12volt problem

[Geoffers]

I have a 2009 Escape 664,on checking the batteries the control panel showed them in the red so I charged them up overnight, readings on the control panel showed them charging as normal. Next day the control panel light was flashing red and the voltage on the solar control;l showing 8.4v, I have 2, 110 amp banner batteries on testing these they showed 14.6.each but together are showing 16v ! Checked the battery connections, checked the fuses in the NE196 control unit,tried it with the solar panel disconnected and still the same.12v works fine on hook up. Any idea's welcome .

 

[Boringfrog]

Where they disconnected from everything when they showed over 14V each?

 

[Geoffers]

Yes

 

[Lenny HB]

Doesn't make sense what you are saying, no way can the voltage increase with the two connected in parallel.
You need to establish if it is the panel that is giving incorrect results or if you have a problem with the batteries.
I would charge each battery up individually then test them with a controlled load to give an idea of their capacity.

Best way to test is to do a controlled discharge like this:-

Fully charge the battery and leave to stand for an hour then take your 1st voltage reading.

Then if it's a 110a/h battery load it with a 5 amp load and run for 5½ hours, this will represent a 25% discharge. (adjust load/time to suit the size of the battery)
Disconnect the load and leave to stand for at least 30 min then measure the voltage.

Repeat the test and you will have discharged the battery to 50%.
You can repeat again then it will be 75% discharged but not recommended for wet cell batteries.

 

[Geoffers]

Thanks, yes the voltage should not increase so first job is check the multi meter (battery!) then check to see if any power is getting to the fuse panel

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[autorouter]

I have 2, 110 amp banner batteries on testing these they showed 14.6.each but together are showing 16v !

Are these voltages from a multimeter with the probes on the battery terminals?

A lead-acid battery of any type will never show more than 13.6 volts resting voltage. If it is more than that, there must be something charging it. Either solar or mains. If it shows 16V that indicates a faulty charging device that you need to sort out quickly before it ruins the batteries.

 

[Madcaravanner]

Where they disconnected from everything when they showed over 14V each?

Yes

How long did you let the batteries rest after disconnecting before taking that reading, should be at least 30 minutes

First thing I would actually check is the control panel feeds

 

[PeteH]

Age of Batteries?. A recently charged battery will read fairly high, but should drop back after 1/2hr or more. Assuming your Meter is OK?. Digital meters can give error readings if the internal batteries are failing too.

 

[Geoffers]

Hi,thanks for your help, problem solved ,multi meter batteries duff ,only changed them the other week, must have left it switched on at some point , Tested with another meter and batteries flat after 24 hrs.
So as these have a 4 year warranty I dug out the invoice ,guess what, bought them 4 years & 2 months ago.

 

[Richard n Ann]

Rechargeable aren't good for occasional light use anyway, they probably lose as much charge not being used as being used.

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[irnbru]

Just wondering if you ever topped the water up in batteries? My banner is 5 year old and still working perfectly.

 

[Lenny HB]

4 years out Banners that was good, mine lasted 18 months.