Tundra M1500 Quick Troubleshooting Manual

Truck power inverters

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Quick Troubleshooting Guide

TUN-QTSG-0519-EN

For power inverter models M1500 – M2000 – M2500 – M3000

TRUCK POWER INVERTERS

Quick Troubleshooting Guide

For power inverter models M1500 – M2000 – M2500 – M3000

INDEX

P.2

INTRODUCTION - SAFETY - LIMITATIONS

P.3

FRONT PANELS & MONITORS

P.4

ERROR CODES

PP.5-6

COMMON PROBLEMS & COMMON CAUSES

PP.7-21

PROCEDURES

P.22+

ANNEXES

No part of this publication may be reproduced or used without the prior written permission of Tundra

International. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions in this publication, although every

possible care has been taken to make it as complete and accurate as possible. The right is reserved to make

changes at any time without prior notice, and without incurring an obligation to make such changes applicable to

previously manufactured products. All information contained in this publication is based on the latest product

information available at the time of publication. Illustrations and photographs in this publication are intended for

reference use only.

TUNDRAINVERTERS.COM

May 2019

Part No. TUN-QTSG-0519-EN

First Edition

PRINTED IN CANADA

Tel.: 450.649.2470 / 1.877.964.2582 Fax.: 1.888.855.9834

TUNDRAINVERTERS.COM

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Summary of Contents for Tundra M1500

