Endless battery trouble - help please

[Tcm21000]

Hi All,

We are about to embark on a major trip across Europe in our Bongo. We have 3 children who are very excited and a smart new rear conversion from NorthStar. Departure date is 31st July.

However we have encountered no end of difficulties, particularly with leaking hoses and a constantly flat battery. It is now getting pretty late in the day and we are desperate for a solution to our battery trouble.

So ... We are somehow suffering from a discharging problem, where even after a long drive, we go to start it again 2 hours later, and the battery is dead or not powerful enough to turn the engine over. We have had it checked a few times by garages and they seem to be struggling to find the problem. We've disconnected the clock and radio, seemingly to little affect, and had the alternator checked (which only charges above 1200 revs, but the garage doesn't think that is the problem. We have a new leisure battery running a fridge and wired to rear sockets.

Has anyone encountered something similar? What could the problem be? Faulty fridge? Could it really be the alternator or something else?

I'm no electrical expert, so if you are able to offer advice, do so as if you are talking to a 10 year old

I'd be really grateful for any help as am starting to panic a bit at the thought of being stuck half way up an Albanian mountain or at the ferry terminal in the UK for that matter.

Cheers,
Tom

[Northern Bongolow]

heres a basic how to link.

http://www.wikihow.com/Check-an-Alternator

[winchman]

A few basics first.
Has it always been like this?
Are all the Earths perfect both visually and tested?
Have you tried disconnecting the battery when parked to prove something is discharging it? A good auto elec should be able to test for current drain

[g8dhe]

Do you have any test equipment like a multi-meter to measure the current drawn, and then to start pulling fuses to see which circuit is drawing the power ?
Also whereabouts are you someone local may be able to help?

As regards leaking hoses have you had them all replaced now, if not then your asking for problems!

[Ian]

It could be something called Parasitic Amperage Draw. Check out this video from Eric the Car Guy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF1gijj03_0

[mikeWalsall]

Which engine ..2.0 .. 2.5 diesel .. V6 ..??

Is it just the starter battery going flat or the leisure battery as well ??

With a good conversion the starter battery is dedicated just for that and the vehicles main (exterior) lights .. and the low coolant alarm (you do have a low coolant alarm don't you..??)

The leisure battery should power things like the fridge .. interior lights .. window blinds '.. ciggy' sockets .. radio ... sink water pump ..........

If it's only the (drivers side) starter battery that seem to be going flat and not starting the motor .. if all the relevant cables are clean / bright and tight .. maybe it's just the starter motor contacts that need cleaning or replacing .. a cheap 'n easy fix ..

if it's a poor output from the alternator this maybe connected to it's diode pack which regulates power out put .. once again an easy cheapish fix ..

The coolant system .. definitely.. needs specialist attention sooner rather than later ..

[mikeonb4c]

Was the charging ok before the conversion was fitted? Leaking hoses are sadly a risk with an old Bongo - thorough health check on all hoses and metal pipes by bongo specialist highly advisable before Europe trip.

[Tcm21000]

Thank you all for the incredibly helpful responses.

To answer a few questions. The hoses have been replaced by a specialist and pressure tested. They are okay now (I hope).

The battery has been a problem since I got the bongo. We have just been using a multimeter and it seems like the conversion is working fine and isn't the problem. My friends, who knows something (???) about auto electrics, thinks it is likely something to do with the starter motor as one of the posters said. Alternatively it could be some poor contacts that are stopping the battery from charging properly. I will get the alternator replaced and the starter motor looked at this week and see if it happens again.

Is it possible there could be a problem with the fan? I was thinking that the fan running on, combined with poor contacts might not help. But just pure speculation.

[mikeWalsall]

A common problem (happened twice on my V6) is the diode pack on the back of the alternator 'goes'

If you get the alternator off a decent reconditioning place will replace it and clean up the alternator for around £30 .. while you wait as parts are generally on the shelf ..

IF ... it is the starter motor solenoid contacts 'gone' that is a easy DIY job .. the parts are available from eBay £10 - £15 .. there are several Utube tutorials on how to do it ..

Top kit is just the copper contacts/ kit (that's usually the problem) .. the bottom kit includes the 'plunger' which maybe worth changing .. but they generally give little trouble ..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from= ... d&_sacat=0

[winchman]

You need to be certain its the alternator before spending a penny whilst you can test the voltage output with a Multi meter its more difficult to see the current its giving and this is what you need to see.
I have seen lots of people swapping bits before doing a good fault finding and have bought a couple of non runners that have just been a wire off! One showing the same symptoms as yours

[mikeWalsall]

100% agree with .. winchman .. always double check .. before you spend ..

I am lucky that we have a very well respected place local (Walsall Battery Services Ltd) ..

[Tcm21000]

Thank you gents,

It is a 2.5 diesel. 4wd

I forgot to mention before that it was one of those bongos with the two batteries (northern Japan?). When it was converted the leisure battery replaced the second battery. Could this have been a mistake, or possibly contributed to the problem?

The local bongo guy in Portslade (near Brighton) is quoting £50 for a second hand alternator fitted and I'll ask him to look at the diodes if I go to him. I'll take a look at your suggestions for the starter motor contacts, though I am a decidedly nervous mechanic.

On a separate point, our central locking has gone. Where is the fuse for it or is there a guidance sheet on repairing it?

Cheers.

[g8dhe]

If the LB is having a problem then it is normal for the central locking to fail, as its one of the loads (permanent connection to +12volts) that is swung over to the LB as well things like the internal lights.

I really think you need someone who is a reasonable electrician to look at the system, not all garages do have the necessary expertise, especially when its outside of the normal engine requirements.

[Tcm21000]

Hi g8dhe, do you know anywhere close to you? I live in Brighton

[wonkanoby]

i assume they fitted a proper split charger and not just hooked the lb up as second starter was fitted

have you been back to the convertor

the batteries on the twin ones tend to be on the small side in terms of amp hrs

one alone might well be struggling

especially if its old