Forum Discussion

Jackutah's avatar
Jackutah
Explorer
Apr 04, 2015

12 v DC power battery dim but display says full

On my wall display..that shows battery..water tanks..lp levels.. the battery shows top light.... but when I switch the aux/dc power on the lights are very dim....when I start engine lights go bright..
something else that might mean something..the toggle switch to turn on dc power (with engine off)...doesnt always make the switch..but will put lights on bright when I hold it in either the on or off position...but when I let go it either goes dim or doesnt make the connection..
is there a special way to make the deep cell battery charge ..do I have to have any switch in certain position...
could this be some other element or part of electrical system?
Class A
  • lil_camping_fam's avatar
    lil_camping_fam
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2015
    sssooo wrote:
    check your ground cable going to your chassie they rust and lose contact that was my problem when I had same problem.


    When it comes to 12volt systems, the ground is the first thing I check. Like the car, your lights start acting crazy. Remove the ground to the chassis and grind to bare metal. Add some deox to the bare metal and reinstall the ground.

    I do agree on the volt meter. I also use this to check the shore power before I plug my trailer in.
  • sssooo's avatar
    sssooo
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2015
    check your ground cable going to your chassie they rust and lose contact that was my problem when I had same problem.
  • othertonka's avatar
    othertonka
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2015
    I second the idea of getting and using a good volt meter instead of that light display. Also that switch you are talking about is probably bad, which can be most of your problems. Replace the switch. The switch usually needs to be ON for the convertor to charge your battery. A fully charged battery should read 12.6 volts with your new meter.
  • Dakota98's avatar
    Dakota98
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2015
    donn0128 wrote:
    Displays are historically inaccurate. Get out your digital volt meter and check it at the battery.


    X-2

    Aside from the tank levels etc., if you want GOOD battery information invest in a Trimetric battery monitor or if voltage is the only concern, get an inexpensive wall mounted electronic volt meter. I use what's called a Volt Minder.

  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Apr 04, 2015
    The MULTIMETERs are cheap and available at WALMART-LOWES-AMAZON-ANY number of auto parts stores for $7 to $20. Harbor freight used to give one away with a certain level of purchase.

    Sure takes the guesswork out of your readings.

  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Apr 04, 2015
    Displays are historically inaccurate. Get out your digital volt meter and check it at the battery.

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