Leisure Battery / Electrics Help

[pman]

Hi there

I've got a problem with two parts that may be related (bear with me!)

1) Ever since I bought my Bongo a couple of years ago the battery has drained if I leave it for more than a couple of weeks without using it.

I've had it checked out by a Bongo specialist and they couldn't find anything draining the battery, I've also tried a trickle charger, but no joy so have just lived with it.

2) Now my lesiure batttery is playing up - I've had it checked out and been told its got some life left in it but its just not charging - none of the electrics linked to the lesiure battery work unless the engine is switched on.

Could the two issues be related? I was thinking of just buying a new leisure battery, but it seems that it might be a bigger problem?

This forum has been amazing in helping me with techy problems before, so thought I'd give it a try before shelling out for a new lesiure battery.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts

[g8dhe]

Well they could be linked, yes! But without more to go on its not really possible to say! The fact that there is a drain on the S/B is not good news, and the fact that nothing works from the L/B could mean that yes its flat, until the charging relay comes in with the Ignition, but it could also be that its not wired up right anyway - there have been several reports of very bad installations of L/B.
You really need someone to go over the whole set-up, to see what is what and to check both batteries out under load (drop test).

Do you have a multi-meter yourself even if only to make some basic checks ?

[pman]

Well they could be linked, yes! But without more to go on its not really possible to say! The fact that there is a drain on the S/B is not good news, and the fact that nothing works from the L/B could mean that yes its flat, until the charging relay comes in with the Ignition, but it could also be that its not wired up right anyway - there have been several reports of very bad installations of L/B.
You really need someone to go over the whole set-up, to see what is what and to check both batteries out under load (drop test).

Do you have a multi-meter yourself even if only to make some basic checks ?

Yeah, sorry, I know it could be a whole host of things - the L/B was wired up as part of a conversion that was done by Imperial, who from what I gather are pretty reputable.

I have had the electrics checked out by one of the Bongo Garages listed on here (so, again reputable) who couldn' find anything. I just wanted to check I wasn't missing anything blindly obvious before I fork out on a new battery.

[Jaws]

Hi there

I've got a problem with two parts that may be related (bear with me!)

1) Ever since I bought my Bongo a couple of years ago the battery has drained if I leave it for more than a couple of weeks without using it.

I've had it checked out by a Bongo specialist and they couldn't find anything draining the battery, I've also tried a trickle charger, but no joy so have just lived with it.

2) Now my lesiure batttery is playing up - I've had it checked out and been told its got some life left in it but its just not charging - none of the electrics linked to the lesiure battery work unless the engine is switched on.

Could the two issues be related? I was thinking of just buying a new leisure battery, but it seems that it might be a bigger problem?

This forum has been amazing in helping me with techy problems before, so thought I'd give it a try before shelling out for a new lesiure battery.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts

As stated there's not a lot to to go on here but:

1) If the SB is flat after a couple of weeks there is either a drain or it is completly k*******d and needs replacing.
2) If the LB is now exhibiting the same symptoms then it is either not being charged or it too is as above.

Taken together, and bearing mind your other comments, you might have either a stuck charging relay or a duff alternator. Only a more detailed knowledge of your set up would help decide what's up.

Unfortunately I suspect new batteries will be required whatever the underlying problem: lead acid batteries really don't like to be left flat and especially not if there is a continuing load.

[alant54]

As ever on here it does help if you put your location in your profile as there may be someone local to you who could help....it does not have to be your exact address...just a general indication of where you are....

Alan

[pman]

Thanks for the replies, I'm in London sw12