Cougar 12VDC Problem

[cadmanjrd]

We have a 2022 Cougar 5th wheel model 24RDS. On our 5th trip out in 2022 we started getting a "E3" low voltage alarm from our Norcold 12VDC refrigerator every time after the cooling cycle completed. The alarm would beep for a few seconds to a couple of minutes, them stop. This went on all night until the sum came up. The refrigerator maintained the temperature settings. We did not have the problem during the daylight hours when the solar panel was active. We thought the converter was not putting out the 12VDC trickle charge, but our dealer says the converter checks out. Our dealer replaced the control module in the refrigerator last winter, but the problem re-occured the first trip last spring. Our dealer has tried unsuccessfully to duplicate the problem, but they are only hooking up to shore power and disconnecting the solar system during the daylight hours.
Any suggestions????

[bobbecky]

Bad batteries?

[dutchmensport]

So, you are not plugged into shore power? The very first thing would be to check the integrity of the battery. Start there and make sure it's a good battery holding a good charge. It may charge up during the day time with the trickle charge from your solar, but if the battery is failing (or failed), it might not hold that charge once your system is no longer actually "charging." Start by checking the battery. Make sure it's not failing. I know, it's probably a relatively new battery, but THINGS do happen. Everything is subject to failure.

[JRTJH]

Another member reported a similar problem a couple months ago. The problem with his trailer was that the refrigerator and the furnace were both tied to the same "12 volt supply line". When the refrigerator was operating, if the furnace fan came on, there would be a "voltage drop (negative spike)" that triggered the fault light on the refrigerator.

In his trailer, the battery was good, converter checked out, no problem with the refrigerator or the furnace, but when both were operated at the same time, the refrigerator would "throw a code"....

You might try watching the "timing of when it triggers". If the code and the furnace look like they happen simultaneously, try locating/rewiring the refrigerator to its own battery supply wire. That ought to fix your problem.

[cadmanjrd]

We do not have the furnace on when we get the low voltage alarm from the refrigerator. The alarm only comes in at night and right after the refrigerator completes it's cooling cycle.