Technical Information and Diagnostic Guide for

FIRST GENERATION
Use this guide with unit serial number prefix beginning
with SRT and BWF using Kissling separator

This guide will assist you in becoming more familiar with the working
components of the Phoenix No Idle System and the proper steps
and procedures to completely diagnose the Phoenix First Generation unit.

Rev 2 ©7/24/13
1
 !! Attention !!

Before proceeding with any diagnostics please call

the Nite line for authorization. Opening the Unit
without authorization could void your warranty!
Nite Line: 866-204-8570

Technicians are responsible for verifying all truck

batteries and auxiliary system batteries are in
good condition and are properly charged.

Do not proceed with any diagnostics without

checking batteries and connections!
Battery Manufacturers and Websites for Additional Information
 Exide Technologies / www.exide.com
 East Penn Manufacturing (DEKA) / www.eastpenn-deka.com
 Interstate Batteries / www.interstatebatteries.com
 Odyssey Batteries / www.odysseybattery.com
 Trojan / www.trojanbattery.com

Heater Manufacturers and Websites for Additional Information

 Espar / www.espar.com

2
Table of Contents
Page
1) External Component Identification and Location
A: Fuses .......................................................................................... 5
B: Relays ........................................................................................ 6
C: Fan and Temperature Control Display ...................................... 7
D: System and Compressor Controller ......................................... 7
E: Linear Power Module ............................................................... 7
F: Evaporator Sensor / Freeze Switch ........................................... 7
G: Evaporator Blower .................................................................... 8
H: Condenser Fan ........................................................................... 8
I: Battery Management System .................................................... 8
J: Battery Separator ....................................................................... 8
2) Internal Components
K: High Pressure Switch ................................................................ 9
L: Compressor ................................................................................ 9
M: Thermal Limit Switch – Compressor ........................................ 9
N: Evaporator Inlet Filter ............................................................... 9

3) AC Diagnostics Tables ............................................................ 10/11

4) Heater Diagnostics Table.............................................................. 12

3
Appendix

A: Battery Condition/Performance .............................................. 13

B: Fan and Temperature Control Display Testing ...................... 13

C: Relay Testing ...................................................................... 13/14

D: Pressure Switch Testing ......................................................... 15

E: Fuses ....................................................................................... 15

F: Discharge Temperature Sensor/Freeze Switch Testing ..... 15/16

G: Compressor Thermal Limit Switch ........................................ 16

H: System and Compressor Controller ................................... 16/17

I: Condenser Fan Testing ........................................................... 17

J: Evaporator Blower/Linear Power Module Testing ............ 17/18

K: Compressor Rubber Mounts ................................................... 18

L: Battery Management System ............................................. 18/19

M: Can Bus ................................................................................... 20

N: Espar ........................................................................................ 21

Discharge Sensor Chart ................................................................ 22

Unit Wiring Diagrams .............................................................. 23/24

Pin Out Chart ................................................................................. 25

Operating Instructions.......................................................... 26/27/28

4
A: Fuses:

F1 Fuse 10 Amp (Mini)

This fuse provides short circuit protection for the
System control.
Location: On the control center.

F2 Fuse 10 Amp (Mini)

This fuse provides short circuit protection for the
condenser fan.
Location: On the control center

F3 Fuse 20 Amp (Mini)

This fuse provides short circuit protection for the
evaporator blower.
Location: On the control center

F4 Fuse 60 Amp (Maxi)

This fuse provides short circuit protection for the
compressor.
Location: On the control center

5
B: Relays:
Location: On the control center

R1. This relay controls the voltage to

the condenser fan.

R2. This relay controls the voltage to the

linear power module and evaporator
blower.

R3. This relay controls the voltage to

the compressor.

6
C: Fan and Temperature
Control Display LED
Display
Allows for temperature and Blower speed
adjustment of the Phoenix unit when
operating in Auto, cool or heat mode.

A/C Unit - stops when unit is shut off or

batteries are depleted.

Auxiliary heater will shut down when

batteries are depleted but will continue to
run through the cool down cycle.

