Monaco LaPalma, Owner'S Manual

Page: 63 / 366

2 • 63
Driving & Safety
2004 • LaPalma
To Use the Solenoid:
• With the ignition key off, press and hold the Battery Boost switch for 10
seconds. After 10 seconds, continue to hold the switch down and turn on
the ignition. Observe the battery volt gauge on the dash, it should read at
least 12 Volts. If voltage is sufficient, try to start the engine.
• If the engine fails to crank, or does not crank fast enough, discontinue the
attempt. Continued attempts will only diminish remaining surface charge in
the chassis battery ending any future alternative attempts.
• Next, start the generator. This may require using the Battery Boost switch
as the generator starts from the engine battery. When the generator is
operating it will charge the house batteries.
• Allow the generator to run approximately ½ hour before attempting to start
the engine.
• After ½ hour of generator operation, with the generator operating, hold
down the Battery Boost switch for one minute. Release the switch for one
minute, then engage the switch for one minute. Alternate this cycle 3 to 5
times. This will avoid overheating the Boost solenoid.
• Next, hold the switch down for one minute and turn the ignition on. The
battery voltage gauge on the dash should indicate at least 12 Volts. If
voltage is sufficient with the Boost switch held down, try to start the
engine.
• If the engine fails to crank, or fails to crank quickly, the chassis battery
may be depleted and the motorhome will require jump-starting or an
external charger hooked to the chassis battery. When using jumper cables
to start the engine, the cables must connect in a parallel configuration. That
is positive (+) to positive (+) and negative battery (-) to negative
chassis (-). Always connect the positive (+) before connecting the negative
(-). To prevent arcing when disconnecting the cables, disconnect the
negative (-) before disconnecting the positive (+).
WARNING: Batteries can emit explosive gases. Always ventilate
the battery compartment prior to any work or service to the
batteries. Extinguish all smoking material and keep all open
flame and spark producing devices away from battery area.
CAUTION: A large amount of electrical current is required to
jump-start an engine. The sizes of the battery, alternator and
jumper cables supplying the "jump" are current limiting
factors. Voltage fluctuations that occur during a jump-start
procedure can damage sensitive electronic equipment and
charging systems. Wait a sufficient amount of time for a surface
charge to build before attempting to crank an engine when using
a jump-start procedure. If uncertain about performing a
jump-start procedure, contact a professional. Damage and
personal injury can occur if this procedure is not performed
correctly.
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