Battery Problems
Hi could anyone help. I have a swift 2018 celebration and the battery is discharging within a few hours each time I charge it. I have renewed battery twice and the latest one is weeks old. I have noticed fuse 3 has blown so wondering if that is related. thanks Jeff
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Not much to go on here, DH.
Is this while stored or in use? If stored it seems likely the 12v is being left on and something is plugged into a 12v outlet causing discharge of the battery, Check out what fuse 3 is in han!dbook. Could be 12v socket.
Check basics first, hope this helps
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If three batteries have been discharged that quickly then there is something wrong as nothing should do that so quickly.
Not sure what fuse three is on your caravan, on mine the fuses are labelled but it might indicate a short circuit which could be the problem. I would hope the handbook details what it is. I would remove the fuse and see if the problem persists but whatever take it back to the dealer to correct.
If it persists have you isolated everything. I do not have your model of caravan but assume it has the same fuse box as ours and there are three buttons on top. The black one should isolate everything except an alarm if you have one. I would use that if you have not done this and see if it helps.
An alarm will probably still use power but would not run the battery down that quickly. Two weeks is more the norm for that.
You might also check that a motor mover, if fitted, is isolated, but if it is wired correctly again it should not be that drastic if left on.
Hope this helps but I think a visit to the dealer to correct the problem may be needed.
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I guess the other question is does it still discharge if fuse 3 is removed? If the answer is no then there must be a short circuit on that circuit. As it a 2018 van I would get back to your dealer and get them to trace and fix.
If there is a fault that is running a battery down in a few hours I would also be concerned about the amount of heat generated and the potential risk from that.
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Buy something like this Tester Remove each fuse in turn and connect the tester, any high current draw (with everything off) on the fuse holder being tested will show you what circuit (if any) is at fault. The one in the link is rated at 20 amps so should be robust enough.
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Went into caravan other day and it smelt of rotten eggs....
Checked battery, and yes it was very hot. Bought new one and fitted this morning.
My question is, I always have left electric connection on the 'van when parked outside of house, naturally still with battery connected. Have done this for over 30 years with no problems. Should I continue to do so....? What do others do?
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Could be the charger is at fault and it cooked the battery you just replaced ? I'd keep a close eye on things for the next couple days personally.
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Definitely not. If you have an intelligent charger then you might be OK but if you have a conventional charger you will reduce the life of the battery. Either way you should not leave the van hooked-up. You will find this advice within the Club’s information, in your manual or other sources.
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I would disconnect as I think the charger must be overcharging the battery which would explain why it is hot. Sounds like a faulty charger as I assume you will have one that should prevent this but do not know the spec. My approach would be to ask the dealer if the charger has the appropriate protection before telling him about your problem and if he says yes then ask him to replace it as it is faulty.
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Re Hitchglitch post. Why not have van on hook-up at home? What is the difference between home and site? I have often hooked up prior to going away to make sure battery is up to using mover, airing the van, cooling the fridge etc. Club comment is "Some caravanners like to leave the leisure battery in situ and allow it to be continuously charged during winter. Ask the caravan and/or battery manufacturer first if this is appropriate, and always check the battery every month or so. Most batteries like at least a short rest period (say 24 hours) from charging for best performance."
Apologies if I have misread or misunderstood anything.
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always have mine on charge at home particularly if very cold outside and have always done so, not very mechanically minded but i think [Deleted User User]? informed me on here that as my charger was a 3 stage charger it should not cook the battery as it adjusted the input according to charge level and when fully charged just kept it topped up, pretty sure this is the case, battery possibly 8 years old or more and still going strong, and i always leave it in situ.
I think the 3 stage charger may be key here and it tells me this on the side of charger, apparently there are chargers out there that are not 3 stage and could cook your battery.
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If you don't use EHU and rely on solar, the battery gets a rest every night.
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