Interesting little glitch.

Automobilist · 10-13-2011, 01:53 PM

Was walking past our Journey yesterday, and noticed the fridge was on LP power. (Heard the burner) We keep our coach at home and plugged in 24/7. Went inside, and saw the power panel indicating that it was plugged in, but zero amps drawing on the digital meter. Batteries weren't charging, nothing.

Checked the power cord all the way to the coach plug in: good. Strange because the panel indicated it was plugged in, but no amps were being delivered. Turned on the generator, which came on line fine. Ran the A/C a bit, etc. Turned the gen off, and the shore power picked up as normal.

Possibilities? Failing inverter/charger? Possible carbon buildup on a contact somewhere?

RJay · 10-13-2011, 01:58 PM

I think you should take the cover off your automatic transfer switch and check for anything burnt or unusual. The ATS is normally connected to your generator and relay operated to shore power when it is detected and the generator is turned off.

John Hilley · 10-13-2011, 05:39 PM

Several times my EMS has done that, unplugging and then plugging back in the shore power corrected it each time.

Automobilist · 10-13-2011, 05:44 PM

Thanks, guys.

AFChap · 10-14-2011, 08:31 AM

Yep, the transfer switch contacts can stick, normally from being pitted. A smack or two with a fist or rubber mallet always made mine pop over. After a new transfer switch (lightning strike) I have been careful to ensure there is minimal load (no ac, etc) running when going from shore power to genny or vice versa. That make the points less vulnerable to arching & pitting when the power switches over. The new ATS has never given me a problem.

Hawkeye · 10-17-2011, 11:56 PM

I had this same problem recently. Can you clean the converter or do you have to replace it. What does a converter cost? Thanks

Automobilist · 10-20-2011, 11:00 PM

OK, looks like the ATS has gone out... Will open it up tomorrow, and probably get a new one to replace it...