How to Troubleshooting RV Battery Disconnect Switch?

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Yes, it is a major problem if the disconnect switch in the battery isn’t functioning.

This is because your batteries’ health is maintained by this switch.

Furthermore, while your RV is not in use, this switch disconnects the house batteries.

You should thus repair it if they aren’t functioning.

What causes the RV battery disconnect switch to malfunction? How should you solve that, then?

It turns out that a blown fuse or a wire in the circuit might cause a disconnect switch to malfunction.

But don’t worry, if the switches malfunction, nothing terrible will happen.

In addition, we’re here to help you since we’ve put up a step-by-step guide on how to resolve this problem.

The FAQ section at the end of this page is another excellent resource.

As a result, you shouldn’t miss it.

Let’s get started now, shall we?

The Fixing Manual

You need to be aware by now that your RV’s disconnect switch is malfunctioning.

Let me tell you something in case you were wondering if the mending method was difficult or pricey.

Well, replacing the disconnect switches is the best course of action.

No, the procedure is neither challenging or costly.

You won’t have to spend a fortune installing a second disconnect switch as a result.

You won’t even break a sweat if you can follow the step-by-step instructions we’re going to provide you.

So let’s start.

Suggestion reading: How to Store an RV Battery for Winter?

Tools

The equipment you’ll need for this process is readily accessible and reasonably priced.

You may purchase them online or at any nearby store.

Therefore, let’s have a look at them:

  1. A switch to Disconnect
  2. Glasses
  3. Gloves
  4. Wrench
  5. Cleaner
  6. Toilet paper

When you’re finished, let’s examine how to carry out the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Disconnect the Cables from the Battery

Make sure you have gloves and glasses on before you begin.

This is due to the fact that exercising caution while dealing with electrical equipment is vital.

After that, use a wrench to first unplug the cords from the battery.

Additionally, you want to unplug the positive connections last and the negative cables first.

Step 2: Clean the Battery Terminal and the Connectors

When the wires are unplugged, a cleaner may be used to quickly clean the connections.

At this point, you should also clean the terminals.

Use a paper towel to massage it when you’re finished.

Step 3: Check the Water level

Examine the batteries’ water levels after you’re done cleaning.

The water level will guarantee that the battery receives the proper amount of electricity.

Problems like the air conditioner compressor not turning on may result from a low power supply.

Low battery life may, at worst, prevent you from even beginning your bike.

You must utilize safety equipment when doing this action.

Related Also: Why Does My RV Battery Keep Dying?

Step 4: Attach the Battery Disconnect Switch

Finally, connect the battery disconnect switch to the battery’s negative terminal.

Additionally, use the wrench to tighten it to the terminal.

However, be careful not to overtighten the switch’s connection to the terminal.

Step 5: Reconnect the Cable in the Positive Terminal

Make sure the switch’s lever is open before inserting the cable into the positive terminal.

Don’t overtighten the cable on the positive termination.

Additionally, apply the wrench to this task.

Step 6: Reconnect the Cable in the Opposite End of the Disconnect Switch

Connect the cable to the disconnect switch’s opposing end.

However, confirm that the switch’s lever is still in the open position.

Tighten the cable here with the wrench.

Step 7: Lower the Lever of the Disconnect Switch and Check it

Lower the disconnect switch’s lever after you’ve finished the aforementioned actions.

The relationship will be solidified as a result.

After that, determine whether the RV has a 12 volt DC power source.

Why Do the Disconnect Switches Need to Be Fixed?

You ought to be familiar with how to repair the disconnect switches by now.

Why, therefore, should you repair them? You may leave things just how they are, after all.

The disconnect switches in an RV are certainly very valuable.

You’re losing out on a lot if they’re not in your battery.

Let’s examine why you should correct it, shall we?

  • Check the batteries in your RV using disconnect switches. Without a disconnect switch, the battery discharges more quickly.
  • The parasitic loads, such as clocks, stereos, and lights, cause the battery to discharge even more quickly.
  • It also drains as a result of an appliance circuit board and a gas leak detector.
  • Unrecharged discharged batteries will degrade far sooner than they should.
  • You may separate the battery from the RV using a disconnect switch, if you have one. As a result, operating the RV won’t drain your battery.
  • Power is turned off via the disconnect switches. Therefore, if you’re utilizing your RV, electrical fires and theft won’t happen as often.
  • There is a substantial risk of short circuit damage in the absence of a disconnect switch. In your RV, you could have to troubleshoot fans and many other electric-based components.

Recommended reading: Why RV Battery Smells Like Rotten Eggs?

FAQs: Troubleshooting RV Battery Disconnect

Can a Disconnect Switch Malfunction?

Yes, because they are switches, they might malfunction at any moment.

How Can A Disconnect Switch Be Tested?

Go obtain a 12-volt lamp, then flip the switch to the off position.
After that, unplug the batteries’ negative terminals.

You must now hold both the cable clip and the probe for the post.

The light will illuminate if it is functioning.

Is It Possible To Always Plug In The RV?

Yes, you can constantly plug in your RV.

Conclusion

All we have for you is that.

Now that you know what to do, maybe the RV battery disconnect switch will always function.

Additionally, if working with batteries makes you uncomfortable, we strongly advise hiring a professional.

Additionally, even if you have a disconnect switch, make sure your batteries are still in good condition.

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Ryan is a RV product expert with nearly a decade of experience researching, developing, and testing RV products.

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