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ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
The electrical systems in your motor home are
designed and built in accordance with all regulations,
codes, and standards in effect at the time the motor
home was built.
CHASSIS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is the vehicle electrical system. It includes the
vehicle battery, charging system, ignition system,
cockpit controls and instruments, cockpit heater/air
conditioner, and the headlights, taillights, turn signals,
and other vehicle lights and accessories.
Chassis Bulbs & Fuses
Replace bulbs with equivalent types as marked on
the bulb.
Fuses for the chassis electrical system are located
under the left instrument panel. Others may be found
in the 12-volt power leads of the related equipment
and accessories.
12-VOLT COACH SYSTEM
All 12-volt lighting fixtures and convenience outlets,
12-volt powered vents, fans, motors, and 12-volt ac-
cessories are included in this system. The fresh water
pump and any 12-volt entertainment equipment are
connected to this system. The 12-volt power source
is a special deep cycle 12-volt lead-acid storage bat-
tery. Twelve volt power is also provided by an AC/DC
converter. These batteries are charged by the motor
home engine alternator, or by the charging circuit in-
cluded in the converter.
The converter is the nerve center of the 12-volt DC
(as well as the 120-volt AC system.) Fuses for the
12-volt DC circuits are located at the converter panel.
Always replace fuses with the same type and
amperage rating.
WARNING: DO NOT INSTALL 12-VOLT FUSES
WITH AMPERAGE RATINGS GREATER THAN
THAT SPECIFIED ON FUSEBOX.
Auxiliary Battery
The auxiliary battery is the primary source for nor-
mal living-area needs. Sensing and switching circuits
permit the vehicle alternator to charge all batteries
as required and prevent the living area 12-volt
re-
quirements from depleting the vehicle battery.
NOTE: All living area radios and tape decks draw
from the auxiliary battery, and extended usage
may discharge it.
Battery condition can be checked on the Monitor
Panel. To check the battery charge:
1.
Unplug the 120-volt AC power cord to turn the
power converter off.
27
2.
3.
4.
Press "BATTERY" rocker switch on the panel.
Turn on a light or any 12-volt appliance. The
battery must be checked with a load.
Read battery condition on the meter. Red is
poor, yellow is fair, and green is good.
Battery Inspection and Care
WARNING: DISCONNECT THE 120-VOLT ELEC-
TRIC CORD AND THE POSITIVE TERMINAL
FROM THE MOTOR HOME BATTERY BEFORE
WORKING ON EITHER ElECTRICAL SYSTEM.
WARNING: REMOVE RINGS, METAL WATCH-
BANDS, AND OTHER METAL JEWELRY BEFORE
WORKING AROUND A BATTERY. USE CAUTION
WHEN USING METAL TOOLS. IF THE TOOL
CONTACTS THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL
OR METAL CONNECTED TO IT, A SHORT CIR-
CUIT COULD OCCUR WHICH COULD CAUSE
PERSONAL INJURY OR FIRE.
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW BATTERY ELEC-
TROLYTE TO CONTACT SKIN, EYES, FABRICS,
OR PAINTED SURFACES. THE ELECTROLYTE IS
A SULFURIC ACID SOLUTION WHICH COULD
CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR PRO-
PERTY DAMAGE. WEAR EYE PROTECTION
WHEN WORKING WITH BATTERIES.
Check the external condition of the battery
periodically. Look for cracks in the cover and case.
Check the vent plugs. Replace them if they are crack-
ed or broken. Keep the battery clean. Accumulations
of acid film and dirt may permit current to flow bet-
ween the terminals and discharge the battery. To clean
the battery, wash it with a diluted solution of baking
soda and water to neutralize any acid present, then
flush with clean water. Acid foaming around terminals
or on top of the battery is normal acid neutralization.
Avoid getting the soda solution in the battery. Be sure
the vent caps are tight. Dry the cables and terminals.
Don't use grease on the bare metal inside the cable
terminals to prevent corrosion. Grease is an insulator.
Electricity will not flow through it. A plastic ignition
spray will protect the terminals after you have clean-
ed and reinstalled them.
Check the battery often. Keep the carrier and hold-
down hardware clean and free of corrosion and
chemical accumulation.
Battery Charging
Normally the battery will be kept charged by either
the motor home charging system while on the road,
or by the AC/DC power converter when plugged into
AC service. On those occasions when the battery
needs to be charged from a different charging source,
please follow these safety guidelines:
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Troubleshooting