Also displays hours of service, battery

health and service items.

D: System and Compressor

Controller:
This device controls the unit and the output
voltage to the variable speed compressor. It
is located under the large access cover.

E: Linear Power Module:

This module controls the amount of voltage
delivered to the evaporator blower creating
variable blower speeds. It is located in the
return air in front of the evaporator coil.

F: Discharge Temperature
Sensor - Freeze Switch:
This sensor monitors the evaporator outlet
temperature as it enters the vehicle duct
system.

7
G: Evaporator Blower:
This blower pulls air through the evaporator
coil and blows conditioned air into the interior
of the sleeper.

H: Condenser Fan:
This blower draws air from under the truck
and pushes it through the condenser coil to
cool the refrigerant flowing through the
system. The hot air is exhausted out
underneath the truck.

I: Battery Management
System (PN 1000222196):
Use this BMS with separator solenoid
PN 1000230381 only.
This device monitors the auxiliary batteries
for state of charge, communicates with the
Phoenix system and controls the battery
separator solenoid. LED light on this device
indicates power to the device and does not
provide diagnostics. Power inputs to this
device are fuse protected. If a fuse blows, the
device will remain in its present state.
Example1. If the fuse blows and the solenoid is
engaged, the start batteries and the auxiliary batteries
will stay connected until the fuse is replaced and the
voltage allows it to reset. This allows the possibility for
the truck batteries to be discharged and the truck may
not start.
Example 2. If the fuse blows and the solenoid is
disengaged, the auxiliary batteries will not be connected
to the start batteries for recharging. The Phoenix will
operate until the auxiliary batteries are depleted and
will not operate until the fuse is replaced and the
batteries recharged.

8
J: Battery Separator Solenoid
(PN 1000230381): Use this separator with
BMS PN 1000222196 only.
This device connects the truck batteries to the
Phoenix batteries. When the starting batteries
are at or above 13.3 volts, the battery
management device will engage the solenoid
to allow the alternator to charge the auxiliary
batteries. When the voltage drops to or below
12.5 volts the battery management system will
disengage the solenoid to prevent the truck
starting batteries from being discharged below
the engine start level.

9
INTERNAL COMPONENTS

K: High Pressure Switch:

This normally closed brazed pressure switch
will open and prevent the operation of the
compressor due to high internal pressure. It is
NOT serviceable.

L: Compressor:
This unit is part of the hermetically sealed
refrigeration system. It is NOT serviceable.

M: Thermal Limit Switch on

Compressor:
This is a normally closed (auto reset) switch to
protect the compressor from high temperature.

N: Evaporator inlet filter:

This filter protects the evaporator coil from
dust and debris. It is washable and should be
serviced every other month by washing dust
and debris off with warm water. In
environments with pets or dusty environments
the filter may need more frequent washing.
Failure to do so will affect the performance of
the unit and could lead to drain tube clogging.

When necessary, Check Filter indicator will notify

you that the Phoenix filter must be cleaned or
changed. To reset Check Filter: at screen 1 press
and hold enter button for 3 seconds.

10
 A/C System Diagnostic Table
Check service screens before troubleshooting, see operating instructions.

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION / SEE APPENDIX

1. Loose connection 1. Confirm all connections are tight, including ground lugs,
Unit Will Not Run or 2. No power is available and terminals crimped on wires and battery cables.
Turn On at the unit. 2. Check All batteries for Voltage. Check battery
3. Blown fuse or fuses management system and separator solenoid. Unit has a low
4. Check Voltage path to voltage disconnect of 11.2 volts.
unit and control 3. Check all fuses. See wiring diagrams pages 23/24.
5. Defective Control 4. Check for 12 volt through the 100 amp main fuse and F1
panel. 10 amp control fuse to controller pin C1. Also see
Display comes on for 5 6. A/C system controller appendix H.
seconds, shows service defective. 5. Check control. See appendix B.
screen for 3 seconds and 7. Broken wire or 6. Test System Controller. See Appendix H.
then powers off (see #9) defective wire harness 7. Inspect wiring harness and all ground wires.
8. Check for Fault code 8. View faults on the controller
9. Can Buss connection. 9. Check can bus harness, resisters and connections. Reset
control. See appendix M and wiring diagrams page 23/24.

