Citizenfish Posted March 25, 2013 Share Posted March 25, 2013 We are currently in the Alps in our motorhome, how we made it I don't know. I'm not sure we're going to make it back unless someone can help solve this total mystery. Van is a coachbuilt on a Fiat 2.3 diesel, 2008 (Ci conversion) Our charging system is failing but appears to be failing randomly. We drove from swindon to Dover fine and stopped the van waiting for the ferry. Then I started it to drive on and got the battery warning light. I thought this was odd but ignored it. Driving off the ferry warning light again. We stopped in a layby and I measured voltage over the battery, 12.4 volts. Not good as it should be 14v with the alternator going. I stopped then started the van and the voltage went up to 14v. So we decided to keep going. We then drove 200 miles and stopped for diesel. Starting the van, warning light comes on again. No amount of fiddling or fuse pulling can get it to go away. Our only choice was to gamble, so we drove another 120 miles until the battery was near flat (I have a spare) and camped for the night. Next morning, the van just about manages to start on the old battery, and guess what 14v at the battery. We drive 300km and stop for diesel. Start again and the warning light is back on. The only link I can make is a warm engine is causing it and there is some sort of relay/cut-out circuit that is killing the charging current to the battery. There must be a split charging circuit as the leisure battery charges when we are moving. We notice that if we put the fridge to DC charge, the light stays lit for ten seconds after starting then it switches off completely after we hear a relay click. I have 4 days to fix this before we head home. I'm pretty certain the alternator is ok (when it works) as it is brand new (replaced in Feb). What else should I check? I cannot find the schematics for the van online and don't have them with us. Any other ideas most greatly appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sshortcircuit Posted March 25, 2013 Share Posted March 25, 2013 I would suggest you start with the basics. Check connections from alternator to battery are clean and tight. Check negative is earthed to chassis and there is also an earth to the engine. Check battery connections are clean and tight. Might be worth while getting battery checked. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1footinthegrave Posted March 25, 2013 Share Posted March 25, 2013 Yes I can only second the above, but we did have a dodgy battery that exhibited similar symptoms, appeared fine one minute, then on another day would hardly turn over the van, this happened over a couple of weeks, replaced battery and all was fine. I would hope you've got full breakdown cover as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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