Coach batteries disconnect at will

[Roy Somers]

We have a 2008 Seneca 34 HD motorhome. The coach batteries will sometimes disconnect at random and then we have trouble getting them connected again with the disconnect switch by the door. Anyone else have an issue like this? Should I replace the disconnect solenoid?

[snowbird47]

It does sound like a bad solenoid or perhaps the wire to power the solenoid is compromised.

[Roy Somers]

Thanks Mike, I believe you are correct. I have run a temporary bypass wire until I can replace the solenoid with a more positive control manual switch.

[snowbird47]

I would consider replacing the solenoid with another solenoid, as I assume Jayco used that for a reason. If you do go with a switch, make sure you get a true battery disconnect switch rated for high amperage.

[WaltW]

Roy, although a few years apart my owners manual says that if you depress the 12V disconnect switch for more than one second it will permanently disconnect the batts and you have to reset by disconnecting the ground at the house batteries. Not good at electronics but sounds like a different switch would work better…i.e., momentary contact switch.

Maybe yours works the same.

[Roy Somers]

Thanks Walt, that could be so here also. the trouble actually started when the disconnect switch was mistakenly pushed instead of the awning retract button located right next to it. The problem now is that it disconnects by itself when it feels like and this shuts down all the 12 volt in the coach, even the air conditioning thermostat. We have a small dog that stays in the motorhome from time to time and we don't want to risk a/c failure when we are away as it can get deathly hot in there. I am a mechanic by trade and I believe the disconnect switch is located there for convenience only reasons, and will replace the solenoid with a heavy duty pole switch as was used in older heavy equipment applications.