Battery Combiner Solenoid

[Gil_Johnson]

I notice that when my coach is on the charger, that the battery combiner solenoid hums and runs warm,  120 degrees F.  Is this normal, when the combiner solenoid is engaged?

Thanks,

Gi
2008 Contessa

[Edward Buker]

Current is being consumed by the solenoid winding that has been energized. Not sure if that temp. level is normal. It would depends on the solenoid design. Best way to know is to check with another owner or take the information off of the solenoid and call the company that made it. Monaco may also have some insight regarding that component.

later Ed

[LarryNCarolynShirk]

As I understand it, the solenoid is to be used temporarily and briefly.  If it is hot, it must be stuck on, for some reason.  Maybe the switch is shorted, if it runs and hums all the time.

Larry

[Edward Buker]

Larry,

The solenoid on earlier coaches was intended for intermittent use, and on some of the later coaches they used a continuous duty solenoid. My 2002 has a continuous duty version, and I suspect yours does to. There are newer systems yet that have circuits that automate the relay closing, and combine the battery banks under charging conditions. The system includes those circuits and a continuous duty relay. In general the relays in those systems are not made to combine the battery banks for starting. The relays may be more like 70 amp versions for charging only. I am not sure what Gil's coach has, so it is hard to know if his warm relay is normal or not for his system.

later Ed

[LarryNCarolynShirk]

Thank you Ed.  The more I read, the more I learn.  Keep writing, I need the education.

Larry

[Gil_Johnson]

My coach is a 2008 Contessa and the solenoid is part of a system that does combine the batteries for charging from the charger or engine alternator.  I'll have to listen to someone else's to see if the noise level is the same.

Thanks,

Gil
2008 Contessa