Page 1 ANNEXES © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED No part of this publication may be reproduced or used without the prior written permission of Tundra International. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions in this publication, although every possible care has been taken to make it as complete and accurate as possible. The right is reserved to make changes at any time without prior notice, and without incurring an obligation to make such changes applicable to previously manufactured products.
Page 2 LIMITATIONS The procedures described in this guide are only suggestions and are not mandatory. Therefore, Tundra International cannot be held liable for incidental or consequential damages or any other damage arising from the use of this guide.
Page 3 Quick Troubleshooting Guide TUN-QTSG-0519-EN For power inverter models M1500 – M2000 – M2500 – M3000 FRONT PANELS & MONITORS Models: M1500 – M2000 Models: M2500 – M3000 Tel.: 450.649.2470 / 1.877.964.2582 Fax.: 1.888.855.9834 TUNDRAINVERTERS.COM...
Page 4 Quick Troubleshooting Guide TUN-QTSG-0519-EN For power inverter models M1500 – M2000 – M2500 – M3000 ERROR CODES M Series power inverters are equipped with an LCD monitor that displays important information to better understand the operational limitations of the inverter.
Page 5 Quick Troubleshooting Guide TUN-QTSG-0519-EN For power inverter models M1500 – M2000 – M2500 – M3000 COMMON PROBLEMS & COMMON CAUSES (Part 1) This section explains common problems encountered in a commercial truck application and gives possible root causes. Review each procedure to obtain the best results.
Page 6: Table Of Contents
Quick Troubleshooting Guide TUN-QTSG-0519-EN For power inverter models M1500 – M2000 – M2500 – M3000 COMMON PROBLEMS & COMMON CAUSES (Part 2) OTHER COMMON PROBLEM The inverter does not turn on Improper installation Lack of maintenance Reversed polarity P.17 Main DC fuse blown (on DC cables) P.18...
Page 7: Improper Installation
Quick Troubleshooting Guide TUN-QTSG-0519-EN For power inverter models M1500 – M2000 – M2500 – M3000 A – IMPROPER INSTALLATION Improper installation is the most common cause of power inverter malfunction, which often results from impaired flow of current between the batteries and the power inverter. A power inverter operates between 11.0 and 13.6 volts.
Page 8: Lack Of Maintenance
Quick Troubleshooting Guide TUN-QTSG-0519-EN For power inverter models M1500 – M2000 – M2500 – M3000 B – LACK OF MAINTENANCE Battery maintenance on a commercial vehicle is often overlooked. Over time, the various electrical connections tend to loosen, corrode and lose their effectiveness. Battery maintenance should be part of a regular preventive maintenance program to avoid the most common power inverter issues.
Page 9 Quick Troubleshooting Guide TUN-QTSG-0519-EN For power inverter models M1500 – M2000 – M2500 – M3000 C – DISCHARGED / BAD BATTERIES (Part 1) To supply a power inverter with the voltage and amperage it needs, batteries must be in good condition and preferably fully charged. In the event where the power inverter would go into ERR LOW, (Low Voltage Protection Mode) a thorough assessment of the situation must be made.
Page 10 ARE THE BATTERIES RUNNING OUT OF POWER AFTER SEVERAL DAYS OF INACTIVITY? Tundra power inverters consume about 150 mA (0.150 A) when turned ON and left unattended (no load is supplied). At this level of consumption, it would take several weeks before completely discharging a truck battery bank.
Page 11 Quick Troubleshooting Guide TUN-QTSG-0519-EN For power inverter models M1500 – M2000 – M2500 – M3000 D – VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ISSUES Discharged batteries cause engine starting problems for which the power inverter is always suspected. But electrical issues interfering with the operation of the vehicle can also interfere with the operation of the power inverter.
Page 12 Quick Troubleshooting Guide TUN-QTSG-0519-EN For power inverter models M1500 – M2000 – M2500 – M3000 E – HIGH-REACHING CONSUMPTION M Series power inverters are equipped with an overload protection that always prevents the user from exceeding the capacity of the inverter.
Page 13 Quick Troubleshooting Guide TUN-QTSG-0519-EN For power inverter models M1500 – M2000 – M2500 – M3000 F – INADEQUATE / DAMAGED 120 V WIRING Problems with 120 V wiring can interfere with the proper operation of the power inverter. When an output capacity problem is suspected, THE FIRST THING TO DO is to disconnect all extension cords and power strips from the power inverter and run a test directly from the inverter.
Page 14 Quick Troubleshooting Guide TUN-QTSG-0519-EN For power inverter models M1500 – M2000 – M2500 – M3000 G – DEFECTIVE 120 V OUTPUT RECEPTACLE If the power inverter can be turned ON but does not generate any output power, the AC output receptacle located on the front of the power inverter may be defective.
Page 15 Quick Troubleshooting Guide TUN-QTSG-0519-EN For power inverter models M1500 – M2000 – M2500 – M3000 H – IMPROPER INVERTER LOCATION An inverter going into OVR TEMP mode is most likely installed in an inappropriate location where it cannot properly be cooled. A power inverter MUST always be installed where conditions are optimal.
Page 16 Quick Troubleshooting Guide TUN-QTSG-0519-EN For power inverter models M1500 – M2000 – M2500 – M3000 I – DAMAGED COOLING FAN All Tundra power inverters are equipped with a thermostatically controlled cooling fan on the rear panel. This cooling should be able to lower the internal temperature of the inverter in most circumstances and allow it to operate continuously.
Page 17: Reversed Polarity
Quick Troubleshooting Guide TUN-QTSG-0519-EN For power inverter models M1500 – M2000 – M2500 – M3000 J – REVERSED POLARITY The 12 V DC cables on a power inverter are often reversed during installation or maintenance. This common mistake, which leads to inverter failure, is not covered by the warranty, but can usually be fixed by simply replacing the internal ATO fuses.
Page 18: Main Dc Fuse Blown (On Dc Cables)
Quick Troubleshooting Guide TUN-QTSG-0519-EN For power inverter models M1500 – M2000 – M2500 – M3000 K – MAIN DC FUSE BLOWN (ON DC CABLES) The DC fuse is a crucial component of a power inverter installation. Its selection, location and maintenance are all important to user and vehicle safety.
Page 19: Improper Diagnostic Tools
Quick Troubleshooting Guide TUN-QTSG-0519-EN For power inverter models M1500 – M2000 – M2500 – M3000 L – DAMAGED MONITOR CABLE / DAMAGED MONITOR The monitor allows to interact with the power inverter remotely. It is linked to the power inverter using an 8-wire reinforced Ethernet cable. The power inverter can be used without the monitor by using the ON/OFF switch located on the inverter’s front panel.
Page 20: Magnetic Field Side Effects
Quick Troubleshooting Guide TUN-QTSG-0519-EN For power inverter models M1500 – M2000 – M2500 – M3000 N – MAGNETIC FIELD SIDE EFFECTS Televisions and CB radios are designed to pick up wave signal regardless of their source. Induction loads from electric motors (e.g. refrigerator, compressor) can emit a magnetic field strong enough for it to be interpreted as a signal and therefore, be picked up by a TV or a CB radio.
Page 21: Cable Size & Fuse Rating
CM Series Installation Kit is strongly recommended, as it will prevent many problems from occurring (picture 1). If a Tundra CM Kit is NOT used, refer to the charts below to determine if the right cable and the correct fuse have been used for this power inverter.

This manual is also suitable for:

M2000 M2500 M3000