Leisure Battery and Split Charger

[ChrisG]

Hi,
Just put the leisure battery back in after the winter break.

Checked main battery before firing up showing 12.6v upto 13.6v when engine running
lesiure battery showing 12.6v before running engine, but still showing 12.6 whilst engine running.

Can't remember what it was last year but is this right? Is the leisure battery charging?

Only checked voltage at idle, unable to check voltage on high revs without someone to help (or running wires to voltage meter)

If there is a problem I have got a new spare split charger but no instructions (see attachment)

Is there a link I can use to help me hook it up if I need to?

Cheers

Chris

[Mocki]

its not working!

check for blown fuse.

these "(not) smart " chargers are dreadfully unreliable nasty things .

[ChrisG]

Hi Steve,

Will check fuse at first opportunity.
Cheers

Inncidently, is there a recommendation in regards to split charger?

Thanks

[Mocki]

personally i would use a good old fashioned 40amp relay and a few yards of wire.
much more reliable and simple to install....

look in the wiki for instructions.

[CovKid]

Strange how things change. Only a couple of years ago on here everyone was singing the praises of the Smartcom. I use a simple relay too. There are better smarter split charge systems but most seem to cost a fortune.

By the way, the lack of charging on leisure may be nowt to worry about. If Smartcom thinks its fine it won't charge until it thinks the voltage in it has dropped or you put some kind of load on it.

[California Dreamin]

As others have said ^^^^ the smart charge relay is obviously not 'switching' and allowing the starter and leisure batteries to connect.

I would also be concerned about the rather low 13.6 charge voltage....it really needs to be higher to properly charge your batteries. New replacements are typically set around 14.3 volts and personally I wouldn't be happy seeing anything less that 13.9 volts.

Re-check with a few revs on (around 2000rpm) and if it's still no higher fit a new regulator brush pack...around £12.00.

Looks something like this although you must check...note (14.5 volts as I said)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-BOSCH-1197 ... 3f1325de47" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Martin