Newbie - debugging Mom's MH - TV without power

[tdccmc]

Mom's MH is '94 Coachmen Santara 36'.  Connected to shore line has power to coach.  Rear tv works fine.  However, front TV, VCR, and radio will not turn on.  Chassis and coach batteries charged.  Coach and chassis use/store switches in use mode.  TV last worked in late April.  Radio last worked in June.  Must be power problem.  Just don't know where all the switches, fuses, etc. are located.  Any help would be appreciated.  TC

 

[Steve CDN]

Diagnosing your problem has to be done by elimination.

1) locate the 110VAC fusebox (circuit breakers) to make sure all breakers are on.  Check owners manual or call Coachmen Customer Service to locate fuse box.

2) access rear of TV and connect TV to an extension or a known good source for 110VAC to see if TV works. Maybe a fuse in the TV or a reset switch on or near the TV.

3) Sometimes there is a solenoid that turns off 110VAC to front TV when ignition is turned on to prevent watching TV while driving.  Maybe the solenoid is defective.  For that you need to speak to Coachmen Cust Svce for location of solenoid.

4) If all above check out, then it suggests a break in the circuit between the fusebox and the TV, perhaps a wire disconnected in the outlet where TV is plugged in.  Unlikely but possible there is another fuse or breaker in the circuit.

Maybe others have other suggestions.  Keep us informed of your progress.

 

[Ned]

Are the front TV, VCR and radio 110v AC or 12v DC?

 

[tdccmc]

Steve - thanks for reply - I've found the breaker box, turned each off/on and checked.  There are flat fuses next to the breakers but not labeled.  They seem to be ok.  Think I'll check them tomorrow with volt meter.

Ned - Not sure if AC or DC.- Never seen TV on when on the road.  VCR is behind a panel and strapped down.  Can't get to TV plugs without unstrapping VCR, etc.  Not sure how TV is removed.  TV is boxed in with leather, etc.  Rather not go there.  Thought I'd check the brain trust and hopefully have a simple solution before tearing things up.  Strange how all three are without power.  Surface lights above dashboard are all working.

 

[Jim Dick]

Hi TC,

Sounds like you might have two problems. The TV and VCR will be powered by AC while the radio should be 12V. Some vehicles have a switch for the radio that powers it from either the coach battery or chassis battery. If you have the ignition off the coach battery must power the radio. Check to see if you have such a switch.

The TV and VCR are usually on a relay that prevents the units from being powered while the coach is running. Either you have a bad relay or possibly a ground fault interrupter that has tripped or the ignition key is on. Just some food for thought.