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Lynn Smith Posted on Nov 19, 2013
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Dc lo keeps blinking on the fridge and lights go low in rv, power converter middle light is blinking green

The battery in our RV is not charging from the power inverter. The dc lo indicator is flashing on the fridge in the rv. The lights go dim in the RV. Battery drops down in voltage. What could the problem be?

1 Answer

Steve

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  • Master 3,290 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 27, 2014
Steve
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The battery is not being charged OR is no longer accepting a charge.

The inverter does not charge the battery. An inverter consists of components that first convert the battery's low (12) volt "direct current" (DC) power used to power automotive devices to a higher (120) volt "alternating current" (AC) power that is required by nearly all household appliances to operate properly.

The charging of the battery occurs when either the RV's engine is running and spins the alternator, etc. OR when connected to another charging device - whether it is permanent or portable.

With the RV engine running, there should be about 13.5 - 15 volts, DC on the battery posts or terminals. This voltage is coming fromt he RV alternator and since it is greater than the 12 volt battery, "charges" the battery. If you use a portable charger - that is part of a generator, or plugs into a power port at a camp site, etc. this will charge the battery.

When none of these things is happening, the battery voltage will slowly drop. Once it is at ~10 volts, it is "dead" and will need to be recharged.

The battery will no longer accept a charge if a "cell" inside it has "opened" or "shorted", or if the battery is at the end of its useful life. The battery state can be checked quickly by any mechanic.

I hope this helps & good luck!

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Fridge in my 2012 Sterling 32RL

The fridge in your 2012 Sterling 32RL is most likely a 2-way refrigerator. This means it can operate on two power sources: 120-volt AC power (shore power or generator) and propane gas.
Typically, 2-way refrigerators do not operate on 12-volt DC power directly. However, some RVs may have an option to run the refrigerator on 12-volt DC power while driving, using the vehicle's battery system. This is usually done through an inverter or a converter that converts the 12-volt DC power to 120-volt AC power to run the refrigerator.
To determine the specific capabilities of your fridge, it is recommended to consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer of your RV or the refrigerator itself. They will be able to provide you with accurate information regarding the power options and operation of your specific refrigerator model.
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RV connected 2 external AC-check light on dometic refer comes on when RV batteries r low. I thought refer automatically operates on AC when connected to external AC and don't understand check light.

I go with the converter solution IF you have controls set properly. I have use a 12V trickle charger (relatively inexpensive) to verify and supplement a weak inverter. Since you said your hook to AC you have power for the trickle charger.
Apr 15, 2018 • RVs
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Had a rain storm power went off fridge wo rks microwave works plugs I rv wrks lights in rv do not work ac does not work

sounds like one leg of the main breaker is tripped need to reset. also the a/c's in a rv require dc to operate controls. check those fuses
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How do I locate the charging system wires at the converter ?

Should have the basic schematic in your owner's manual. If not, contact the mfg and see if you can download one or have it mailed.

No luck? Google it. If persistent enough, you can find one.
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It does not seem to be charging the batteries. 12 volt lights work good for about 2 days then go dim until I put a charger on the batteries and bring them back into working order. The battery connect...

The Parallax 7155 converter should not require battery support for any 12 volt load amperage that is less than the maximum amperage capacity of the converter. A standard RV incandescent 12 volt lamp draws about 1.5 amperes for each bulb. With the battery disconnected and other 12 volt loads off, turn on lamps (not fixtures) and calculate the number of bulbs which can be turned on. If you run out of lamps, turn on vent fans etc. The idea here is to try to get to 55 amperes of DC load if possible without going over 55 amperes. At a sustained DC load of about 25-30 amperes or higher, the fans should cycle on continuously after about 5 -10 minutes. Lamp brightness should be normal and the measured voltage from the converter should be above 13 volts if under 55 amps of DC load. If the voltage drops with only a few lamps on, a converter issue would be likely.

Diagnostic tests an RV technician should make would be to:
1. Disconnect the battery system.
2. With the converter system powered on, measure the DC amperage with a DC ammeter capable of reading at least 60 amperes DC from the blue lead at the DC fuse panel terminal VCC.
3. Measure the DC voltage at terminal VCC and DC ground.
4. Record both readings.
At any DC load amperage less than 55 amps, the voltage should be above 13.0-13.2 volts DC. This method should take out all guesswork and confirm a DC converter section issue or not.
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Domestic Dm2652 will not work on AC without DC power is this correct. We have been camping for a week plugged into 30amp power. Refrigerator worked fine then check light came on and refrigerator...

This is an RV frig correct? It SHOULD work either/or. AC or DC. If your plugged into AC then often the frig will work with that alone. DC is for when you have no AC so you can power your appliances of the battery. Maybe you have a converter (AC to DC which most RV's do) that somehow is not getting the DC to the frig.

If you need further help, reach me via phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/steve_24d988f3507f7480

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Hi...recently purchased a 2005 Roadtrek RV with a Dometic RM 2354 fridge in it...was getting things ready for camping and had the RV hooked up to 110 power...pushed on button for fridge and went through...

You said there was NO lights on the unit. The Dometic service manual says:

1. No operation - no panel lights: DC Volts

Fuse

Wiring

Upper Circuit Board

Lower Circuit Board

http://www.gasrefrigeration.net/dom_techdata/26121_2852SM.PDF

I would start with the DC volatage and track it back until you lose it. Most of the time it does end up being the lower circuit board though.

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