01-02-2024, 07:49 PM
So like many others I am working on some merge solenoid issues. My chassis batteries have been draining and I need to track down what is dragging them down. After some reading on here I have some things to check including the cables and the fuse on the negative cable. I ended up not able to charge up the chassis battery with the merge solenoid. I did some testing and confirmed the solenoid was no longer passing current as it should. I replaced it but am not very happy with this design, and I may be replacing things with a permanent charger on the chassis battery and the merge solenoid will only be used as a backup. I am not sure but I do not think it’s a good idea that the merge solenoid be used during starting the engine, that could put too much current through that 85 amp rated solenoid. Perhaps 2 of them in parallel or a much larger solenoid would be better.
Well I do have a question, while I was troubleshooting I created a problem. I was using my power probe to put power to the solenoid to activate it, well I accidentally hit the button on the power probe that goes to ground and I must have popped a fuse. I believe it’s on the house side but not sure. Where would I find the fuse that feeds this? I checked all the fuses next to my AC panel in the walk-in closet, and I checked all the fuses near the inverter in the bay. Where else would I find fuses to check? The battery merge does work when I push the switch to the up position, not sure which system that is connecting to. Appreciate any help.
I will try to do a write up if I end up installing the battery charger on my chassis batteries.
Well I do have a question, while I was troubleshooting I created a problem. I was using my power probe to put power to the solenoid to activate it, well I accidentally hit the button on the power probe that goes to ground and I must have popped a fuse. I believe it’s on the house side but not sure. Where would I find the fuse that feeds this? I checked all the fuses next to my AC panel in the walk-in closet, and I checked all the fuses near the inverter in the bay. Where else would I find fuses to check? The battery merge does work when I push the switch to the up position, not sure which system that is connecting to. Appreciate any help.
I will try to do a write up if I end up installing the battery charger on my chassis batteries.
Jeff LoGiudice
Temple Terrace, Fl
1984 Bluebird Wanderlodge PT40
1998 Newell 2000 #490
1986 MCI/TMC 102A3 (sold)