Sequence Coach battery doesn't charge when engine running

[Jouvence]

1-I don't have a second alternator. I checked again. I've already read, when you have an ONAN generator, they don't install a second alternator. I believe that TMC they started installing a second alternator in 2023 and removing the option of the ONAN generator.
2-My Trombetta relay works fine. When the engine is running, to do a test, I activate the E-Start switch and I see on the BALMAR GAUGE that the coach batteries are charging, so I don't need to replace it.
3- I checked under the vehicle, under the dash, under capot I did not find any isolation relay to manage the charging of the coach's batteries from the engine motor.
4-I'm attaching a picture of an electrical component located inside that intrigues me a little. Does anyone know what it does?
5- Is it possible that there isn't one? If so, I'll install one.

NB: I just bought this motorhome. It came from your country. I don't know the previous owner.

 

[16ACE27]

1-I don't have a second alternator. I checked again. I've already read, when you have an ONAN generator, they don't install a second alternator. I believe that TMC they started installing a second alternator in 2023 and removing the option of the ONAN generator.
2-My Trombetta relay works fine. When the engine is running, to do a test, I activate the E-Start switch and I see on the BALMAR GAUGE that the coach batteries are charging, so I don't need to replace it.
3- I checked under the vehicle, under the dash, under capot I did not find any isolation relay to manage the charging of the coach's batteries from the engine motor.
4-I'm attaching a picture of an electrical component located inside that intrigues me a little. Does anyone know what it does?
5- Is it possible that there isn't one? If so, I'll install one.

NB: I just bought this motorhome. It came from your country. I don't know the previous owner.

That's a 2 minute timer circuit. No clue what it is used for in your RV.

 

[MCP-THOR]

That's a 2 minute timer circuit. No clue what it is used for in your RV.

Yes it is a "digital timer module, 2 minute, with re-trigger feature" intended to prevent the A/C and microwave operating concurrently. In other words, to prevent overloading. There is a THOR Tech Service Bulletin, TSB 22-11, issued Aug of 2022. It advises to inspect and replace the timer module if it has a manufacture date prior to 8/22.

 

[Mark54]

I know yours is a van, but just to clarify... many class C motorhomes use the Trombetta relay in combination with an Intellitec delay module (see link below). This combination DOES IN FACT allow Bi-Directional charging (equalizing) of house and chassis batteries... AND maintains the E-start function. Caveat is that house battery MUST be lead-acid. With LiFePO4 house battery the chassis battery will "steal" power from the low resistance lithium. The original intent was to keep the chassis battery charged for starting... assuming you would charge house battery via generator.

Therefore upgrading to lithium house batteries generally warrants a different strategy, such as a DC-DC charger (bypasses the E-start function) or a Li,-BIM which uses a timing algorithm to connect/disconnect alternator charging.

Eventually LiFePO4 house batteries will become standard and hopefully the RV industry will settle on a standard for keeping ALL batteries charged. In the meantime it's a mixed bag of workarounds.

Isolator Relay Delay – Intellitec Products, LLC

intellitec.com

1-I don't have a second alternator. I checked again. I've already read, when you have an ONAN generator, they don't install a second alternator. I believe that TMC they started installing a second alternator in 2023 and removing the option of the ONAN generator.
2-My Trombetta relay works fine. When the engine is running, to do a test, I activate the E-Start switch and I see on the BALMAR GAUGE that the coach batteries are charging, so I don't need to replace it.
3- I checked under the vehicle, under the dash, under capot I did not find any isolation relay to manage the charging of the coach's batteries from the engine motor.
4-I'm attaching a picture of an electrical component located inside that intrigues me a little. Does anyone know what it does?
5- Is it possible that there isn't one? If so, I'll install one.

NB: I just bought this motorhome. It came from your country. I don't know the previous owner.

