Mystery Flat batteries

[Leah&John]

We have a winter pack twin battery setup. A couple of weeks ago the Freda refused to restart following a quick stop outside a shop at Lakeside - she sounded like she had no battery power - very slow turnover etc. We got a jump and were on our way. My wife had the electric checked and we were told there was a good voltage on both batteries and both were charging.

The same bleeding thing happened again this morning - this time following 5 mins sitting outside a shop with the radio on!

Is it as simple as the batteries are or could it be something else?

If I'm getting a new battery shall I get one or two?

[g8dhe]

Hi Well it could be as simple as two old batteries but there really isn't a lot of info to work with ....
Have you had any work done on the van recently? anything added in the last few months? is the van used on a regular basis?
Are the batteries getting a good charge in the first place - you need a good 20-30 minute run at over 1500-2000 rpm to put back the charge from starting, and now that the temperature is dropping and perhaps use of lights as well it might be as simple as not getting enough charge back into the batteries.

[bongolow]

A couple of weeks ago the Freda refused to restart following a quick stop outside a shop at Lakeside

That's how my battery went a couple of years ago. No signs of trouble and, as usual, it started perfectly first time on a cold frosty morning. Drove for about an hour, stopped for a quick cuppa then when I came to start the engine again - nothing, dead as a doornail.

[Tessie]

A couple of weeks ago the Freda refused to restart following a quick stop outside a shop at Lakeside

That's how my battery went a couple of years ago. No signs of trouble and, as usual, it started perfectly first time on a cold frosty morning. Drove for about an hour, stopped for a quick cuppa then when I came to start the engine again - nothing, dead as a doornail.

I had exactly the same trouble a few months ago too. Would start from cold no problem, even if it had been standing unused for a week, but after a short run sometimes would not start (not every time) and gave all the indications of a flat battery. I was even at a battery suppliers once when it happened and they tested the battery and refused to sell me a new one because they said mine was only flat and just needed charging. Charging checked out ok, no shorts or leakage, I even changed the solenoid contacts just in case, disconnected the radio and rear strip light (after reading thet these could drain the battery) but still the problem persisted, I just did not know whether the Bongo would start once it had been run. In desperation I replaced the battery and have not had the problem since, it starts on the turn of the key every time.

[wonkanoby]

there might be something inside one of them has broken loose and causes a short internally on an intermitent basis

have you thought to try one battery at a time

mind you if they are same age i would replace both