Auxiliary batteries will 1. Check battery 1. Check battery management device, harness and separator.
not recharge Management System See appendix L
2. Check Battery 2. Same as 4.
Separator

1. Airflow blockage. 1. Clear any blockage from recirculation grill or louvers.

2. Compressor Fuse or Also check condenser inlet and outlet for restriction
Unit Runs - But Does Not Relay. (outside truck).
Blow Cold Air 3. System and 2. Check F4 compressor fuse and R3 compressor relay. See
Compressor controller appendix C & E.
connections/ defective 3. Confirm all wire harness plugs are connected. Test system
compressor. and compressor controller. See appendix H.
4. Condenser fan and 4. Check high pressure switch and condenser fan. See
high pressure switch appendix D & I.
5. Evaporator discharge 5. Check sensor. See appendix F.
temp sensor/Freeze 6. Check normally closed thermal switch. See appendix G.
switch defective 7. Check Evaporator blower and linear power module. See
6. Compressor thermal appendix J.
switch 8. If all tests check OK, a loss of refrigerant charge may have
7. Evaporator blower/ occurred. Call the Nite line at 1-866-204-8570
Linear Power Module
8. Loss of charge
(refrigerant system not
serviceable).

11
 A/C System Diagnostic Table
Check service screens before troubleshooting, see operating instructions.

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION / SEE APPENDIX

Unit Cycles On And Off and 1. Poor electrical 1. Check all electrical connections.
doesn’t cool connection. 2. Check condenser fan. See appendix I.
2. Condenser fan 3. Check for restricted airflow outside truck at condenser inlet
inoperative. and outlet and at louvers and recirculation grill. Check
3. Air flow blockage pressure switch, thermal limit and/or discharge temperature
causing high pressure sensor. See appendix D, F, & G.
or freeze condition.

Unit Blows Cold Air, But Low 1. Check all duct work 1. Make sure all ducts are connected, sealed and secure.
Airflow connections. 2. Check for airflow at louvers and recirculation grill.
2. Air flow restricted 3. Check evaporator blower motor and linear power module.
3. Evaporator Blower See appendix J.
motor inoperative.

Unit Runs Correctly, But Less 1. Ground terminal(s). 1. Inspect and tighten ALL connections.
Than Expected Run Time 2. Batteries weak or not 2. Check batteries for condition and state of charge. Check
charged correctly. service screens in Phoenix control. See appendix A.
3. High amperage draw 3. Check amp draw in Phoenix control service screen or use
4. Check battery DC ammeter to check amps when running. Excessive
Management System amperage could signal compressor or internal component
5. Check Battery issue. Amperage ranges 40 to 75 depending on settings
Separator and conditions.
3. Check battery management device, harness and separator.
4. Same as 4.

Unit is Noisy or Vibrates 1. Evaporator Blower 1. Check evaporator blower. See appendix J.
motor. 2. Check condenser fan. See appendix I.
2. Condenser fan motor. 3. Check rubber compressor mounts. See appendix K.
3. Compressor mounting. 4. If rubber compressor mounts check out acceptable, and
4. Compressor internal. compressor vibrates excessively, call Nite 1-866-204-8570.

12
 ESPAR Heating System Diagnostic Table
Check service screens before troubleshooting, see operating instructions.

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION / SEE APPENDIX

Heater is connected to the 1. Loose connection 1. Confirm all connections are tight, including ground lugs,
Phoenix unit and will not 2. No power is available and terminals crimped on wires and battery cables.
operate at the unit. 2. Check Aux. batteries for Voltage. Check for heater enable
3. Blown fuse or fuses signal from Phoenix unit. Heater unit has a low voltage
4. Check Voltage path to disconnect of 10.6 volts. See Appendix N.
unit and control 3. Check 20 amp main fuse and 5 amp control fuse. See Espar
5. Defective Phoenix manual.
Control. 4. Check harness.
6. System controller 5. Check control. See Appendix N and Espar manual.
defective. 6. Test System Controller. See Espar manual.
7. Broken wire or 7. Inspect wiring harness and all ground wires.
defective wire harness 8. View faults in the heater controller with Espar’s Edith pc
8. Check for Fault code diagnostics or hand held diagnostics tool. See Espars guide.

