Motorhome Battery; Fault Finding - Swift Rio Owner's Handbook Manual

Electrical Systems

MOTORHOME BATTERY

It is recommended that a good quality
leisure battery is always in circuit when the
system is in use.
A deep cycling heavy duty 12v battery
should be used to provide power for lights
and other electrical appliances. A proprietary
brand leisure battery with an 85amp capacity
is recommended.
Note: 85amp batteries and above should be
checked dimensionally before purchasing, to
ensure fitment within the battery
compartment, as brands vary in size.
It should be remembered that batteries
suitable for the electrical demands of a
motorhome differ in design from those for
use with a car, and whilst the system may
operate with a car battery it is strongly
recommended that only a leisure type
battery, maintained in good condition is
used. The battery should be kept topped up
at all times.
The battery should be positioned in its
compartment, which is vented to the
outside, and be properly secured before
travelling.
WARNING: Do not block battery box
vents.
WARNING: When connecting the battery,
ensure that the correct polarity is
observed (black is negative and red is
positive) and that the terminals are
securely fastened.
34
Under normal circumstances it should not be
necessary to remove the battery other than
for routine inspection of terminals and
"topping up".
WARNING: Explosive gases may be
present at the battery. Take care to
prevent flames and sparks in the vicinity.
Your motorhome has been fitted with an in-
line fuse between the battery terminal and
strip connector. It is recommended that the
fuse rating fitted in this location does not
exceed 20 amps.
WARNING: Switch off all appliances
and lamps before disconnecting the
battery.
Smoking is prohibited around the
battery compartment.
To preserve the life of your leisure battery
and charger please observe the following:
i) Do not leave all 12v lights powered at the
same time as this will drain your leisure
battery more rapidly.
ii) If all 12v lights must be powered together,
ensure the battery is 'in-circuit' i.e.
selector switch in the 'van' position and
that the battery charger is turned on.
iii) For optimum performance use the
transformer/charger unit with a leisure
battery attached.
Please note the auxilliary battery supplied
with your motorhome is not charged and
should be charged for a minimum of 24
hours before use.

FAULT FINDING

1. Mains supply
If mains supply is not available when
mains switch and MCB's are switched
on, check supply at site distribution
and/or mains lead and connections.
2. Earth faults or MCB tripped
See RCD/MCD Section.
3. Charger switch fails to illuminate
Check mains supply as for No.1 and 2.
4. Battery discharged or not charging
with charger on
Check battery terminals.
5. 12V distribution circuit failure
Check and replace relevant DC output
fuse as required.
6. Consult the manufacturers regarding any
further difficulties, in particular those
related to mains voltage section.
7. There are no user-serviceable or
replacement parts in the consumer unit.
All service of this nature should be
referred to the manufacturers.
Note: Never use a mains supply lead whilst
coiled. Always uncoil the full length before
connecting to the supply and remember to
protect the cable from traffic.