Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Reversed Battery Cables

Print Page | Close Window

Reversed Battery Cables

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11394
Printed Date: 28 Jun 2025 at 9:04am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Reversed Battery Cables

Posted By: Don Halas
Subject: Reversed Battery Cables
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2018 at 5:39pm

In my euphoria of opening the Pod for the season I hooked up the battery terminals backwards.

I figured that out when the slide wanted to move opposite the switch settings.

So, I changed it back and everything appears to be ok except the radio is not lighting up. I've checked the control panel and don't see any of the LED's lit. I reset all the breakers but still nothing on the radio. I've also pushed the radio power button, but nothing.

Anyone have any guidance here? And if I've blown the radio any suggestions on a step up from the Jensen AWM 968?

Thanks in advance.

Replies:

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2018 at 6:00pm

Some info:

Radio will not turn ON
· Try the reset button.
· Check fuse.
· Check 12V+ on battery wire to radio (YELLOW wire).
· Check 12V+ on accessory wire to radio (RED wire).
· Check Ground.

Jensen Response:
If you have verified that there is proper 12 volt power going directly to the AWM968, please try a factory reset on the radio. You can do this bypressing and holding the AUDIO button to access the System Menu. The"BEEP" setting will display. Quick press the AUDIO button to accessthe "RESET" option. Press the VOL/PUSH/ENTER control to rest theE2PROM to factory default setting.

-------------
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2018 at 6:05pm

Isn't there a fuse or breaker in the converter that blows the instant the battery is connected incorrectly?

TT

-------------
2010 176
FJ Cruiser

Posted By: Don Halas
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2018 at 6:11pm

Thanks.

I found some information on another forum and downloaded the manual (thanks Mcarter you were two steps ahead of me).

There is a reset button on the panel an a 10 amp fuse in the wiring harness. The forum post suggested the fuse fixed his dilemma.

Again, grateful for the quick response. I'll post tomorrow what my outcome is.

Thanks

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2018 at 6:12pm

I think the 40A fuses do exactly that, some called them the "reverse hook-up" fuses. They blow to protect 12V electronics, not sure why slide works backwards, have to think about that.

-------------
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2018 at 6:14pm

Don, check those 40A fuses too.

-------------
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2018 at 7:27am

Originally posted by mcarter

I think the 40A fuses do exactly that, some called them the "reverse hook-up" fuses. They blow to protect 12V electronics, not sure why slide works backwards, have to think about that.

A) The 40A fuses work to protect the converter, nothing else. So if the battery(ies) are hooked up backwards, BUT the converter doesn't get plugged in, they will be fine. AND even if you do blow them, the power from the battery will still be available. Only the converter/charger is removed from the system.

B) 12v DC.. Direct Current. Run it backwards through a motor, the motor turns the other way.

-------------

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2018 at 8:46am

THANKS Furpod, tracking.

-------------
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: Don Halas
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2018 at 2:45pm

Thanks all.

Here's the results. It was the fuse. A 10 amp mounted near the wiring assembly on the back. I also had to replace the two 40 amp fuses that furpod mentioned that product the converter.

Another issue, theres a black assembly that goes behind the toilet. It broke, presumably because of winter frost. So now I need to replace it also.

Thanks for all who jumped on to assist me. Much appreciated. Happy Camping all!

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2018 at 4:53pm

Don,

Are you talking about the toilet flush valve? Is so see this:

Thetford toilet flush valve leaking.
Toilet flush valve on 2012 r-pod 177 Thetford rv toilet failed and started to leak.

Replaced valve without removing the toilet.

Kneel down in front of toilet and when you look down back of the toilet you see the flush valve.

1 disconnect supply hose from the bottom of the valve.

2 remove on the right side of the valve body a brass phillips screw, connects valve to rear of the toilet, use stubby phillips screw driver to remove.

3 valve locks on the left side in a small groove and held by plastic pin, pull valve body out.

4 disconnect metal wire connected to flush handle, pull wire up from handle.

New valve

1 connect metal flush handle wire.

2 lock left side of valve in to groove and pin location.

3 screw brass screw back into rear of the toilet.

4 install new rubber gasket inside supply hose connector.

5 connect supply hose to bottom of valve and tighten

6 turn on pump, check for leaks.

-------------
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."