battery leakage!! Forums

digbywolf

we have a autotrail cheyenne on a merc sprinter automatic.we are having a problem with the engine battery leaking voltage i`ve had everything checked
alarm,dash light,etc:has any one out there had the same problem?

safariboy

Have you measured the leakage current? On modern vehicles there is often a current with everything OFF. I get 150mA and so need to keep the van (Fiat) on charge if left for any time. 50mA seems more usual.

CliveMott

We also have a Sprinter based Autotrail

Since I fitted an 80 watt solar panel and a bridging fuse for use when parked up (so both batteries get charged) the batteries have always been in tip top condition and fully charged during periods on non use.

http://www.motts.dsl.pipex.com/BRIDGING%20FUSE.htm

Sargent

Hi Digbywolf, as safariboy has pointed out there is always a draw from the vehicles electronic system unfortunately this is quite high in some chassis manufacturers vehicles but does vary from model to model, ie the automatic transmission versus the manual version. This coupled with the alarm and or tracking system does add up.
I do believe that if the vehicle is to be parked up for longer period than a couple of weeks then i think Clive's suggestion is very valid, depending on the ago of the vehicle ie if the vehicle is fitted with EC325 then a solar panel can be connected directly, if it has a EC200 then either using a dual channel regulator or again as Clive suggests a mechanism for charging the vehicle battery should be employed.

I hope the above is of use but if there are any further details or questions then please either post or send me a PM.

Best regards

Ian Sargent