one, even with limited Inverter power.

Let us know what you find.

Regards,

Jack_son


===============
--In ev_update@..., "John Stamford" <johnstamford@...>
wrote:

Jack-son,

Thanks, exactly what I didn't want to hear! Was your original
converter a Magtech or something else? You say it has an internal
breaker... in the converter or an add-on like the one in the coach
battery box. I opened the access door to the converter which is
accessable through the double grill and found some piss poor wiring
connections which I redid.

Regards, John
----- Original Message -----
From: jack_son_73<mailto:jackr1@...>
To: ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update@...>
Sent: Saturday, June 21, 2008 11:23 AM
Subject: [ev_update] Re: EVC Electrical Problem


Jas -

I was trying to keep you from having to access the
Converter-Charger. It is about 12" forward of the
rear power panel, & access requires removing the
large plastic panel below the closet. The converter
has an internal breaker similar/identical to the
ones near the batteries.

I needed a larger converter-charger, so I replaced
mine with a 45A unit, which puts the full output
into my 2 rear bats, in parallel with whatever DC
'house' loads are connected. [Stock unit only had
6A for charging house bat.]

If you checked the easier two battery areas, & all
seems OK, then you need to remove that long plastic
cover to the left of luggage area, below closet.

Someone on this list mentioned using Velcro to attach
the grill adjacent to the Converter, so he didn't
have to remove the whole panel just to get [partial]
access to converter. When I put my panel back on, I
will do the same.

The isolated/insulated tie point is a few inches
forward of the converter, where the rear bat, [via
converter], & front relay connect.

Regards,

Jack-son
========================
---In ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update%
40yahoogroups.com>, "jastamford" <johnstamford@> wrote:
>
> Thanks for your input! I have a pdf of the coach wiring instal
> diagram and have located a 30 amp breaker by the fuse panel and
> another by the coach batter, however, there is no indication of
a
> breaker at the converter. How did you access the converer...
through
> the air vents for the heater?
>
> --- In ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update%
40yahoogroups.com>, "jack_son_73" <jackr1@> wrote:
> >
> > The Black [+] lead from non-battery sde of relay
> > goes to an insulated tie point terminal, just
> > forward of the Converter. The converter is
> > connected to that tie point, & to
> > rear battery [+] terminal - with a Black Wire.
> > There is another circuit breaker near the rear
> > bat. When the converter is NOT connected to
> > shore power, the rear bat is conectred to the
> > 3 DC rear outlets, & appliances, & to the front
> > firewall relay.
> >
> > BTW, on my '03 EVC, I had a very poor crimp on
> > one lug on the front 30A breaker. There was also
> > a defective identical 30A breaker inside the
> > Converter-Charger [excess drop with 6A load], so
> > my rear bat never got a full charge, from
> > alternator or on shore power. I drove back to
> > selling dealer a few weeks after purchase, but
> > they "found nothing wrong" [missed BOTH problems].
> > Good old Winnie, & VW - who never saw an EVC they
> > welcomed back 'home'.
> >
> > BTW, I used Red and Black electrical tape to
> > chamge color code of ALL of Winebago's "house
> > wiring code", so anyone testing, jumping, etc.
> > would not be confused. No one working on a vehicle
> > ever considers BLACK = Positive. I changed colors
> > as different ends of ALL Winnie wires were exposed
> > while working on my van.
> >
> > Jack_son
> > '03 EVC '01 Passat
> > ===============
> > --In ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update%
40yahoogroups.com>, "jastamford" <johnstamford@>
wrote:
> > >
> > > Thanks... the solenoid is located on the firewall just
above
the
> > > battery and checks out! From there, there is a 30 amp
circut-
> > breaker
> > > inside with the regular fuses... current at the breaker and
fuse
> > > checks out. Questions is, where is the wire's next
connection
for
> > > distribution?
> > >
> > > --- In ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update%
40yahoogroups.com>, "txpigeon" <txpigeon@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > There's a solenoid that is supposed to pick up when the
engine
> is
> > > > running (actually, when the key is on) to recharge the
rear
> > > battery.
> > > > A lot of auto parts places have them or can get them.
Usually
> > about
> > > > $20. Make sure you get a continuous duty solenoid. There
> should
> > > be 3
> > > > wires, 2 heavy and 1 small. Also a couple of bolts and/or
nuts
> > > > holding it to the wall.
> > > >
> > > > Can't help with the location, but I'd guess it's pretty
close
> to
> > the
> > > > rear battery. When you find it, you might try rapping on
it
> with
> > a
> > > > non-metallic object. May get you by until you get one.
> > > >
> > > > Duane
> > > > 05HD Rialta
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update%
40yahoogroups.com>, "jastamford"
<johnstamford@>
> > > wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > My 95 was working fine with the coach battery being
charged
> by
> > > the
> > > > > altnator while driving or by shoreline when parked...
an
> THEN!
> > I
> > > go on
> > > > > a trip and the coach batter goes dead keeping the
refridge
> cold
> > > while
> > > > > driving. A volt meter told me that I was not getting
any
> juice
> > at
> > > the
> > > > > battery with the engine running and the alternator
showed
> 14.5
> > > VDC
> > > > > output at the battery under the hood. Shoreline
recharged
the
> > > coach
> > > > > battery no problem. In trying to fix the problem, I
have
come
> > to
> > > the
> > > > > conclusion that there is a relay the switches between
the
> > > shoreline and
> > > > > the alternator to charge the coach battery... question
is;
1)
> > am
> > > I
> > > > > correct? 2) where the hell did wennibago hide it? 3)
how do
I
> > > change
> > > > > it? and 4) where to buy a replacement? That for
anyone's
help.
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


