We had a problem the amp meter on our van. The problem started when we run the battery flat with out the mains on ( inadvertently left the fridge running!). We hooked the mains up and the battery was charging at 25 amps, discovered smoke coming out of the boot after 5 minutes turned it off, when we took it the repair people and they found the amp gauge had shorted out on the panel behind which was repaired under warranty. Now without the mains on and the cut off switch set at 12 volts after 2 weeks the battery voltage loses about 1 volt and the cut out switch activates. I can adjust the switch to 11 volts and the lights work. The battery is still losing voltage over time with everything switched off does that mean we have a problem or is this normal. Hoping you can help us.
[a]You have a current leakage that shoulds show up with a millampmeter in circuit
OR
the battery coped a lacing with the SHORT circuit & now has an internal short
Best disconnect the battery from ALL except the charger put it through a FULL charge cycle Switch off or disconnect charger [best] Let the battery stand for a few days {at least]
then check voltage
If it has dropped below 12.5/12.6 V let it stand a few more days
IF it contiues to loose voltage it has developed an internal short. Time to scrap it
We had a problem the amp meter on our van. The problem started when we run the battery flat with out the mains on ( inadvertently left the fridge running!). We hooked the mains up and the battery was charging at 25 amps, discovered smoke coming out of the boot after 5 minutes turned it off, when we took it the repair people and they found the amp gauge had shorted out on the panel behind which was repaired under warranty. Now without the mains on and the cut off switch set at 12 volts after 2 weeks the battery voltage loses about 1 volt and the cut out switch activates. I can adjust the switch to 11 volts and the lights work. The battery is still losing voltage over time with everything switched off does that mean we have a problem or is this normal. Hoping you can help us.
Judes and Bazz
Doesn't sound normal to me. Need a bit of info.
What ah battery(s) and is it agm?
What voltage was it when fully charged?
Also how do you know you have everthing switched off and battery drains?
Do you have a master cut out switch for battery ie one swicht cuts off all power?
This will help us all in thinking of solutions.
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Why is it so? Professor Julius Sumner Miller, a profound influence on my life, who explained science to us on TV in the 60's.
Not sure of the brand of battery will look tomorrow it is a deep cycle battery.
12.6 voltage fully charged.
Very sure everything is switched off
Yes we do have a master cut out switch but it doesnt work when I have the battery saver on
Hope that helps
Regards
Judes and Bazz
Well sounds like battery may be stuffed after full discharge or you still have something ON. AGM battery should not loose that voltage in such a short time.
Oldtrack 123 is on the trail also and he's clued up on these things.
__________________
Why is it so? Professor Julius Sumner Miller, a profound influence on my life, who explained science to us on TV in the 60's.
Check the battery hasn't 'boiled'. Sometimes you will find that two or more cells have moved (probably from bumps/potholes) and are touching one another.
Larry
with a LA[Lead Acid] type Battery.. fully charged is some thing Like 13.X volt's.. Not 12.6v to me that is an indication that the battery is NOT fully charged...
Juergen
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IF I say something Dumb.. Just Smack me..
I'm full of Knowledge.. I don't profess to know EVERYTHING, but I'm constantly Learning new thing's..
with a LA[Lead Acid] type Battery.. fully charged is some thing Like 13.X volt's.. Not 12.6v to me that is an indication that the battery is NOT fully charged...
Juergen
Hi Juergen
Sorry, but I have to disagree [smack you]
A fully charged lead acid battery will have a standing voltage[ after several hours not being charged or discharged] of 12.6<12.7V depending on battery temp,
13.2<13.8v is the floating voltage range for flooded wet cell LAs !& such a reading means very litle .
Even a battery with a shorted cell can show THAT voltage while on a charger.
PeterQ
-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Sunday 29th of June 2014 10:22:28 PM
Really the only way to check a wet Lead Acid is the SG (specific gravity) terminal voltage, standing voltage etc rely on way too many variables (temp of battery, ambient temp etc.
Get a hydrometer, remove the caps and see if one cell is down..
Fully charged should read around 1300.
Cheers
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P B Crockart EX RAAF Electrician,
Aircraft Avionics tech. Senior high school teacher.
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