Hymer / Ducato battery problems

KDB

Hi

I put a new engine battery in our Hymer campervan last March - its built on a 2002 Fiat Ducato 2.0 JTD. Everything was ok at the start but recently the campervan has been a little sluggish to start. It was nothing of any significance and I put it down to listening to CDs on the stereo when parked up and occasionally using a DC-AC converter in the cigarette-lighter to charge batteries.

I drove from Dublin to Wexford on Friday evening, I only moved a few hundred yards on Saturday, and then on Sunday the engine wouldn't turn over and had to be jumped off a friend's car. I drove back to Dubln (no stops) and when I was parked up I turned off the engine and tried turning it back on again - again it wouldn't start.

I reckoned the problem was with the alternator, so I put the battery on charge yesterday. With the engine turned off I get a 12.4V reading with a multimeter, and this goes up to 13.3V with the engine running. This shows that the alternator is doing something, but does anyone have any idea whether this is sufficient? I just listened to CDs on the stereo on the journey back on Sunday. Alternatively, any suggestions as to what might be draining the battery?

Thanks in advance


kieran

Buford T Justice

The alternator may be increasing the voltage yes, but unless its capable of turfing out a load of amps with it, its not going to charge the battery. Get an auto electrician to test the alternator.

Aidan_M_M

13.3 is low . They normally run 14.0-14.4 at tickover. Check the earth straps , directly under the battery on the chassis leg , and where the lead continues on to the starter motor housing/bell housing . Also the red lead from the Alternator .