Some 12v when on shore power...

[RISK]

Hey gang,

I'm having a strange issue with my 12v system.

My fridge stopped working so I checked for 12v at the access panel outside and the converter, nothing. I turned off my 30a shore power and then get DC at the access panel but not at the converter.

Any ideas?

Ian

[RISK]

I should note that when I disconnect shore power, my little plug in 12v meter that is plugged in to a 12v outlet starts dropping fast. I'm suspecting bad batteries but would that explain no DC at the converter?

The old Charge Sentinel is likely frying my batts...

[RISK]

Just got back from getting my batteries checked, they are in “excellent health” said the man at the auto parts store.

The fuses all look good (at access panel, at converter and at battery)...

Tightened the grounds I could find.

At a loss.

Ian

[silverloaf]

Mere speculation here. But do you have continuity across the ammeter on the control panel?

[KYAvion]

Just to be clear, you are getting NO 12v on the converter output lugs? And you’re showing 110v going to your converter?

[RISK]

Salty, I am not clear what you are asking. Could you clarify?

KYAvion, I am getting 12v at fuses 1,2,3,&5, nothing at 6,7, or 8. 4 is empty and 7 is the fridge. Yes, getting 110 to the converter and fridge.

Thanks guys,
Ian

[KYAvion]

So is your fridge a 3 way? Propane, 12v, and 110v?

I thought the 12v would only kick on when fed by the tow vehicle, otherwise it would run off propane if not on shore power? Is that not right? My fridge is just a 110v/propane so I’m not certain about that.

If your off shore power and It should work contrary to what I mentioned above, have you tried running it off one of your working fuses? 1, 2, 3, or 5?

BTW, what do fuses 6 and 8 run?

[Razorback]

So is your fridge a 3 way? Propane, 12v, and 110v?

I thought the 12v would only kick on when fed by the tow vehicle, otherwise it would run off propane if not on shore power? Is that not right? My fridge is just a 110v/propane so I’m not certain about that.

If your off shore power and It should work contrary to what I mentioned above, have you tried running it off one of your working fuses? 1, 2, 3, or 5?

BTW, what do fuses 6 and 8 run?

Even a 2-way fridge requires a 12VDC source for to power the control panel.... the interior light is 12V, also. Do you remember the "Fridge Fix" fan/light I installed in our 2-way Norcold fridge? Those fans get their 12VDC source from the interior light circuit.

[KYAvion]

Good point. He mentioned getting 12v at the fridge when disconnecting from shore power. Do you know if there are two feeds for 12v for the fridge—one from the batts for when towing, and one through the 12v distribution panel fuse for the fridge light and display? Or just a single 12v feed?

[Razorback]

Good point. He mentioned getting 12v at the fridge when disconnecting from shore power. Do you know if there are two feeds for 12v for the fridge—one from the batts for when towing, and one through the 12v distribution panel fuse for the fridge light and display? Or just a single 12v feed?

The control panel and power center in our 1987 Avion might be physically different, but I bet it provides power the same. The original 3-way fridge has been replaced with a 2-way. In the rear of the fridge, the lighter wire that probably used to power the controls is coiled up unused, and the heavier 12VDC source that probably used to go to the fridge heating element is plugged on to the control board. That heavier wire comes from the control panel above the fridge, and has a 30A fuse on it. I am not sure where the lighter wire comes from.... probably at the control panel somewhere, but I would have to trace it out.