Leisure Battery Not working when switch flipped

coventrycraig

Guest
Got a swift Kontiki and have a problem with using the leisure battery.

Leisure battery charges when driving along and is charged.


Plug the 240volt in and no problem.

flip the swich from the van/engine battery to the leisure battery and the meter reads nothing, therefore 12volt not working on the leisure battery.

Does this mean that the relay has gone in the engine bay? there are infact two relays to do with it.

any ideas guys?

Many Thanks


Craig
 
Have you checked the fuse at the leisure battery? How do you no it is charging when the engine is running?
 
Yes ive checked the fuse at the battery - thats fine.

No im not sure if the van is charging the lisure battery or if the 240 volt has done it.

I even bought a new battery today - but it isnt that.


Craig
 
Charging & leisure battery

coventrycraig said:
Got a swift Kontiki and have a problem with using the leisure battery.

Leisure battery charges when driving along and is charged.

Plug the 240volt in and no problem.

flip the swich from the van/engine battery to the leisure battery and the meter reads nothing, therefore 12volt not working on the leisure battery.

Does this mean that the relay has gone in the engine bay? there are infact two relays to do with it.

any ideas guys?

Many Thanks


Craig
Click to expand...

Leisure battery charges when driving along and is charged.
Do you really mean the van battery?
 
coventrycraig said:
The Van battery is fairly new and is good.

What I am saying is the leisure battery is charged.


Craig
Click to expand...
Ok if the van battery is charged fully and the leisure battery is charged fully that would indicate that your split charge relay is ok. As your fuses are good, I would suspect the switch that enables you to choose which battery you use to power the habitation side of your van.
 
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Grand Wanderer..

Do you think it could be the switch then?

maybe I will turn the connectors to the switch upsidedown i.e swap them and see if the other battery works then.

I wonder if switches ever fail?


Craig

ps - keep coming up with the ideas pleaseeeeee...
 
coventrycraig said:
Grand Wanderer..

Do you think it could be the switch then?

maybe I will turn the connectors to the switch upsidedown i.e swap them and see if the other battery works then.

I wonder if switches ever fail?


Craig

ps - keep coming up with the ideas pleaseeeeee...
Click to expand...

Any mechanical device can fail, switches sometimes just get tarnished contacts and require nothing more than a good clean.
You have to be calm and logical when dealing with this type of problem.
The two relays under the bonnet are for the split charge and for your fridge when the engine is running.
Good idea to check with a multimeter set on volts dc whether there is current getting to your switch from both batteries or as you suggest swap the wires over but make a carefull note on paper which wires go where and their colours.
 
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Thats a good idea from grand wanderer i had a similar problem were the leisure battery didnt charge while on the move so the fridge would run it flat after checking found just a bad contact.:cool:
 
Well done that man!

Looks like the switch. Switched the wires and hey presto!!

So down to halfords in the morning.

Thanks alot guys - really appreciate the help.

I have learnt so much along the way but some of the simplest things throw you.

thanks again

Craig
 
coventrycraig said:
Well done that man!

Looks like the switch. Switched the wires and hey presto!!

So down to halfords in the morning.

Thanks alot guys - really appreciate the help.

I have learnt so much along the way but some of the simplest things throw you.

thanks again

Craig
Click to expand...

Seeing as you intend to replace the switch, it may be worth while to disassemble it once you have removed it and give all the contacts a good rub on a bit of cloth or cottonbud. Then gently reassemble and test via your multimeter on resistance setting to see if there is continuity in both sides of the switch.;););)
If so you have saved a few bob and kept the originality of your van intact. If not nothing lost.:rolleyes::rolleyes:
Glad you have found the problem.:cool::cool:
Best regards,
Wanderer
 
I spot an opportunity to use my new tool :D :rolleyes:and I promise to remove the protective caps before giving my diagnosis;)

Dr Channa

Glad you are sorted Craig.
 
Hi again i had same problem with mine, It was the switch. The rocker switch had a loose connection at the back. Check that first, Then you could try that new meter you bought. Just remember to take off the plastic protectors first.:D:D
Give it a squirt of wd 40 first see if if helps.
 
ta again guys - just going to get a switch tomorrow.

what a great forum, isnt it nice when people want to help.

Ive had help with the fridge on gas,replacing the burner module in the water heater plus this blooming switch....

there is always something every few months,

A Happier Craig.

ps I have actually sold the camper but wanted it right for the new owner. Looking forward to more wilding one day because I love it but may have to be a tugger for a while:mad::mad::mad:
 
leisure battery not holding charge

I have a similiar problem that as soon as I plug in to the mains, my leisure battery discharges and then I am unable to use the lights as they go out. We are ok using the plug sockets but as soon as we turn a light on the leisure battery discharges even quicker. Have had our van in for repair twice now and waiting for it to get sorted, they cannot seem to find the fault and are going to take our van in again as soon as they have heard from swift people. We have a two year old Ace Milano and have been told that this is a very common problem that they cannot seem to find the answer of how to fix it. Really frustrating as have to run the engine every day even when on the mains sites.
 
pinkpiglet said:
I have a similiar problem that as soon as I plug in to the mains, my leisure battery discharges and then I am unable to use the lights as they go out. We are ok using the plug sockets but as soon as we turn a light on the leisure battery discharges even quicker. Have had our van in for repair twice now and waiting for it to get sorted, they cannot seem to find the fault and are going to take our van in again as soon as they have heard from swift people. We have a two year old Ace Milano and have been told that this is a very common problem that they cannot seem to find the answer of how to fix it. Really frustrating as have to run the engine every day even when on the mains sites.
Click to expand...

At a guess I would say that the mains battery charger is faulty and is causing a discharge when on EHU.
Wanderer
 
dont know the year of pinkpiglets van but swift had a batch of faulty chargers in or around 2008/9.

i think these were an italian or german charger but not sure.

they are aware of this and will replace (under warrenty) if it proves to be the fault.
 
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