Battery Change

[Markm]

Hi

We have a Auto trail tribute 669 2017 ducato (Boxer/Relay)and I want to change the battery as it will not hold charge voltage dropping to 12.1 volts over 7_ 10 days after being driven.

Only drain apart from standard is alarm 15 to 20ma and tracker 2ma sleeping and typical 80ma when contacting monitoring location every hour approx.

I have had it a year from new and think battery was probably allowed to discharge when at dealers prior to sell etc and just jump started when needed to drive or demo as had 40miles on clock and so battery damage ensued .

I was trying to find out if any problems with changing battery regarding ecu etc and if battery can be taken out or is cup holder in console blocking it.

Regards

Mark

 

[Molly 3]

Fitting a 100 w solar panel would stop the problem . if you change the battery go for a varta power frame . for some very good electrics information. Have a look at . look at.. aandncaravanservices.co .uk

 

[Markm]

Fitting a 100 w solar panel would stop the problem . if you change the battery go for a varta power frame . for some very good electrics information. Have a look at . look at.. A.and N caravan services.

Hi

Many thanks

I have a 100w solar connected to leisure battery all ready.

I also have a dual output charge controller to change over and connect to van battery as well.

I was interested in any issues in removing van battery regarding access due to cup holders and bringing on warning lights etc ref some posts online.

I have not had any issues myself changing in cars 2009 insignia and 2010 boxer van etc ?

 

[Millie Master]

I will start by asking a couple of questions re your van. Apart from the standard security alarm, does it also have anything else such as a Traffic Master system fitted?
If you can isolate the standard alarm system and then use a voltmeter to check if there is anything else tapping the system.

My Renault Master had a Traffic Master system fitted and despite the fact that the service no longer exists, the darned unit fitted to the van was a quite considerable constant drain.

The other thing I have to ask is, does your van have a Split Charge Relay (SCR) fitted, if not, then you ought to consider fitting one....... they are brilliant and oh so easy to fit.

The SCR fits into the feed cable that runs from your van battery to the leisure battery, it automatically senses when the vans battery reaches full charge and then allows the charge to be fed to the leisure battery(s).
I have a 150W solar panel and 2 x 150ah gel leisure batteries fitted and the SCR allows the solar panel to feed only the leisure batteries until they reach a fully charged state and then, when they have the SCR allows the excess solar energy to be supplied to the van battery.

Believe me, fitting a SCR such as one of these http://www.vehicle-wiring-products....e-relay-for-vehicles-with-auxiliary-batteries honestly is a very easy thing to do and from then on you shouldn't have any further problems and for a lot less than buying a new battery.

 

[Markm]

I will start by asking a couple of questions re your van. Apart from the standard security alarm, does it also have anything else such as a Traffic Master system fitted?
If you can isolate the standard alarm system and then use a voltmeter to check if there is anything else tapping the system.

My Renault Master had a Traffic Master system fitted and despite the fact that the service no longer exists, the darned unit fitted to the van was a quite considerable constant drain.

The other thing I have to ask is, does your van have a Split Charge Relay (SCR) fitted, if not, then you ought to consider fitting one....... they are brilliant and oh so easy to fit.

The SCR fits into the feed cable that runs from your van battery to the leisure battery, it automatically senses when the vans battery reaches full charge and then allows the charge to be fed to the leisure battery(s).
I have a 150W solar panel and 2 x 150ah gel leisure batteries fitted and the SCR allows the solar panel to feed only the leisure batteries until they reach a fully charged state and then, when they have the SCR allows the excess solar energy to be supplied to the van battery.

Believe me, fitting a SCR such as one of these http://www.vehicle-wiring-products....e-relay-for-vehicles-with-auxiliary-batteries honestly is a very easy thing to do and from then on you shouldn't have any further problems and for a lot less than buying a new battery.

Hi

My van has split charge relay fitted and an alarm and tracker. Van battery is 95ah and I suspect it is faulty from speaking to a battery specialist .

As above I am going to change solar controller to a dual battery version and set up to charge both in stead of just leisure battery

But it seemed a bit pointless charging a battery which will not hold full charge as van last driven Saturday 9th for 30 miles or so mostly on motorway. and now showing 12.2v.

 

[Millie Master]

But it seemed a bit pointless charging a battery which will not hold full charge as van last driven Saturday 9th for 30 miles or so mostly on motorway. and now showing 12.2v.

I would think that with the very young age of your vans battery that it might still be covered by warranty as they should last at least 5 years... my original van battery lasted for almost 8 years!

 

[wildebus]

Hi

My van has split charge relay fitted and an alarm and tracker. Van battery is 95ah and I suspect it is faulty from speaking to a battery specialist .

As above I am going to change solar controller to a dual battery version and set up to charge both in stead of just leisure battery

But it seemed a bit pointless charging a battery which will not hold full charge as van last driven Saturday 9th for 30 miles or so mostly on motorway. and now showing 12.2v.

Split Charge Relay ... there are different types, but if you have a VSR (Voltage Sensing Relay) as opposed to one that is switched by a signal (ignition or D+) then the chances are it is bidirectional and will turn on when the Start Battery (via Alternator) hits 13.3V OR when the Lesiure Battery (via Solar) hits 13.3V
When the VSR is on, the Leisure Battery and Starter Battery are electrically connected and will charge concurrently from the one source.

In other words, IF you have a VSR, it is pretty pointless changing your solar controller to one that has two outputs. Confirm the relay type before spending the money

I would think that with the very young age of your vans battery that it might still be covered by warranty as they should last at least 5 years... my original van battery lasted for almost 8 years!

That would be nice and should be covered on a 2017 van
Bit unlikely to have 5 years cover though - it would be the same as the standard vehicle warranty. Extended Warrenties don't cover batteries either (the Toyota Extended Warranty is the best around and it is excluded from theirs - as I know to my own cost when replacing the 3.5 year old battery)

 

[Markm]

Split Charge Relay ... there are different types, but if you have a VSR (Voltage Sensing Relay) as opposed to one that is switched by a signal (ignition or D+) then the chances are it is bidirectional and will turn on when the Start Battery (via Alternator) hits 13.3V OR when the Lesiure Battery (via Solar) hits 13.3V
When the VSR is on, the Leisure Battery and Starter Battery are electrically connected and will charge concurrently from the one source.

In other words, IF you have a VSR, it is pretty pointless changing your solar controller to one that has two outputs. Confirm the relay type before spending the money



That would be nice and should be covered on a 2017 van
Bit unlikely to have 5 years cover though - it would be the same as the standard vehicle warranty. Extended Warrenties don't cover batteries either (the Toyota Extended Warranty is the best around and it is excluded from theirs - as I know to my own cost when replacing the 3.5 year old battery)

Hi

My control panel has two switch's to select leisure or van battery when engine is not running (ALTERNATOR) and master is on.

Both battery lights flash on control panel when engine is running so both batteries are being charged

I believe the charging is single direction only as charging only takes place with engine running and 100w solar is connected to leisure battery and none of this feeds to van battery otherwise I would not be encountering low van battery problems after a week or so parked down to 12.1 volts etc ?