battery disconnect

[kwynn]

Hi! I have a 2012 995. I have power but the battery disconnect will not shut it off. I believe it to be a latching relay problem but I cannot locate such a relay. The actual on/off disconnect switch is ok. Any ideas? Thanks, Kelly

[testdog]

When the disconnect button is pushed (disconnected) do the camper lights still work?
Are you using a test meter?  If so, from where to you test for voltage?

[kwynn]

When the disconnect button is pushed (disconnected) do the camper lights still work?
Are you using a test meter?  If so, from where to you test for voltage?

Thanks for the reply. All the lights work when the button is pushed. I haven't tested for voltage but disconnected the switch and did a continuity test and the disconnect switch tests fine in that regard.

[testdog]

And have you tried the disconnect switch in both directions?  (thinking that they may have wired the switch backwards)
I don't know the answer about a relay - that would be the smart way to build rather than routing all the current through the disconnect.
Are they still using the old style push/pull headlight switch?

Call tech support.  I'd call even on the weekend just to see if anyone picks up.
Here's their tech support page: http://www.amlrv.com/contact/

[kwynn]

And have you tried the disconnect switch in both directions?  (thinking that they may have wired the switch backwards)
I don't know the answer about a relay - that would be the smart way to build rather than routing all the current through the disconnect.
Are they still using the old style push/pull headlight switch?

Call tech support.  I'd call even on the weekend just to see if anyone picks up.
Here's their tech support page: http://www.amlrv.com/contact/

Yeah, I tried the push/pull switch in both positions and lights remained on. I researched the problem and that is why I mentioned the latching relay. It seems, in other people's response to this, that there exists a "latching relay". I did not know what that was but after a bit of study it made sense. As you mentioned-all that current would not be running thru the battery disconnect with its 12 or 10 ga. wire so a relay must be involved. The latching relay opens when given a shot of electricity (push disconnect in) and remains off until given another jolt (pull switch out) and provides continuous power until pushed again.

I've talked back and forth a bit with the guys at tech support about another issue. They were quite communicative until I told them the year and VIN of my camper and they didn't respond any more. Perhaps-realizing I was not original owner made them less inclined to help.

[testdog]

It would most likely be a "latching relay".  I reason that because power would drop out due to a broken or loose wire to a normal powered relay (aka: normally open).   And it would be very unlikely that a normally closed relay would be used - possible but unlikely.

Either way, the relay would be a pretty good size component.
Typical latching relay images: latching relay google images

The 995 probably has the electric components under the step to the cabover.
If it were me, I would open up the step and look around - with any luck the relay would be visible.
(I was a trained aircraft electrician in the AF - you might want to NOT DO what I would do - and get yourself some help.)

My thinking is that the relay is probably a plug-in type (like used on vehicles) and it could be loose.  (Wouldn't that be nice!) 
I would expect it to be an automotive type relay - probably something fairly common.
If it is a failed relay, a good technician could bench test it.  
At any rate, you could buy another one and just plug it in to see.

[kwynn]

Yeah, Testdog, I'm sure you're correct but I've searched everywhere on camper and unable, as yet, to locate the latching relay.

[testdog]

This picture from the 2012 995 article in TCmagazine shows the fuse panel below the storage cabinets.  (not under the step)
Is this the same as yours?
The main 12 volt battery buss and connections should be right next to the circuit breaker / fuse panel.
It looks like an uncomfortable position but can you see how to access it?
Either through the bathroom or from the cabinet floor above would be my guess.
If you have to pull the entire panel, be sure the all electric power is off, batteries & shore power disconnected.

[kwynn]

Yeah, looks perzactly like mine. I pulled the bottom from the above cabinet to get a good look and nothing in there that looks like a latching relay. They have really buried that thing somewhere.

[testdog]

What's behind that screen thing below the oven?