Help! Engine battery (again!)

[n brown]

here's a simple way to check for leaks . the meter set up this way ,will tell you if anything is drawing power ,and the fuse will let you know what electrical item is doing it . https://www.google.com/search?q=usi...me&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=_0AnhX-PIM-HuxgON5KKoCw14

 

[Phantom]

Most certainly a drain there of some sort. I take it that you don't have solar keeping the starter battery topped up then?

 

[mariesnowgoose]

Most certainly a drain there of some sort. I take it that you don't have solar keeping the starter battery topped up then?

Nope, no solar yet.

 

[Robmac]

here's a simple way to check for leaks . the meter set up this way ,will tell you if anything is drawing power ,and the fuse will let you know what electrical item is doing it . https://www.google.com/search?q=usi...me&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=_0AnhX-PIM-HuxgON5KKoCw14

I like that Nigel!

I also like the fact that his meter is identical to the one I bought recently which gives me more confidence in it.

 

[NeilyG]

Sorry I didn't post yesterday. I disconnected the fridge & when I pulled it out found the controls had loads of debris & rubbish - so definitely out of the way now.
Have also disconnected the gas fire cos we have had trouble with that before (replaced its circuit board but, although the fire now works, it still causes trips).
Since we got the van we have had trouble with just about everything electrical - fridge, gas fire & water heater (burner replaced.)

I measured the current drop from negative terminal to earth, as in the video, & got precisely ZERO AMPS - so, not as expected. Tried 3 different voltmeters & got the same result.
Resistance from disconnected positive lead to earth is 1500ohms.
Also, the battery won't charge to more that 11.9volts, so maybe no good any more.

Will have a look again after all Xmas shenanigans is over. Try to have a good one everybody! ☃

 

[harrow]

here's a simple way to check for leaks . the meter set up this way ,will tell you if anything is drawing power ,and the fuse will let you know what electrical item is doing it . https://www.google.com/search?q=usi...me&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=_0AnhX-PIM-HuxgON5KKoCw14

Except on most cars the interior light would come on as you open the door

 

[n brown]

Except on most cars the interior light would come on as you open the door

good thinking . if it doesn't switch off then pull the bulb

 

[Phantom]

Also, the battery won't charge to more that 11.9volts, so maybe no good any more.

Is your battery charger working okay?

 

[trevskoda]

I measured the current drop from negative terminal to earth, as in the video, & got precisely ZERO AMPS - so, not as expected. Tried 3 different voltmeters & got the same result.


There will not be any current or amps in neg to earth as thats all it is, A EARTH/CHASSIS cable.
What you should be testing there is ohms resistance making sure its good.

 

[n brown]

I measured the current drop from negative terminal to earth, as in the video, & got precisely ZERO AMPS - so, not as expected. Tried 3 different voltmeters & got the same result.

next time try turning on something small ,like a radio , just to make sure the set-up's ok

 

[n brown]

pretty sure you can test each fuse separately , by removing fuse ,then ,with meter set as above for 10amps , put a probe in each side of the fuseholder ,where the blades go . or get one of these if you think it's worth it https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Fuse...ctrical-Leakage-Detector-Tester-/400439841044

 

[maingate]

pretty sure you can test each fuse separately , by removing fuse ,then ,with meter set as above for 10amps , put a probe in each side of the fuseholder ,where the blades go . or get one of these if you think it's worth it https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Fuse...ctrical-Leakage-Detector-Tester-/400439841044

Agreed. I always carry one of them. At present it is rigged up to show how many Amps my solar panel is giving.

 

[Robmac]

Agreed. I always carry one of them. At present it is rigged up to show how many Amps my solar panel is giving.

I remember you recommending them a few years back Jim, I still have mine.

 

[Chris356]

Disconnect the negative battery lead and connect your multimeter one lead to the battery post and the other lead to the negative lead with the meter switched to amps and the multimeter red fly lead plugged d into the 10amps with the meter connected switch on the interior light if your meter is connected correctly and on the right setting you should a reading of around 0.5 amp then switch off the interior light and close the door and report back with current reading