Yup- what MC said- timer module.
There is a recall on certain ones. I do not have that in my Tellaro. I know the limits of using too many devices at once...
It is there to keep you from using too many watts at once, like AC and M/W at the same time. I have attached the recall notice for you.
There are 2 and 5 minute versions.
Picture on first and last page shows Thor's exquisite wiring methods- as in pile it all in and don't bother to secure the regulator (on floor, blue module) or shunt... Mine are both off the floor now. Amazing that these things could function at all. I have completely re-wired mine.
PS- If you have an Onan generator, you'll be able to see it from the rear of the coach- it needs annual oil change, so don't forget it!
Fun to work on under there too- it also has a circuit breaker (or should have) so if you have a 'gen-start' switch anywhere, and no power while it's running, that could be why.
I am glad to not have one, b/c they can be fickle, noisy and stinky all at the same time. I prefer the 'UHG' as it is not any of those things (as long as Thor wired it right) So for now, better find it and read manual for it- go to your owner's portal, register and get all the info about your RV. Good luck!!

 

[Mark54]

1-I don't have a second alternator. I checked again. I've already read, when you have an ONAN generator, they don't install a second alternator. I believe that TMC they started installing a second alternator in 2023 and removing the option of the ONAN generator.
2-My Trombetta relay works fine. When the engine is running, to do a test, I activate the E-Start switch and I see on the BALMAR GAUGE that the coach batteries are charging, so I don't need to replace it.
3- I checked under the vehicle, under the dash, under capot I did not find any isolation relay to manage the charging of the coach's batteries from the engine motor.
4-I'm attaching a picture of an electrical component located inside that intrigues me a little. Does anyone know what it does?
5- Is it possible that there isn't one? If so, I'll install one.

NB: I just bought this motorhome. It came from your country. I don't know the previous owner.

PS- the BIM (large triangular module/relay) is usually underneath, attached to the bottom of the RV somewhere.
Plug in the RV to shoreline and listen for a 'clunk' (not the transfer switch inside, which also makes a relay noise when plugged in.)
Have yourself under the left-rear side and listen. Or have someone plug in for you while you listen on that side. Could be anywhere too...
You may or may not have one.
My 20AT had one right on the driver's side rear, just in front of the rear axle, on the belly of the RV.
My 20L does not have one.
Good to hear that the e-start solenoid is functional!

 

[Jouvence]

Hi
Thanks for the information, Mark54. I can confirm that I don't have an isolation relay; I've checked more than once.
I'm going to order the relay that 16ACE27 showed me at the beginning of this thread (BIRD from Intellitec).
I'm going to install it next to the Trombetta relay and add a small 12-volt relay controlled by this BIRD relay.
The contact of this small relay will be connected to the E-Start wire on the Trombetta's negative terminal.
Does anyone have a better idea? Let me know

LG

 

[16ACE27]

Hi
Thanks for the information, Mark54. I can confirm that I don't have an isolation relay; I've checked more than once.
I'm going to order the relay that 16ACE27 showed me at the beginning of this thread (BIRD from Intellitec).
I'm going to install it next to the Trombetta relay and add a small 12-volt relay controlled by this BIRD relay.
The contact of this small relay will be connected to the E-Start wire on the Trombetta's negative terminal.
Does anyone have a better idea? Let me know

LG

Forget the middle relay. Attach the BIRD and Emergency start switch IAW the BIRD wiring diagram to your existing relay.

 

[Jouvence]

Hi 16acee27

Sorry, I don't understand.

1-What does it means "IAW".

2-As I understand it, the relay output on the BIRD (intellitec) is 12 volts and will power the trombetta relay when needed to recharge the batteries. But the E-Start switch is connected to ground (negative).

Can you give me a little more detail ?
Merci

 

[16ACE27]

Hi 16acee27

Sorry, I don't understand.

1-What does it means "IAW".

2-As I understand it, the relay output on the BIRD (intellitec) is 12 volts and will power the trombetta relay when needed to recharge the batteries. But the E-Start switch is connected to ground (negative).

Can you give me a little more detail ?
Merci

IAW = In Accordance With

Just rewire your emergency start switch.

 

[Jouvence]

I understood what you meant just after I sent my last post.
My "electrical thinking" was a bit gelatinous.
You're right, I'll do as you say.
Thank you for your patience.

bonne journée
LG

 

[16ACE27]

I understood what you meant just after I sent my last post.
My "electrical thinking" was a bit gelatinous.
You're right, I'll do as you say.
Thank you for your patience.

bonne journée
LG

Bonne chance!

