Are my leisure batteries shot (1 Viewer)

[vectian]

I have two leisure batteries (both on the van when I got it 6yrs ago) but I don't know ampage type etc. that are connected to a 120watt PV Logic solar panel I fitted with a Solar Technology International Solar Charge Controller(pics Attached). I had an outside light (bulb not LED) on for 3 hours and it flattened the batteries. The lights on the controller are all on and I have checked the controller with a multimeter and there is 19v coming from panel and 13.9 v on the battery terminals.
To check the actual batteries it means unscrewing the side seat and completely removing the passengers captains swivel seat which weighs a ton.
From this info does it mean to the experts out there that I need new leisure batteries

 

[Jev88]

I can't see a way forward apart from testing disconnected battery terminals with a meter.

 

[pappajohn]

Disconnect the 3rd and 4th terminal wires (don't let them touch each other or any metal parts) on the solar controller, wait an hour, put a multi meter on the disconnected wires.
That will show the true battery voltage.
What you are seeing at the moment is the solar charge voltage which is meaningless when checking battery state.
One bulb for 3 hours should make very little difference to the battery.... Its knackered.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[vectian]

Thanks John I thought I'd read on here you couldn't leave the solar panel not attached to a battery.
will have a look at that tomorrow

 

[Podney]

Yes.

 

[pappajohn]

Thanks John I thought I'd read on here you couldn't leave the solar panel not attached to a battery.
will have a look at that tomorrow

It's not connected when it's being installed.
There's a lot of old wives tales on here.
If its not connected to anything it's open circuit... Its not doing anything.
its like plugging in a battery charger but not connecting to a battery, it does nothing.
You may have to take one of the other wires out, reconnect the battery wires then the last wire depending on the controller but it won't hurt to do that anyway.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Off da Grid]

Disconnect the solar panel terminals. The first 2 on the left.
Do it now while the panel is dark or cover it with some thick cardboard or carpet if it’s daylight. Tape up the wires or put a connecting block on them.
Then disconnect the battery from the controller, do one at a time, if they touch you’ll do some damage so be care full.
Leave everything for a few hours then test the battery leads.
A dead battery won’t hold a charge so you’ll see 11v maybe.
Disconnecting everything may just reset everything.