Alternator Relay

[suenmike]

Need help finding the relay that transfers alternator power to the coach batteries when the engine is running. 2016 Miramar 34.2. I have already changed the relay under the bed, and in the house battery that monitors the current from the campground hook up. I just don’t know where the relay is from the engine alternator. Thank you

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by suenmike

Need help finding the relay that transfers alternator power to the coach batteries when the engine is running. 2016 Miramar 34.2. I have already changed the relay under the bed, and in the house battery that monitors the current from the campground hook up. I just don’t know where the relay is from the engine alternator. Thank you

You're talking about a BIM, BCC, or likely a BIRD with Trombetta. Have you created an account on Thor's Owner Resource Website with your VIN and downloaded the electrical drawings to see what you're looking for?

[suenmike]

No, I have not. I was going to give them a call tomorrow. I was hoping someone was familiar with this and point me to the relay.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by suenmike

No, I have not. I was going to give them a call tomorrow. I was hoping someone was familiar with this and point me to the relay.

You don't need to call them or wait until tomorrow. DIY.

[suenmike]

Oh no, I will do it myself, just need to know where it’s located. Is it by the engine battery? If anyone could take a picture of it and where it is I would absolutely appreciate that!

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by suenmike

Oh no, I will do it myself, just need to know where it’s located. Is it by the engine battery? If anyone could take a picture of it and where it is I would absolutely appreciate that!

No, create an account on the Thor Owners resource website and get the information you seek yourself. You gotta know what you are looking for. It's likely a BIRD/Trombetta and likely in the house battery compartment area.

[suenmike]

Ok, thank you, I will do that right now.

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by suenmike

Need help finding the relay that transfers alternator power to the coach batteries when the engine is running. 2016 Miramar 34.2. I have already changed the relay under the bed, and in the house battery that monitors the current from the campground hook up. I just don’t know where the relay is from the engine alternator. Thank you

While my coach was made in a separate factory, my coach has a BIRD. The relay and Trombetta control unit are in the very rear, rightside the house battery compartment wall. Both are much better accessed from the drive shaft tunnel than from the outside compartment door.
To check if the relay is working, make sure the shore power and the generator are off. Use the inverter to check the house battery voltage. It must below 12.6 volts for the control units to close the relay. Start the engine and after 5 to 6 minutes turn the inverter on check the inverter voltage. If the voltage is less is 13.0 volts at the inverter, the relay is open. If is is 13.0 volts are greater, then the relay is closed. If the house batteries are very depleated, the inverter voltage will not be near 13.0 volts but should gradually increase as the alternator charges the batteries.

[suenmike]

I got on the Thor Owner’s website with no luck so far, I will keep trying. If anybody had a picture, that would be a big help. Thank you
Beau388, I will be crawling underneath in 5 minutes. Thanks all.

[suenmike]

Ok all, I did locate BIRD, under the bed in the rear of the coach. I tapped on it with a screwdriver, and surprise, it works now. I will be replacing this relay ASAP. Thank you again for all your advice!

[suenmike]

Hey guys, quick question. While waiting for the new relay to be sent to me, the old one is now functioning, however I noticed it gets very hot. Is this common?

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by suenmike

Hey guys, quick question. While waiting for the new relay to be sent to me, the old one is now functioning, however I noticed it gets very hot. Is this common?

Yes, the Trombetta relay does get hot when energized.

[suenmike]

Great, thank you for the quick response

[DavidEM]

It may get hot because the contacts are shot and after tapping, they now make a connection but not a good one. The slight resistance causes the heat you are experiencing. Or it just may be the energizing coil. Who knows.

I wouldn't use it and even would disconnect one of the big wires until you can replace it.

David

[suenmike]

Thank you David, good idea. I will have the new one Wednesday.

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by suenmike

Ok all, I did locate BIRD, under the bed in the rear of the coach. I tapped on it with a screwdriver, and surprise, it works now. I will be replacing this relay ASAP. Thank you again for all your advice!

Usually the relay under the bed is the battery isolation stepping relay. It connects/disconnects the house battery bank from the powercenter which is under the bed. The BIRD relay is usually found between the house battery bank and the chassis batteries. The BIRD relay will have the Trombetta control unit mounted next to it and will be connected to it.

[suenmike]

Thank you ��