deanie8 Report post Posted April 28, 2023 I have a 2021 Forester 3011ds. When setting up in a new campground I get a “low voltage” display when trying to drop my jacks. I have to plug into shore power or run the generator to operate the jacks. I just replaced the lead acid batteries with AGM batteries but the problem persists. Does anyone know why this is happening? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
desertdeals69 Report post Posted April 28, 2023 Check the voltage at the battery terminals and at the pump motor. Should be at least 12.4 volts at both locations or not more that 1/4 volt difference. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deanie8 Report post Posted April 28, 2023 The voltage at the batteries is 13.6V, but I don't know where the pump motor is located. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dons2346 Report post Posted April 28, 2023 Have the jacks always acted this way? If so, I would suspect under sized wiring to the pump motor. Take a volt meter and watch the voltage at the batteries while someone lowers the jacks. How much does the voltage drop? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rossboyer Report post Posted April 28, 2023 Many manufacturers of jacks state the engine should be running, so that voltage and current are at maximum. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildebill308 Report post Posted April 29, 2023 4 hours ago, deanie8 said: The voltage at the batteries is 13.6V, but I don't know where the pump motor is located. 13.6V is charging voltage not actual battery voltage. 12.7 would be a fulley charged battery. "Does anyone know why this is happening?" Yes jack systems draw a lot of curent. I like to be pluged into shore power before I run my jacks or slides. Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deanie8 Report post Posted April 29, 2023 15 hours ago, wildebill308 said: 13.6V is charging voltage not actual battery voltage. 12.7 would be a fulley charged battery. "Does anyone know why this is happening?" Yes jack systems draw a lot of curent. I like to be pluged into shore power before I run my jacks or slides. Bill Thanks Bill. I wasn't aware that the jack system drew a lot of current. 18 hours ago, rossboyer said: Many manufacturers of jacks state the engine should be running, so that voltage and current are at maximum. We do leave the engine running while operating the jacks, thanks. 15 hours ago, wildebill308 said: 13.6V is charging voltage not actual battery voltage. 12.7 would be a fulley charged battery. "Does anyone know why this is happening?" Yes jack systems draw a lot of curent. I like to be pluged into shore power before I run my jacks or slides. Bill Looks like we're going to keep doing what we've been doing until I do some testing on the wire size. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deanie8 Report post Posted April 29, 2023 20 hours ago, dons2346 said: Have the jacks always acted this way? If so, I would suspect under sized wiring to the pump motor. Take a volt meter and watch the voltage at the batteries while someone lowers the jacks. How much does the voltage drop? No they haven't, only about 50% of the time. I'll try your volt meter check when lowering the jacks. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
