I.D. Dash Switch ?

Lt46 · 04-12-2008, 05:37 AM

On my 97 Adventurer 37rw there is a dash switch labeled AUX. BAT w/ an on/off feature.
Is this also known as my coach battery disconnect?
If so, could someone explain why, or in what situation I would want to disconnect my coach battery?
This is a new-to-me coach and am trying to learn everything I can about it.
Thanks

Peter

Lt46 · 04-12-2008, 05:37 AM

On my 97 Adventurer 37rw there is a dash switch labeled AUX. BAT w/ an on/off feature.
Is this also known as my coach battery disconnect?
If so, could someone explain why, or in what situation I would want to disconnect my coach battery?
This is a new-to-me coach and am trying to learn everything I can about it.
Thanks

Peter

Ding-a-ling · 04-12-2008, 06:20 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Lt46:
Is this also known as my coach battery disconnect? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
No. The Coach Battery Disc. switch is usually located somewhere near the entrance door.

On my coach I have an On/Off switch labeled Battery Boost. If the chassis battery runs down and won't turn over the engine, holding that switch in the ON position lets the coach batteries turn over the engine.

Most likely, that is what your AUX. BAT switch is.

KIX · 04-12-2008, 06:20 AM

peter, since I don't have a coach same as yours this answer is an educated guess. If it's on your dash the AUX BATT switch is normally a momentary switch that momentarily ties your house and chassis batteries together when, ie the chassis batt. may be discharged and by pressing the switch you can get enough juice to start the engine.
The battery disconnect switch is normally near the exit door. When this switch is turned off it disconnects the house batteries from the house circuits. You might use this switch when leaviung the coach for a period of time.
Understanding all the above I still don't know for sure the purpose of your particular switch but am betting it's one or the other of the above purposes. Sorry I can't be more specific.

John Hilley · 04-12-2008, 06:53 AM

Mine is labeled Main and Aux, and it is to switch power for the radio from chassis to coach. This allows you to use the dash radio while parked.

tomsm · 04-12-2008, 06:57 AM

Just to add to the confusion - my coach battery disconnect switch is on the dash. Turn on a ceiling light and then turn off this switch to see if it's the coach disconnect. As KIX said, use it whenever you're not going to be using the coach for awhile. It stops parasitic drains from running down your house batteries.

Robert Rice · 04-12-2008, 07:02 AM

One small add to to Tomsm's comment. Be sure you are not connected to external power before performing this test, otherwise your light will burn from the converter.

Ron Lichtsinn · 04-12-2008, 11:02 AM

Good afternoon, Peter and Dawn,

You are exactly right... in the early to mid 90s the kill switch, or Aux Batt switch, was located on the dash.

This separates your house batteries during storage so that a parasitic draw, such as an antenna booster, does not drain your batteries.

CaptBill · 04-12-2008, 03:47 PM

In fact my '02 Horizon has the chassis battery disconnect switch on the dash, right below the radio "Chassis/Main" power switch. As pevious post said, easy to test.

Lt46 · 04-13-2008, 09:56 AM

Thanks guys! I'll have to fiddle with this switch to find out what it does. The 12v light test will be the first test.
Once I have this puzzled solved I'll let you all know.
Again, thanks

Lt46 · 04-16-2008, 04:16 AM

Well, the 12v light test has confirmed what Ron Lichtsinn had advised. Indeed, my dash switch labeled AUX. BAT. kills the house battery.
With 110v diconnected and a couple of ceiling lights lit, I placed the switch into the OFF position, heard a "click" under the dash area and "poof" no more ceiling lights. Clicked it back to the "on" position and the ceiling lights were back on.
Dash switch ID....Solved!
Thanks one and all for your input.