John Stamford
 

Jack-son,

Thanks for all of the additional information. It's Monday and back to work... I will probably remove the panel this weekend and I will let you know what I find.

Regards,

John

----- Original Message -----
From: jack_son_73<mailto:jackr1@...>
To: ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update@...>
Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2008 6:39 PM
Subject: [ev_update] Re: EVC Electrical Problem


John -

Yes, my original Converter was a Magnetek 30A unit,
& it had an internal breaker, with excess voltage
drop through it. Since only 6A of the 30 was used
for charging, I never got much of a charge. It is
about a $10-15 item, & would only take 1 minute to
replace, once you have the Magnetek out, & open.

I wanted higher DC output, so found the 45A model
on EBay - NIB. They were taken over by Parallax,
who has similar units with their name on them.

If your problem is that internal breaker, get one
like the front breaker on firewall left of battery.

While tracing your problem, don't overlook ALL wires
& crimped lugs done by Winnebago. They did poor work,
& perhaps the same guy was "Quality" inspector.

I kept my original Magnetek in case I had a problem
with the replacement one, but it's never malfunctioned.

I should have looked harder for a better replacement
for my Magnetek. I understand someone makes a
Converter-Charger-Inverter [sine wave]. It would be
great to have a 3-in-one, even with limited Inverter power.

Let us know what you find.

