[Archived]

Jerry,

When the balance light comes on it is almost always one of two problems, and the cause can be quickly checked.

Measure the input voltage at the Vanner Monitor. The 12 volt reading should be 1/2 of the 24 volt reading within 1/2 volt. If the readings are as stated above the problem is associated with the monitor itself and likely the monitor needs to be replaced.

If the 12 volt reading is not 1/2 of the 24 volt reading meaning it is out of the allowable 1/2 volt tolerance then there is a strong possibility the Vanner Equalizer may not be working.

If in fact the batteries are out of “balance” immediate action is required. It does not mean a trip has to be canceled but it does mean you have to deal with the issue. You can not drive a long way and you especially cannot draw down the 12 volt side of the chassis batteries because the ECM will shut down if the voltage drops too low. Your 24 volt side of the chassis electrical system will get charged, but not the 12 volt side so if you drive be aware you need to minimize 12 volt loads such as lights. When you stop you should apply a 12 volt charge to the batteries at a 12 volt post (diagram on the side door panel) or at the 12 volt post on the bottom of the equalizer.

Another possible problem of course is the batteries but if they test OK they are not the problem.

[Archived]

Ok, that makes sense.

I have 2 Vanners and 2 monitors, I am assuming the one for the chassis is on the right in the picture, since the lugs are still sealed, never been taken off, and has the biggest cables going to them? I’ll follow the cables to verify.

[Archived]

I would agree one is dedicated to the chassis with the other to the house. The monitor that measures your chassis voltages is visible under the left inverter and that is likely getting its voltages from the chassis equalizer.

[Jerry]

Hey Jon, hope all is well with you and Di.

Why would a house system have and equalizer, for coaches that have both voltages for the house systems ?

[Archived]

If a house has both 12 and 24 volts which most now do an equalizer is needed just like on the chassis side.

In the house the lights may be 24 volts, but other things like clocks or thermometers may be 12 volt devices.

[Archived]

Jon, just drove the bus uptown to drop off my trailer, now the Red Batt Low/High comes on at idle, and my volt guage drops just under 26 volts. Off idle or cruising, it stays above 26V and the 12V at 13.6 on the info center. And the Red batt light goes out, but the Balance light stays on.

I’m thinking I have a bad Equalizer, probably not the monitor since I can see the voltage low on my guage.

What do you think?

[Fred F.]

Turn the coach off and measure the chassis battery voltages at either the bottom of the equalizer, at the input to the Vanner monitor or directly at the batteries using the 24 volt and 12 volt battery posts shown on the wiring diagram on the side door.

Probably the equalizer is best just because it looks convenient in your photo.

Whatever your 12 volt reading is, the 24 volt reading should be twice that value within 1/2 volt. A fully charged battery set is going to read close to 25.4 for the 24 volt side and 12.7 for the 12 volt side give or take a few tenths.

Then start the engine and go to high idle and take the same voltage readings at the same spot. The 12 volt side should read about 13.8 or 13.9 and the 24 volt side should read 27.7 give or take a few tenths.

If your readings are as I stated above your chassis batteries are getting charged and the equalizer is doing its job no matter what the dash lights are telling you. If the 12 volt readings are not 1/2 of the 24 volt readings then the equalizer has a problem.

If the voltages when running are lower than the values I listed above you may have an alternator or voltage regulator problem.

Take the readings and post them.

If the readings are as listed above and your coach does not have an electrical system issue the Vanner monitor may be diying or dead but until it is replaced you are OK to drive.

[Archived]

Vanner equalizer or monitor the best place to get them from is inverter services….they are advertisers and located near Prevost Nashville..

[Archived]

OK, I’ll check those readings tonight, thanks Jon.

[Greg]

As soon as I see the readings I think we all will have a pretty good idea if you have a problem and where it is. Jeff is correct regarding a good place to get the equalizer or monitor, but lets make sure if you have a problem where it really is.

[Bill]

Jon,

Here are the readings:

Left Equalizer BUS OFF

12.7 and 25.5

Right

12.7 and 25.5

Left Equalizer ENGINE ON HIGH IDLE

13.6 and 27.3

Right

13.4 and 26.8

All that looks good right?

[Jerry]

I’ll stay out of the middle with you and Jon, but my money is on a bad monitor. Common problem, I’ve replaced one on almost every bus I’ve had.

Buddy – I have 3 Equalizers, 2 for the 12/24 house and 1 for the engine.

[Dan]

Jerry,

As Tom said the numbers are what they should be, the balance is good and the voltages go up to where expected when the engine is running.

I agree with Tom’s analysis in that the monitor is the problem.

If you plan to use the coach before you replace the monitor you can just disconnect the output wires from the monitor so the dash warning lights don’t come on.

[Archived]

Thanks Guys!

I will be ordering a Monitor tomorrow.

[Archived]

Jon/Tom,

You guys are correct again!

The Vanner monitor was the problem!, No lights on at all now. I’m a happy camper that it wasn’t the Equalizer.

Thanks for the guidance.

Side note:

when I looked closer at the monitor, where the wires plug in, the power light was on with the Bus off, on the old Monitor. When I plugged the new one in, that power light did not come on while the bus was off.

Maybe that is an indication of a problem….