Heater is not connected to the 1. Loose connection 1. See Espar Manual.

Phoenix unit and will not 2. No power is available
operate at the unit.
3. Blown fuse or fuses
4. Check Voltage path to
unit and control
5. Defective Heater
Control.
6. System controller
defective.
7. Broken wire or
defective wire harness
8. Check for Fault code

Heater blows cold air but no heat 1. Fuel 1. See Espar Manual.
2. Fuel pump
3. Connections
4. Glow pin / screen
5. Sensors

Monthly running and periodic maintenance are required for proper

heater operation and performance.

13
Appendix

A. Battery Condition and Performance:

Battery Voltage is critical for system operation. Special attention should be given to
both sets of batteries.
Attention: Poor quality batteries or a weak alternator will have a negative impact
on unit run time. Always maintain the best possible batteries and charging
system.

Load test and maintain batteries as required by the manufacturer.

An alternator providing 30 amps over OE spec is required

B. Fan and Temperature Control Display:

With the control off - check for 12 VOLT at and from F1 10 amp fuse to the
connector on rear of control switch terminal 1. Terminal 7 is negative. Check for
12 volts at control terminal 6 (wake up) coming from the main/ compressor
controller terminal D6. Pushing the control (on) will switch this input from the main
controller to ground at the control panel. This signals the main control to start the
system. When control is on the wake up signal should be less than 1 volt.

87
85
C. Relay Testing:
With relay unplugged, confirm there is 86
12 VOLT on the sockets where 85 and
30 relay terminals are connected

If you do not have 12 VOLT here check fuses, wiring

and battery connections. 30

Now, with relay unplugged, check across terminals 85 and 86 of the relay, using an
OHM meter. You should have approx. 80 to 100 ohms. This is measuring the
resistance through the relay coil. If you do not, replace relay.

Overview
When you turn the NITE Phoenix unit on, if all safety switches are ok, such as the
high pressure switch, temperature sensor / freeze switch and the compressor thermal
limit switch, the Main / Compressor controller will connect the compressor relay,
condenser fan relay and the evaporator blower relay terminals 86 to ground at their
respective terminals D10, D11 and D12 at the controller. This will close the
contacts 30 and 87 of all 3 relays and allow power to each component.

You should now have 12 VOLT passing through the relays on spade terminals 87.
This provides power to fuses F2, F3 and F4, continuing to the Linear Power
14
 Module, evaporator blower, condenser fan and the compressor controlling section
of the Compressor Controller Assembly.

With relay plugged in: TURN THE UNIT ON.

If you do not have 12 VOLT on terminal 87, check across terminals 85 (+) and
86 (-). You should have 12 VOLT. If you do not, you may have a defective harness
or system controller. If you have 12 VOLT here and do not have 12 VOLT on
terminal 87 your relay is defective. The internal coil of the relay is energized but
the contacts are not closing. Replace the relay.

If you have 12 VOLT on terminal 87 and the compressor, condenser fan or

evaporator blower does not run you could have a defective component such as
evaporator blower, condenser fan or compressor controller.

See testing Evaporator blower Appendix J, Condenser fan Appendix I,

Main/Compressor Controller, Appendix H.

D. Pressure Switch Testing: You must remove top covers to access the switch.
The brazed switch (see photo page 9) is not removable. This switch is normally
closed. When the unit is off for a few minutes, unplug the System Controller and
check between pins D2 and D5, you should always have continuity. If you do not,
you may have a broken wire, bad connection, high pressure situation or defective
switch. If the pressure, harness and connections are ok, the Phoenix unit will have
to be replaced. Call the Nite line at 1-866-204-8570

E. Check continuity across fuse body (fuse does not look blown)
Remove fuse from fuse holder. Using a meter, check for continuity across the fuse.
You can check for voltage at and through the fuse using a dc volt meter, with the
fuse installed.

