solenoid acting up

[Michael]

Wayne

I may have not worded my question right---

I am having trouble with the Anti/Theft switch on my dash that controls a
solenoid/relay in the lower generator fan bay. It is a 200 Amp sp st
Cutler-Hammer solenoid that when turned off still has 3 or 4 volts running
thought it to the dash. When that happens my step extend switch light flitters
and some switch chatters and will only completely shut off when I activate
another switch
like the heated mirrors that has a large draw.

When the cable is disconnected and a meter is attached the solenoid works
every time showing 12vdc and "o" or .01 vdc when off.

The solenoid either has feedback? or is broken? A friend has suggested a bad
ground but do not know how to go about finding one.. I've been looking and
checking for bad fuses and trying to get a understanding of schematics -----
but no luck yet

Also I seem to be missing the key for the relays in the front panel they are
numbered and on my schematic but not described.

A new Cutler- Hammer solenoid is 200$ and it may not be the problem


I have 3 other components that are not working and may or may not be connected
or caused by the low voltage/solenoid problem

My upper dash clock is out, my bedroom clock and I've lost 12vdc to my rear
bedroom Carrier AC unit.

I think my bedroom clock and AC unit are powered from the old Dometic control
wiring harness / plug. I have not found any fuses that are out. I've
purchased a circuit tester but do not really know were the lines go and read
that I could hurt components that are still connected or at the other end.

Thanks for your help and I apologize for not being clearer.....

Michael






--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Michael" <michael3536@...> wrote:
>
> How do you test a test solenoid?
>
> my A/T switch does not completely shut off the power to the dash
>
> I got out my meter and performed these tests;
>
> #1 found it had 3.8 to 4.5 volts still passing through the relay when
> switched off and went to "0" only when I activated another switch with a
> larger draw like the (mirror heat) The step extend switch just changes
> the tone of a low voltage chatter.
>
> #2 with load wire disconnected from the switch, it seemed to
> work consistently, showing only .01 or.02 VDC on the meter.
>
> I'm not sure what that means or how I should really test it.... why
> would it work without a load?
>
> I've checked temperature of the relay when left on and gets up to 120+
> degrees. Is that normal? I hate to lose all that energy to heat.
>
> Thanks for any help
>