Regards,

Jack_son

===============
--In ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update@...>, "John Stamford" <johnstamford@...>
wrote:
>
> Jack-son,
>
> Thanks, exactly what I didn't want to hear! Was your original
converter a Magtech or something else? You say it has an internal
breaker... in the converter or an add-on like the one in the coach
battery box. I opened the access door to the converter which is
accessable through the double grill and found some piss poor wiring
connections which I redid.
>
> Regards, John
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: jack_son_73<mailto:jackr1@...>
> To: ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update@...><mailto:ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update@...>>
> Sent: Saturday, June 21, 2008 11:23 AM
> Subject: [ev_update] Re: EVC Electrical Problem
>
>
> Jas -
>
> I was trying to keep you from having to access the
> Converter-Charger. It is about 12" forward of the
> rear power panel, & access requires removing the
> large plastic panel below the closet. The converter
> has an internal breaker similar/identical to the
> ones near the batteries.
>
> I needed a larger converter-charger, so I replaced
> mine with a 45A unit, which puts the full output
> into my 2 rear bats, in parallel with whatever DC
> 'house' loads are connected. [Stock unit only had
> 6A for charging house bat.]
>
> If you checked the easier two battery areas, & all
> seems OK, then you need to remove that long plastic
> cover to the left of luggage area, below closet.
>
> Someone on this list mentioned using Velcro to attach
> the grill adjacent to the Converter, so he didn't
> have to remove the whole panel just to get [partial]
> access to converter. When I put my panel back on, I
> will do the same.
>
> The isolated/insulated tie point is a few inches
> forward of the converter, where the rear bat, [via
> converter], & front relay connect.
>
> Regards,
>
> Jack-son
> ========================
> ---In ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update@...><mailto:ev_update%
40yahoogroups.com>, "jastamford" <johnstamford@> wrote:
> >
> > Thanks for your input! I have a pdf of the coach wiring instal
> > diagram and have located a 30 amp breaker by the fuse panel and
> > another by the coach batter, however, there is no indication of
a
> > breaker at the converter. How did you access the converer...
> through
> > the air vents for the heater?
> >
> > --- In ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update@...><mailto:ev_update%
40yahoogroups.com>, "jack_son_73" <jackr1@> wrote:
> > >
> > > The Black [+] lead from non-battery sde of relay
> > > goes to an insulated tie point terminal, just
> > > forward of the Converter. The converter is
> > > connected to that tie point, & to
> > > rear battery [+] terminal - with a Black Wire.
> > > There is another circuit breaker near the rear
> > > bat. When the converter is NOT connected to
> > > shore power, the rear bat is conectred to the
> > > 3 DC rear outlets, & appliances, & to the front
> > > firewall relay.
> > >
> > > BTW, on my '03 EVC, I had a very poor crimp on
> > > one lug on the front 30A breaker. There was also
> > > a defective identical 30A breaker inside the
> > > Converter-Charger [excess drop with 6A load], so
> > > my rear bat never got a full charge, from
> > > alternator or on shore power. I drove back to
> > > selling dealer a few weeks after purchase, but
> > > they "found nothing wrong" [missed BOTH problems].
> > > Good old Winnie, & VW - who never saw an EVC they
> > > welcomed back 'home'.
> > >
> > > BTW, I used Red and Black electrical tape to
> > > chamge color code of ALL of Winebago's "house
> > > wiring code", so anyone testing, jumping, etc.
> > > would not be confused. No one working on a vehicle
> > > ever considers BLACK = Positive. I changed colors
> > > as different ends of ALL Winnie wires were exposed
> > > while working on my van.
> > >
> > > Jack_son
> > > '03 EVC '01 Passat
> > > ===============
> > > --In ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update@...><mailto:ev_update%
40yahoogroups.com>, "jastamford" <johnstamford@>
> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Thanks... the solenoid is located on the firewall just
above
> the
> > > > battery and checks out! From there, there is a 30 amp
circut-
> > > breaker
> > > > inside with the regular fuses... current at the breaker and
> fuse
> > > > checks out. Questions is, where is the wire's next
connection
> for
> > > > distribution?
> > > >
> > > > --- In ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update@...><mailto:ev_update%
40yahoogroups.com>, "txpigeon" <txpigeon@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > There's a solenoid that is supposed to pick up when the
> engine
> > is
> > > > > running (actually, when the key is on) to recharge the
rear
> > > > battery.
> > > > > A lot of auto parts places have them or can get them.
> Usually
> > > about
> > > > > $20. Make sure you get a continuous duty solenoid. There
> > should
> > > > be 3
> > > > > wires, 2 heavy and 1 small. Also a couple of bolts and/or
> nuts
> > > > > holding it to the wall.
> > > > >
> > > > > Can't help with the location, but I'd guess it's pretty
close
> > to
> > > the
> > > > > rear battery. When you find it, you might try rapping on
it
> > with
> > > a
> > > > > non-metallic object. May get you by until you get one.
> > > > >
> > > > > Duane
> > > > > 05HD Rialta
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > --- In ev_update@...<mailto:ev_update@...><mailto:ev_update%
40yahoogroups.com>, "jastamford"
> <johnstamford@>
> > > > wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > My 95 was working fine with the coach battery being
charged
> > by
> > > > the
> > > > > > altnator while driving or by shoreline when parked...
an
> > THEN!
> > > I
> > > > go on
> > > > > > a trip and the coach batter goes dead keeping the
refridge
> > cold
> > > > while
> > > > > > driving. A volt meter told me that I was not getting
any
> > juice
> > > at
> > > > the
> > > > > > battery with the engine running and the alternator
showed
> > 14.5
> > > > VDC
> > > > > > output at the battery under the hood. Shoreline
recharged
> the
> > > > coach
> > > > > > battery no problem. In trying to fix the problem, I
have
> come
> > > to
> > > > the
> > > > > > conclusion that there is a relay the switches between
the
> > > > shoreline and
> > > > > > the alternator to charge the coach battery... question
is;
> 1)
> > > am
> > > > I
> > > > > > correct? 2) where the hell did wennibago hide it? 3)
how do
> I
> > > > change
> > > > > > it? and 4) where to buy a replacement? That for
anyone's
> help.
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>