F. Discharge Temperature Sensor/Freeze Switch Testing:

Location: Between evaporator coil and intake side of blower.

The freeze switch is a temperature sensor. To verify the condition you will need a
Volt/OHM meter.

If a freeze condition occurs, the unit will stop the compressor. If the freeze
condition leaves, the compressor will restart and the unit will continue to run.

Check resistance (ohms) value at the system controller with the 32 pin connector
disconnected. You should read a resistance across terminals D3 (pos) and D5 (neg)
within the range listed on the table page 20. If you cannot read the resistance, check

15
 at the sensor connection. If you read the resistance here, and it’s within the range
allowed, you have a defective harness.

If you cannot read the resistance or it is not within the given range, your sensor is
defective.

G. Compressor Thermal Limit Switch: You must remove the top cover and
the plastic shield on top of the compressor, to access the switch.

This device is a normally closed switch. If the compressor gets too hot, the thermal
limit switch will open and the compressor will stop. Checking with a meter you
should always have continuity between the two terminals when it is cool.

H. Main Controller/Compressor Controller: You must remove the cover.

Do not attempt to test the controller or compressor until you have completely
eliminated all other possibilities.

Overview
When you turn the NITE Phoenix unit on, if all safeties are ok, such as the high
pressure switch, temperature sensor / freeze switch and the compressor thermal
limit switch, the Main / Compressor controller will connect the compressor relay,
condenser fan relay and the evaporator blower relay terminals 86 to ground at their
respective terminals D10, D11 and D12 at the controller. This will close the
contacts 30 and 87 of all 3 relays and allow power to each component. The
compressor and evaporator blower will begin to operate at a speed determined by
the manual control panel. The condenser fan will run at normal operational speed.

Initial startup, the system defaults to Auto Mode, Blower speed 1 and 60°F set
point. After the settings are changed for the first time, they will always default to
the last setting.

Use the following steps to check the controller

a. With the control switch off - check for 12 VOLT from F1 10 amp fuse to the back
of the control.

b. Now check for 12 volts at switch terminal 6 (wake up) coming from the main/
compressor controller terminal D6. Turning the unit on will switch this 12 volt
input from the main controller to ground at the control panel. This signals the main
control to start the system.

c. With a correct 12 volt signals to and from the control, now check for (ground)
signals to relays on D10, 11 and 12. All relays should be closed and all terminals #
87 should have 12 volts. If you lose any signals from the controller it must be
replaced.

16
d. With relays closed, the main controller will now signal each component to start.
The evaporator blower receives its power from the linear power module. Safety
controls must be in a normal state for the above signal to operate the unit.

e. If all signals are correct and the safety controls thermal limit on compressor, high
pressure switch and temp sensor /freeze switch are ok, the control is calling for cold
and the sleeper temperature is above 60 degrees, you should have voltage out on the
three wires connected to the compressor terminals,
A – Blue, B – Orange and C – Yellow. (ABC – BOY), and the compressor should
run.

f. If the compressor does not operate, disconnect the three wires from the compressor.
You will have to remove plastic cap from the top of compressor.

Using a volt meter check each wire, positive on (blue, orange or yellow) negative to
battery ground. If you do not have a 6 volt pulse voltage out on each wire, replace
the controller. Pulse voltage means the controller will cycle to each colored wire.
You should see the voltage appear and disappear continuously.

If you do have a 6 volt pulse voltage out and the compressor does not run you have
a defective compressor. Call the NITE LINE 1-866-204-8570

I. Condenser Fan Motor Testing:

First do a visual inspection of all fan parts.
Note: This fan cycles on and off with the compressor! Before testing fan, start
the unit, make sure the control is set for full cold and the temperature in the truck
will allow the control to attempt to start the compressor and fan.