 

[MCP-THOR]

This forum is great! I'm learning a little French as we go along. Merci.

Not to beat a (hopefully) dead horse, but I've attached another schematic which (again) may be along the lines of your layout. I am kind of stumped why there wouldn't be some setup to charge the house batteries, either the 2nd alternator for the LFP's or the BIM device. I presumed that with the LFP batteries, a Balmar shunt and gauge, that it would also have the Balmar regulator and 2nd alternator. Guess not. So maybe it can just be chalked up to a transition period. In any event, I'd be interested in how it all turns out.

Mike

 

[Jouvence]

Hi MC
Me too I was stumped that I don’t have a setup to charge the house batterie.
As Mark54 has told in his last post he had already one without this setup.
I ordered my relay yesterday and when it will be installed I will send a feedback to let you know how it is.

Thank you all for sharing your knowledge.

Bonne journée

 

[Mark54]

IAW = In Accordance With

View attachment 1115981
Just rewire your emergency start swi

Hi MC
Me too I was stumped that I don’t have a setup to charge the house batterie.
As Mark54 has told in his last post he had already one without this setup.
I ordered my relay yesterday and when it will be installed I will send a feedback to let you know how it is.

Thank you all for sharing your knowledge.

Bonne journée

I added a 2A Noco trickle charger to compensate for Thor's complete lack of concern on this item- wired into my 120V system, so when plugged in or using inverter, I can turn it on as I need to- (I also added a switched outlet- see pic) That's after I moved and cleaned all the stuff off the bottom.
Connected to the e-start solenoid hot post to chassis battery, and B- buss bar.
What really pisses me off is the dealer's total lack of information on this too- I had to find out by accident that my chassis battery would be dead after 4 days- luckily I caught it before it was toast.
During winter storage, I just remove the coach batteries and use an external 2A Noco up front on the jumper posts for the chassis battery.

In summer months, if I park rear end in the sun, I can just leave inverter on and my solar is more than enough to maintain the chassis battery. Inverter uses about 40W while on. I have 380W on the roof. No prob. Chassis battery just need a float charge- minimal.

 

[Jouvence]

Hi Mark54
I take note of your changes and what you use to keep the battery charged.
Thanks for your comment, very interesting

Have a nice day.
LG

 

[Jouvence]

Hi-Hello
Just to let you know, my batteries are now charged with my engine.
But instead of installing a relay, I installed a Victron-Orion 30-amp DC-to-DC charger.
My goal was to protect my alternator and somewhat respect the 10% limit on my lithium battery's recharge rate (normally, this would be a 20-amp charge rate, but I cheated a little).

Bonne journée
LG

 

[Mark54]

Hi-Hello
Just to let you know, my batteries are now charged with my engine.
But instead of installing a relay, I installed a Victron-Orion 30-amp DC-to-DC charger.
My goal was to protect my alternator and somewhat respect the 10% limit on my lithium battery's recharge rate (normally, this would be a 20-amp charge rate, but I cheated a little).

Bonne journée
LG

That is another way to do it! Good for you!

 

[TS20L]

Have 2023 Sequence 20L with ONAN i2800 Lithium batteries, and without 2nd alternator. Been having issues with electrical system over 2 years. Most recently, while driving and running generator for AC, all worked fine. Stopped for the evening boondocking and within 60 minutes, AC and Generator shut down. Waited a while, reset and started generator, waited a while then turned master switch off then back on and all came back to life. Ran about 60 minutes again and cycle repeated.

Been worked on at 2 authorized dealers and been back to the factory twice.

This thread has shed more light on the issues than any of the trips to the dealers or factory. Taking vehicle to local RV Service Shop as upon describing our issues mentioned the Trombetta isolator may be an issue.
Also saw in your post information regarding Thor service bulletin on the KIB Module, will have this checked.
Appreciate the suggestion of the Intellitec Relay or DC-to-DC charger and the switched outlet.

Thanks to all of you for your comments.