Level Up - Low Battery Message During Auto-Retract?

[Carl n Susan]

Asking for a friend.

2011 Montana with factory installed 6 point hydraulic leveling system. 80 amp circuit breaker installed. The LevelUp will Autolevel and operate all the jacks with no problem. Same with the slides. Batteries are fully charged and even plugged into shore power.

The problem is when doing an AutoRetract function, the pump runs and the jacks start retracting for about 3 to7seconds. Then everything stops and an error message "Low Battery" is displayed. Acknowledge the error message with the "Enter" key and then AutoRetract again. Another 3 to 79 seconds before everything stops with the same error. It usually takes three tries to get all the jacks retracted. Using Manual Mode to Retract the Rear and Front jacks works without error.

Retraction really doesn't put a big load on the pump system as the weight of the trailer helps the retraction. The pump has to work harder, and longer, when doing an AutoLevel as it is also raising the weight of the RV. And of course, the hydraulic slides go in and out without issue.

What do you think causes this error?

 

[Dhuhn]

I googled this and found this may help

A low battery voltage can prevent a Level-Up system from retracting jacks due to insufficient power to operate the hydraulic pump or other system components. This can happen when the batteries are depleted or have a fault that prevents them from providing enough current.

Possible Causes for Low Battery Voltage During Level-Up Jack Retraction:

• Depleted Batteries:
  .
  If the batteries are not fully charged or have been drained by other appliances in the RV, they may not have enough power to operate the Level-Up system.
• Failing Batteries:
  .
  Batteries may not be able to hold a charge and provide sufficient power, especially when they are older or have been subjected to excessive use or extreme temperatures.
• Wiring Issues:
  .
  Loose connections, corrosion, or damaged wires in the battery system can reduce the current flow to the Level-Up system, leading to a low voltage.
• Circuit Breaker Issues:
  .
  A faulty circuit breaker or fuse that protects the Level-Up system can prevent power from reaching the components.
• Hydraulic Pump Problems:
  .
  A malfunctioning hydraulic pump may draw excessive power, causing a voltage drop and preventing proper retraction.
• Other Systems Using Power:
  .
  If other appliances or systems in the RV are drawing a lot of power, it can strain the batteries and lead to a low voltage when the Level-Up system is attempting to retract the jacks.
  

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Check Battery Voltage:
  Use a voltmeter to check the voltage of the batteries and ensure they are at a healthy level.
• Inspect Wiring:
  Inspect the wiring connections, particularly those related to the Level-Up system, for any loose connections, corrosion, or damage.
• Check Circuit Breakers:
  Ensure that the circuit breaker protecting the Level-Up system is not tripped or faulty.
• Consider Other Systems:
  If other appliances are running, try powering them down and see if that allows the jacks to retract.
• Test the Hydraulic Pump:
  If the pump is suspected of being faulty, consult the Level-Up system's manual or seek professional help.
• Consult the Manual:
  Refer to the Level-Up system's manual for specific troubleshooting steps and recommendations.

 

[Carl n Susan]

All good things to check. But is this applicable only to AutoRetract and not any other LevelUp function? That doesn't seem to make sense. Any of those failures should affect AutoRetract or AutoLevel or or Manual Mode operation equally.

 

[ChuckS]

There is ONE component that is activated ONLY during Retract All operation..

The Pressure sensor located on the retract manifold ..

I would use my multimeter and perform a few different mode operations ..such as manually extend, manually retract, and auto level and watch the voltage indicated on the multimeter

I have never used retract all in 12 years of owning my current fifth w(eel with six point hydraulic leveling system .

I always use manual mode for retracting the mid/rear levelers and Front LG..

The current draw across that pressure cutoff switch would be minimal BUT if the pressure switch is OPENING UP during Retract All mode that could be the casue of your low battery voltage error on the level up control panel

Again.. that pressure switch is only used during Retract All operation ..

Edited to add…

Yes the pressure switch is only supposed to stop operation of the hud pump if the preset pressure psi is sensed during retract all operation …

I would think it would not throw the low voltage error but …it’s the only thing that is active during that mode of operation .. the rest of the time the front forward controller never looks for a signal from that pressure switch

 

[Carl n Susan]

Thanks Chuck! That definitely gives my friend a place to look and explains why it only happens during Retract All

 

[ChuckS]

I had always assumed the pressure switch functioned all the time .. but after taking the Lippert on line hydrauilc level up course they point out several times that pressure switch only is in play during retract all..

Hope you find the issue. . If so let folks know what was found

 

[Todd & Mary]

Check the battery voltage while trying to retract. This will tell you if the batteries are in fact good. Just because the batteries indicate fully charged without any load is NOT accurate. I believe you have 1 or more bad batteries. Let us know what you find. Retract will draw more if you are using auto retract as all of the solenoid's will be actuated at once as opposed to just 1 hydraulic circuit at a time when leveling.

 

[Carl n Susan]

My friend is traveling with me and he will wait until Hermosa to check out the system and the suggestions. We will be sure to report back.

 

[Daryles]

If you have known good batteries (charge then to 100%, then have them tested at an Auto parts store),
I would say the pump might be on its way out.
Maybe flush out the hydraulic fluid and refill it. Use anti sticking fluid (I used a quart of Fork oil) per LCI tech bulletin.
Until then maybe connect the 7 way cable to the truck and activate the charging circuit to supliment the onboard batteries.
For a 2016 F350:
Connect cable,
Engine running,
Tow/Haul on,
Press the brake pedal once.

 

[ChuckS]

Since the system ( hydraulic pump ) motor works fine in the OPs other modes of operation and only fails with retract all I don’t think pump motor is the issue ..

A voltage check while the system does an auto level versus retract all would be interesting to see what the two values are

The system will typical error out with the OPs error message when voltage drops below 11 volts ..