Turn the unit on, you should have 12 volts across terminals 1 and 2 at the condenser
fan connector. If you do not have 12 volt at the fan, check fuse F2 And relay R1. If
all voltages are correct, and the fan does not run, it is defective, and needs to be
replaced

Using a DC ammeter you can check the amperage draw of the blower. Normal
amps approx. 4.5

Caution: If attempting to connect blower to an outside power source, internal

electronic components are sensitive to arcing or reverse polarity! Damage will
occur!!

J. Evaporator Blower Motor and Linear Power Module Testing:

First do a visual inspection of all blower parts.
The evaporator blower speed is controlled by the LPM, Linear Power Module, item
H page 7.

17
 Turn the unit on, you should have 12 volt at the LPM pins 6 (pos) and pin 5 (neg),
if you do not, check fuse F3 and relay R2. If you have 12 VOLT main power, check
for the speed signal voltage on the LPM at pin 3 coming from the system controller
pin C13. You should have approx. 5.6V for speed 1, approx. 4.9V for speed 2 and
approx. 3.1V for speed 3. If all of these voltages are correct, check the output
voltage from the LPM pins 1 and 2 going to the blower. You should have approx
6.6V out for speed 1, approx. 8.1V out for speed 2 and approx. 10V out for speed 3
to the blower.

If fan does not run, it is defective, and needs to be replaced.

Using a DC ammeter you can check the amperage draw of the blower. Normal
amps will range from 4 to 10 amps.
Caution: If attempting to connect blower to an outside power source, internal
electronic components are sensitive to arcing or reverse polarity! Damage will
occur!!

K. Compressor Rubber Mounts:

Visual inspection of the compressor rubber mounts may be necessary if excessive
vibration is present. Check for loose mounting nuts. If mounting nuts and captive
studs are ok, vibration could be from the internal part of the compressor.

L. Testing the Battery Management System (BMS)

Overview
The BMS monitors the auxiliary batteries for state of charge, communicates with
the Phoenix system and controls the battery separator solenoid. LED light on the
BMS indicates power to the device and does not provide diagnostics. Power inputs
to the BMS are fuse protected.

When the truck starting battery voltage is above 13.2 volts for at least 15 seconds,
the BMS will send a pulse voltage engage signal to the separator. The separator will
close and allow charging of the aux batteries. When the truck starting battery
voltage falls below 12.5 volts for 15 seconds, the BMS will send a pulse voltage
disengage signal to the separator. The separator will open and stop the charge of the
aux batteries, and prevent the truck starting batteries from being discharged.

Testing
BMS tab with hole must be connected to the negative battery terminal on the aux
batteries. First, check the aux battery voltage. Voltage must be above 6 volts for the
device to work. Batteries should be tested and fully charged before they are
installed in the truck for best results. If not, it can take a considerable amount of
time for the battery state of health indicator to be correct.

Check the LED light on the BMS, it should be flashing indicating the device has
power.
18
If the aux battery voltage is ok, and the LED is not flashing, check the connection
and 5 amp fuse in the aux battery sense wire near the BMS.

With aux voltage ok and LED flashing, check for 12 volts from the truck starting
batteries. This voltage passes through a 5 amp fuse in the start battery box and
connects at pin 8 (pos) and 1 (neg) in the 8 pin connector on the BMS. This voltage,
from the truck batteries, is displayed on the LED controller (service) screen. It also
powers the outputs for the engage and disengage signals to the separator. If you do
not have 12 volts at pins 8 and 1, check the 5 amp fuse and the wiring harness.

With aux voltage ok, LED flashing and 12 volts on pins 8 and 1, start the truck or
connect the start batteries to a battery charger and bring the voltage above 13.2 for
at least 15 seconds. You should hear a click when the solenoid pulls in. This would
indicate that the BMS has sent the engage signal from pin 5 (orange wire) of the
BMS to pin 86b on the separator. This is a pulse (one shot ) voltage that is very
difficult to detect. When the separator closes, you should see an increase in
voltage on the aux side of the separator and at the aux batteries. The voltage across
both sides of the solenoid will slowly become the same value, which indicates that
the tractor batteries and auxiliary batteries are tied together in parallel. If the
separator did not close by the BMS, check the separator. (See below) If the
separator checks ok, replace the BMS. If the separator closed and does not allow
charge to the aux batteries, the internal contacts of the switch could be defective.
Replace the separator.

