Battery charging issue resolved, perhaps

rich85704 wrote:
I spent some time with the rig this afternoon. Even bought a new digital multimeter to replace the Radio Shack cheapie I was using. I found a few wires which might be considered loose in the battery area, tightened them, and took the following readings:

When I arrived, about a day after giving it a full charge at home, I took a reading at the battery terminals with the battery connected to the rig. 12.3VDC in either position of the BD switch.

Disconnected battery from rig. Same reading at battery terminals: 12.3VDC

Turned on the generator, and measured its output at 128VAC

At the battery, with generator running, 12.4VDC, same as with no generator/converter input.

Disconnected the battery from the rig and measured voltage on the leads: 8.4VDC; this presumably is the output of the converter.

So I can't replicate the scary high 15VDC readings, which may mean I'm less likely to boil the battery. But the 8.4VDC out of the converter is concerning, right?

I'm thinking this suggests a new converter. Any other tests I should do before I go that route?

Rich

I would say your converter is not charging for some reason, although you said it is running your 12v systems, which suggest it should be charging. You might have wiring issues between the converter and battery, or issues with the disconnect switch or something else. Measure the voltage at the converter and let us know.

Whatever it is, your battery is toast. 12.3 fully charged means it's been ruined. It will suffice for testing but it has no capacity.