The same solenoid that cross-connects the 2 battery systems for emergency start also cross-connects them for charging. Most emergency start switchs are momentary, hold to on, spring return to off.
The real question is why isn't that solenoid closing as exprected to cross-connect while charging? The low supply voltage from the engine side may have something to do with it.
I've never seen a bad or loose connection on a Thor product though ........