If the separator closes and allows charge to the aux batteries, that part of the BMS is
working. Now shut off the truck engine or battery charger and put a load on the
tractor batteries. Examples of a load include the headlights and radio on the tractor
batteries. Allow the voltage of the tractor batteries to drop below 12.5 volts for 15
seconds. You should hear a click when the solenoid disengages. This would
indicate that the BMS has sent the disengage signal from pin 3 of the BMS to pin
86a on the separator. This is a pulse (one shot ) voltage that is very difficult to
detect. The voltage of the tractor batteries and the auxiliary batteries should now
start to be different. Turn off the headlights or other loads that were placed on the
tractor batteries. When the separator opens, it prevents the starting batteries from
being drained. If the separator clicks and does not disengage the internal contacts,
the contacts could be welded together. Replace the separator.

Separator Switch Testing:

Remove the orange (86b) and tan (86a) wires from the separator but leave the white
ground wire (85) connected. Using a jumper, momentarily touch across the aux
battery post and the engage (86b) terminal. The switch should close and connect the
start and aux batteries. Now momentarily touch across the aux battery post and
disengage (86a) terminal. The separator should open and not allow charge to the
aux batteries.

Reconnect the separator wires, unplug the BMS for at least 15 seconds, and then
plug in the BMS again. Repeat the BMS test. If the BMS does not engage the
solenoid, replace the BMS.
19
M. Can Bus
NOTE: Before checking Can Bus, if control lights for a few seconds and goes
out, disconnect the controller harness at the unit. Reconnect to reset. If unit
does not run, continue with Can Bus tests.
POWER TO BOTH DEVICES (PHOENIX AND BATTERY
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM) MUST BE DISCONNECTED TO
PERFORM THESE TESTS
The communication from the BMS to the Phoenix unit travels through the
controller harness and the BMS harness. These harnesses have a twisted pair of
wires, yellow (Can H) and green (Can L). These harnesses should be loomed and
routed away from any components in the truck that could cause interference, such
as florescent lights, etc.

First, determine what part of the can is affected. If you lose the Can Bus to the
BMS, the Phoenix unit will operate normally. You will not see volts and amps
displayed on the service screens and the battery symbol will indicate full as a
default.

If the digital controller does not communicate to the Phoenix unit, the unit will not
operate. If the unit is operating and loses communication for more than 5 seconds it
will shut down.

Units built before 9-1-2013 that include the Y connector and resistor follow steps 1-3

1. Check the Can Bus Harness. Disconnect the harness on the BMS and the controller
harness connected to the back of the digital controller. With the 120 OHM resister
and resister Y connector installed in the harness near the BMS, check across the
yellow (Can H) and green (Can L) wires. Both ends of the harness should measure
120 OHM’s. This indicates the circuit is ok.
2. Now, leave the controller harness disconnected and reconnect the BMS harness.
Check across the yellow (Can H) and green (Can L) wires at the controller. You
should read 60 OHM’s. If you do not read 60 OHM’s, you have a defective BMS.
3. Reconnect the controller harness. Disconnect the BMS harness. Check across the
yellow (Can H) and green (Can L) wires at the BMS. You should read 60 OHM’s.
If you do not read 60 OHM’s you have a defective controller.

Units built after 9-1-2013 follow these instructions

Units built after 9-1-2013 have the 120 ohm resistor internal in the controller and
Battery Management System

Remove controller and disconnect the harness. Check across pins 4 & 5 on the
controller. You should have 120 ohms. Back probe the harness. You should have
120 ohms with harness connected to the unit and BMS, if not check at BMS.
Disconnect harness at BMS. Check pins 6 & 7. You should have 120 ohms. With
harness still connected to the controller and unit, back probe harness. You should
have 120 ohms. With all harnesses connected you should have 60 ohms.
20
Testing the Espar Heater connected to the Phoenix Digital Controller

