MCI 102A3 Power draw

hargreaves · July 08, 2008, 08:43:15 AM

Well I got the roof all raised and some interior done, well, enough to take the bus and the boys on a golf/ shakedown cruise . I noted the starting batteries were getting run down. It seems the relays for the operation of the air that opens and closes the door are always on even when the coach is not running. Is this normal or has something been modified. It draws enough power to kill the batteries in two days. I don't as yet have a manual so if I could pick the brains of all you wizards out there it would be appreciated. Thanks in advance Gerry.

Dallas · July 08, 2008, 09:03:39 AM

This might be a dumb question, but are you turning off the master battery switch in the battery compartment when you shut the bus down? If not, all your systems except for a few things are hot.

Make it a habit to turn the master Battery switch off every time you shut the engine down.

IHTH,
Dallas

hargreaves · July 08, 2008, 09:30:04 AM

Hey Dallas, I quess that means I have to bleed the air off the doors, because when I shut the power off the door slams shut or is there a mod that is done so the door can be used?

Hartley · July 08, 2008, 11:03:56 AM

Quote from: hargreaves on July 08, 2008, 09:30:04 AM
Hey Dallas, I quess that means I have to bleed the air off the doors, because when I shut the power off the door slams shut or is there a mod that is done so the door can be used?

You should have a manual release valve somewhere under the dash or near the door...

Just my thought since mine has one.

buswarrior · July 09, 2008, 08:25:43 AM

The PA amplifier can be a hidden parasite often overlooked, depending on what happened to the various microphone wiring during tear out.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

hargreaves · July 09, 2008, 09:12:51 AM

Thanks BusWarrior, I find it hard to believe that the manufacturer would have that much of a power draw when the coach engine is off but the batteries are still on. When I pull the two relays in the front AC compartment that control the air valves for the door operation , the load goes away but then I have no door operation. I wonder if anyone has modified them to only work when the engine is running. Or maybe even better disconnect them altogether and open and close the door manually and put in a door latch. The mic equipment has been removed. Gerry

Busted Knuckle · July 09, 2008, 09:22:05 AM

Quote from: hargreaves on July 09, 2008, 09:12:51 AM
Thanks BusWarrior, I find it hard to believe that the manufacturer would have that much of a power draw when the coach engine is off but the batteries are still on. When I pull the two relays in the front AC compartment that control the air valves for the door operation , the load goes away but then I have no door operation. I wonder if anyone has modified them to only work when the engine is running. Or maybe even better disconnect them altogether and open and close the door manually and put in a door latch. The mic equipment has been removed. Gerry

Gerry,
You maybe onto something, I have a manual door opening closing system on my 102A3 and would like to convert it to the air operated door. Wanna swap parts?

BK

PS by the way we always turn our batteries of on our MCI's if it is going to be "overnight" or more before restarting. Our Setra's have a soleniod that does it for us!

hargreaves · July 09, 2008, 11:18:28 AM

BK,
I would like to keep the air operated door if possible. I'm interested in the solonoid system you have. Does it shut all the power to the coach or just some parts. Gerry

Ednj · July 09, 2008, 11:45:19 AM

One of my Phantom power draws was the original light in the bays,
The button switches were rusted badly.
Just throwing it out there something else to check.

Busted Knuckle · July 09, 2008, 04:36:27 PM

Quote from: hargreaves on July 09, 2008, 11:18:28 AM
BK,
I would like to keep the air operated door if possible. I'm interested in the solonoid system you have. Does it shut all the power to the coach or just some parts. Gerry

Gerry,
To my knowledge it shuts down the whole 24 Volt system. But it must leave something on in order for it to work with the key! When you turn the key on you can here the huge relay click on. There has to be power somewhere for it to be able to do that! I'll see what I can find out about it. The other offer still stands though! LOL!

BK

Sammy · July 09, 2008, 04:47:05 PM

Prevost uses that main battery disconnect switch too.
There should be a small handle with a small red ball on it, just above or just to the right of your right knee (when you are in the operator's seat).This controls air pressure to entrance door cylinder.

Sojourner · July 09, 2008, 05:24:27 PM

Gerry....I think you are not aware that your MCI come with master shut down switch on the side of battery compartment. That cut off all OEM connection to the batteries.

FWIW

Sojourn for Christ, Jerry

hargreaves · July 09, 2008, 10:02:10 PM

I see the red handle . Does it bleed all the air from the coach or just the doors? also you have to hold it to bleed the air. I'm an impatient guy, lol .I know there is a master switch but being as absent minded as I am I forget to turn it off.

Busted Knuckle · July 10, 2008, 04:33:59 AM

Quote from: Sojourner on July 09, 2008, 05:24:27 PM
Gerry....I think you are not aware that your MCI come with master shut down switch on the side of battery compartment. That cut off all OEM connection to the batteries.

FWIW

Sojourn for Christ, Jerry

Jerry if you reread what's been posted he's aware of the power cut off, but he's looking to avoid the door automaticlly closing when the power is shut down! (unless he lets the air pressure off it first!) FWIW

BK

belfert · July 10, 2008, 06:05:27 AM

Couldn't the door mechanism be reworked to work off the house batteries if the house system is 24 volts?

I think the bigger problem will be lack of air for operatiing the door after going in and out for a few days. An auxiliary 110 volt compressor would take care of this.