Forum Discussion

Bob_in_NH's avatar
Bob_in_NH
Explorer
Jul 07, 2013

CO Detector red/green Fault indicated

Will a weak battery on a popup give you this indication. Book says its a fault indication with the microprocessor and to replace unit. I had no problem before until now when I noticed the interior lights to be dim as well. I thought perhaps a weak battery could be the cause of the alert/fault. I disconnected the fuse for now until I can figure out the problem. Meanwhile I am recharging the battery. Any thoughts or confirmations from anyone on the battery causing the fault??

7 Replies

  • Depending on the state of charge at the beginning of your trip, 1.5 hours is hardly much time to get a charge through the typically under-gauge wires that OEMs will use for the "charge" line.
    I have tried and will not ever again count on the charge line of my TV (even though I increased the gauge) to provide an adequate charge.

    Your CWS8 should be equipped with a power converter that should include a battery charging function. Plug the shore power cord into a 120v household outlet with a 30 amp to 15 amp adapter plug a couple of days before to charge up the battery.

    Also, while plugged in, the converter should be supplying a steady 12v (probably 13.2v) to the CO detector and the lights. If it is showing faulty at that point, consider replacing the detector. The lights should be at full brightness while plugged into shore power.

    Here's some good reading on batteries, 12 volts and the theories involved: 12volt side of life part 1 and 12volt side of life part 2.
  • Bob in NH wrote:
    I was told by the dealer when I bought the new popup that the battery charges via the car 7 pin connector during the ride out but didn't seem to get an ample charge in the 1 1/2hr ride.


    This is true, however not all vehicles come properly equipped from the factory. Some trucks need a fuse for the charging to take place, knowing what you have to tow might help or you can test the 7pin connector yourself. You can check in your glove box to see if the fuse was included from the factory, then just needs to be installed.
  • I was told by the dealer when I bought the new popup that the battery charges via the car 7 pin connector during the ride out but didn't seem to get an ample charge in the 1 1/2hr ride.


    Correct. I was surprised at how long it does take to get a full charge. Somewhere on this forum somebody put up a chart that showed how long with regular charge and charging with those newish chargers that really reduce charge times. With a full charge we usually planned on one night one battery. Without going to bed with birds and using heater a little.
  • Thanks for your replies, Charging up the battery and will be retrying the detector out. Battery is brand new used only on one trip out so far and is a Deep cycle marine battery.
    I was told by the dealer when I bought the new popup that the battery charges via the car 7 pin connector during the ride out but didn't seem to get an ample charge in the 1 1/2hr ride.
  • Yes, a low battery will cause that.But,also, they start acting weird after a while. HOw old is it?
  • Get good battery (fully charged) and try again. If problem still happening look up manufactures web site for trouble shooting.