See the Espar heater or Phoenix install

manual for installation procedures and main Phoenix Espar
power harness and fuel pump connections. Black Brown

The heater control harness is connected White Gray/Red

to 3 wires coming from the Phoenix unit.
Brown Yellow
Phoenix Heat enable 12 volt (Brown)
Connects to heater control wire - Yellow
Phoenix Ground - (Black)
connects to heater control wire - Brown
Phoenix Temperature Level (White)
connects to – heater Gray with red stripe

Selecting HEAT mode will turn the ENABLE signal on. The heat level will be
controlled through the Phoenix (white) wire coming from the unit. This is a variable
resistance signal from the Phoenix digital controller. Resistance ranges from
approx. 1.8k ohms for low heat and 2.2k ohms for high heat.

First, set the Phoenix digital controller to HEAT mode, set the temperature to full
heat 85 degrees. When testing the heater, the ambient temperature in the sleeper
must be below 85 degrees.
Check for the heat enable signal between the Phoenix brown and black wires. You
should have 12 volts. If the digital controller shows the temperature set point and
heat mode and you do not have 12 volts, check the Phoenix internal system
controller output from pin C15. If you have 12 volts on pin C15 but not outside the
unit, you have a bad connection or the harness is defective. If you do not have 12
volts on pin C15, you have a defective system controller.

With 12 volts on the heat enable, check the heat level signal on the Phoenix (white)
wire using the Phoenix black as ground. This variable resistance signal will range
from approx. 1.8k ohms to 2.2k ohms. If this resistance is within range, the heater
should operate. If it does not operate, the problem is internal in the heater. See
Espar guide for heater diagnostics.

If the resistance level is not present or correct, check across pins 5 and 7 on the
back of the digital controller. If you have the correct resistance here but not outside
the Phoenix unit, you have a bad connection or a defective harness. If you do not
have the correct resistance here, your digital controller is defective.

21
DISCHARGE SENSOR / FREEZE SWITCH TESTING CHART

22
Internal Wiring Diagram

23
External Wiring Diagram

24
25
To start the system push ON/OFF button. Display
will show current mode/ temperature setting /
battery level.

Initial default setting is blower speed 1/ AUTO-

MODE /60 °F

ON/OFF

Changing MODE – press ENTER, while mode is

flashing use up or down arrows to select AUTO /
COOL / HEAT. After 5 seconds selection will be
set.

ENTER

Changing BLOWER SPEED – press ENTER

until display shows FAN and SPEED. Press up or
down arrows to select 1 – 2 – 3 speed. After 5
seconds selection will be set.

ENTER

26
Changing TEMPERATURE set point. Anytime
the temperature set point is displayed on the
screen, push the up or down arrows to change.
Temperature range is from 60 °F (coolest) to
85 °F (warmest).

NOTE: Control will always default to the last

setting when the unit is turned on.

ENTER

To view system runtime/hours – press ENTER

until “Hrs” show on display. When hours are
displayed, pressing ENTER for 7 seconds will
reset the hours to zero.

ENTER

To change from °F to °C press ENTER until

temperature symbol only shows – push the up or
down arrow to change. After 5 seconds selection
will be locked.

Anytime the control is idle for 5 seconds the

screen will return to the temperature set point
screen.

ENTER
27
To enter SERVICE MODE: Push both the
ON/OFF and ENTER button simultaneously at
any time.

Display will show service indicator and a code #1

to #3. Use up and down arrows to scroll through
the Fault Codes.

1) Evap sensor open or shorted high

2) Evap sensor shorted low
3) High pressure switch open or shorted high
ON/OFF ENTER

Press the ENTER button to proceed through the

available service screens.

1) SV = Starting batteries Voltage

2) AV = Auxiliary batteries Voltage
3) AA = Unit Amperage draw

Pressing ENTER arrow after viewing service

screen will return you to the fault code screen.

Pressing the ON/OFF button will return you to the

Temperature Display screen.

When necessary, Check Filter light will notify you

that the Phoenix filter must be cleaned or changed.
To reset filter: at screen 1 press and hold enter
button for 3 seconds.

28