CPeachey Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 I need to check the starter battery voltage but the terminals are not very accessible. Can I measure it accurately at the cigar lighter socket (with ignition on but engine NOT running)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 No it won't be accurate because there will be a current drain on it... A big current drain if the glow plugs are on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPeachey Posted November 11, 2017 Author Share Posted November 11, 2017 The lighter socket measured 12.2volts. Can I assume from your reply that the starter battery would have had a Higher voltage before the ignition was turned on? If so that would serve my purpose.? Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aandncaravan Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 If the Starter battery is under the bonnet, the negative/earth lead should be easy to see while the Positive will be covered by a 'Plate' of the Primary fuses. See photo (borrowed from another post by John52) of what it looks like in the Fiat X250 underfloor location. You don't need to get the meter on the Positive terminal, just on one of the fuses should do. If you put the meter on the negative and the Positive meter probe on anyone of the Fuses, that should be more easily reached, you should get a reading of about 12.7v for a good battery that has stood a week. 12.2v, even allowing for the ignition being on seems a bit low? You will note that in John52's photo, the Earth 'clamp' on a Fiat X250 is just a quick release lever to help isolate the battery/prevent theft when not in use. While I am here with such a great photo can I add a note on checking battery fluids which was raised recently? To check battery fluids, just flick off the Earth Lead, then remove the single nut in the middle of the bar crossing the battery. Then lift the retaining bar off, but take great care that as you lift it you note carefully how it fits to see how to put it back. To access the filler caps under the Positive clamp, just loosen the single 10mm positive clamp bolt and lift off the 'Fuse plate' as a complete unit. Be careful that all cables go back without being caught by the cover. Only check the battery levels after the vehicle has been standing some days to allow the Hydrogen and Oxygen that may be in the cells to dissipate. Ah a Citroen!! The one time I look at your details for the van you have and see an '05 Trigano' (usually on a Fiat) is the time it's out of date. :$ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPeachey Posted November 11, 2017 Author Share Posted November 11, 2017 It's a Citroen Relay WildAx Constellation (67 reg). The positive terminal (and whole battery) has a cover. There looks like a flap covering the terminal but I cannot lift it so was looking elsewhere to check the voltage. I'll have a look for the fuses when I next get to the van (It's in storage) Thanks for your help Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithl Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Chris, If it is an X250 then look for the jump start points under the bonnet and check there. Keith. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPeachey Posted November 13, 2017 Author Share Posted November 13, 2017 Sorted! I finally got the cover off of the positive terminal. The voltage was 14.5v with the sun shining on the solar panel so all was well. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aandncaravan Posted November 13, 2017 Share Posted November 13, 2017 I am not sure that is a good sign? Most quality mains charger units charge the Starter battery at about 0.8v less than the habitation battery. 14.5v for midday on a battery that most likely shouldn't need charging is very high? Possibly dry out the battery and degrade it to just a couple of years life? It suggests your Solar solution isn't ideal, probably not a Motorhome specific solution? May I ask why you wanted to check the voltage in the first place, was there a concern? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPeachey Posted November 13, 2017 Author Share Posted November 13, 2017 On our old van the starter battery ran down whilst in storage. We had a 130w solar panel fitted to the new one to keep the batteries charged up. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John52 Posted November 13, 2017 Share Posted November 13, 2017 aandncaravan - 2017-11-11 5:57 PM To access the filler caps under the Positive clamp, just loosen the single 10mm positive clamp bolt and lift off the 'Fuse plate' as a complete unit. You also need to remove the 2 crosshead screws in the red plastic strip to the right of the 10mm positive clamp bolt and pull it out. These screws work like rawlplugs in a hole in a brick wall - expanding into holes in the top of the battery to secure the fuse box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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