Liesure Battery

[bigblue]

I've had my van three weeks now (Holdworth Villa). Just took a look at the liesure battery behind the passenger seat and the wire with fuse attached isn't connected (see pic)! I thought it was working ok cos when I switch the 12v on, on the Zig I'm getting a green light! Am I missing something very simple here? Never had a van with zig/liesure battery before.

[Oldiebut goodie]

You have most likely got the Zig switched to the vehicle battery.

[bigblue]

OK, may be a stupid question but how do I switch it to the liesure battery?

[1664]

Wiring Diagram(s) and some of the user manual here https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Ca ... orth_Villa" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[italianjob]

Hello bigblue

all things being equal i.e you've got a standard Holdsworth villa instalation that hasn't been butchered and fandangoed, the grey wire with the fuse should be the charge supply from the transformer in your back cupboard. When you're plugged into the 240v hook up the transformer charges the leisure battery as well as powering your accessories.

Now, what you should also have, and its not clear from the photograph if you've got it, will be a fused red wire attachd to the positive terminal on your leisure battery. This is the 12v feed from the split charge system. Its a feed from your alternator which usually charges the main vehicle battery under your driver's seat, but has been improved by Holdworth (via some realys and wiring under your driver's seat) so it also charges your leisure battery when you are driving along.

The wiring diagram in the link posted by 1664 is fairly straight forward to follow (with a clear mind, first thing in the morning).

Its a good idea to familiarise yourself with the basics, and identify where all the fuses and relays under the seats are. Its fairly staright forward.

good luck

[bigblue]

Thanks Italianjob,

Having looked at the wiring diagram and reading your plain English description (thanks for that) I have no red fused wire for the liesure battery just the grey fused as you said with a 35A fuse (should be 25!).

What I do have is two red wires (no fuses) connected to the main battery! One powering the 12volt system and one the van door lights, radio etc.

I disconected the two red wires from the main battery and connected the grey fused to the liesure battery and this also powered the 12 volt system. Now got them all connected.

Confused.com! I presume this will drain the main battery if I use the 12 volt system while camping?

[italianjob]

well, sounds like you've got fandangoed system. Anthing taking juice from the vehicle battery or leisure battery needs to have an appropriate fuse located close to the positive terminal on the battery.

Looking at your photo it seems like its an old battery - I had a similar one with those funny terminals. Had it in the van for about 8 years and it was dead as a dodo. Do a search on here for leisure batteries and you will get loads of good links. If you have a voltage meter check to see what readings you get. There was a really useful thread about a month ago which i used as a guide for achecking my batteries and split charge system and b)finally getting to grips with my electrical set up and sorted things out.

If you serious about having a leisure battery - and why not as you can run all your accessories like your stereo, lights etc, off it and leave the vehicle battery for vehicle things like headlights and wipers - it will pay to get your split charge system sorted. It will be safer too.

[bigblue]

The liesure battery seems to be charged but I'll check it. Have already got a spare if it's knackered. May try running the red wire across from the main battery tray to liesure battery and put a fuse in and see how it goes. Like you say leaving the main battery for lights etc..

Thanks again IJ

[California Dreamin]

085 starter batteries have a pretty low amp hour rating....yours looks like it's a 40ah...not really going to be that useful TBH.
The flat terminals are..as fitted to FORD vehicle......this is probably off a KA or Fiesta.

Getting back to the issue in hand....the fact that the battery is disconnected normally indicates that the previous owner had problems....possibly discharging when connected.
Looks like you need to go back to basics and trace all the wiring to try and fathum when the heck is going on.

Martin