Forum Discussion

Audioa_fan's avatar
Audioa_fan
Explorer
Dec 31, 2013

Coach Batteries Dying Too Quickly

I have been having a problem with the coach batteries dying far too quickly since purchasing our 2001 HR Ambassador in early November. While camping one our first trip, I was performing some checks while the rest of the family was inside doing things. I noticed that I could hear a loud buzzing sound coming from the bank of 4 6VDC coach batteries. I found that the buzzing was coming from one particular battery post. When I felt of it, I found the cable to be completely loose. The nut had backed off due to thermal expansion. I tightened it and the buzzing was completely eliminated.

I will be monitoring the coach battery capacity but so far they seem to be working fine now. Checking for a buzzing sound coming from the coach batteries will be one of my routine checks from now on.
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Jan 04, 2014
    Most of my break downs were corroded terminals, which I now routinely clean. Less obvious were corrosion inside the terminals that greatly reduced amps even though 12 v was present. Also noticed these terminals were hotter. Never heard buzzing sound what would cause that?
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jan 02, 2014
    I routinely unhooked, cleaned and load tested my batteries over the years.

    Batteries do age, and as they age they loose storage capacity. When it starts to become noticable.. Time to shop.
  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    Jan 02, 2014
    Always start at the source of power. Multiple batterys have multiple connections. Multiple places for connections to get loose or crud developing in them.

    We are so quick to blame something, expensive, else when it is usually a simple fix.
  • 19D20's avatar
    19D20
    Explorer
    Jan 02, 2014
    NyLok locking nuts will help. If they can't be fitted, Blue LocTite will work.

    Joe R.
  • Paw_Paw_John's avatar
    Paw_Paw_John
    Explorer
    Jan 02, 2014
    Make sure you check the water level in all the batteries once a month and keep all connections tight. Good luck.
  • wbwood's avatar
    wbwood
    Explorer
    Dec 31, 2013
    Might be wise to replace the batteries. At least it may give you a safe peace of mind.
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    Dec 31, 2013
    Sounds like you dodged a bullet on that one. Loose connections can cause heat that can do real damage.

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