how to tell if split charge is working

Post by **kathyshack** » 13 Apr 2006, 09:59

We're doing a bit of pottering i think this weekend with the vans. My brothers van looks like it has had a splitcharge wired up, but we're not sure if it works or not, as the leisure battery is totally dead. Going to try and replace the battery this weekend, but how will i be able to tell if the splitcharge is working or not? The new battery will prob last for a while, so won't know if its charging or not. I recently bought a voltmeter (although dunno how they work!). If the engine is running, will i be able to tell somehow via the leisure battery with voltmeter attached whether the splitcharge is charging or not?
If so, how do i do it?
thanks in advance
Kathy

Post by **Horza** » 13 Apr 2006, 10:08

Voltage.

Switch the mutimeter to VDC less than 20v. (VAC is the one with the wave, VDC is the other Volt one if it's symbols). Take a reading accross the lesure battery terminals with the engine stopped, it will be 12v or a bit less probably. Start the engine and take the reading again, if the relay kicked in then it should be higher.

Post by **BeaKiE** » 13 Apr 2006, 10:09

With the engine running (and the battey light on the dash out) set the volt meter to the nearest DC range above 15v and attach it to the battery. You should get a reading about 12v (13.8v to 14.4v) if its working.

Rich

Post by **kathyshack** » 13 Apr 2006, 10:12

woo hoo, brilliant, thanks