Thread: Dual batteries not charging

Besides two batteries whats the wiring setup, pics would help if you can is a brand name setup or one you did your self?

Originally Posted by scharkie

Hi,
Things happen in three's?
I have dual batteries setup on my Disco but the last few days i have been unable to start. Not sure what the cause is but i have checked everything all appears to be working. Has anyone come accross this with the same setup?? Any help would be great. Thanks

Have a dual set up on my D3. Main battery was failing at about five years old giving me a little greif. If you have a voltage tester ( about $10 worth) put it both sides of the battery controler which is a should have voltage running through it of above 12.4 volts when running to charge the 2nd battery. If nothing is coming through to the second battery and the voltage on the main is under 12.4 when the car is running your alternator might be your problem.

Test both batteries as well. Are they over 12volts whith the engine off? Is your main battery is over 5 years old? There is only realy your solenoid (dual battery controler), batteries or the alternator to cause the problems. With the engine off, batteries under 12voltsprobebly = bung batteries or alternator.

PS not a sparky so I may be off road on this advice.

Hi Scharkie, need a tad more info.
When you get the engine started, are you ding much driving?

Are you jump starting when the battery is flat and if so, is the battery going flat in a short time or after jump starting, can you start off the cranking battery during the day and it’s going flat over night.

If you are jump starting, is it from the auxiliary battery and is the auxiliary battery OK each time you need to jump start?

Hi drivesafe, I'm jump starting from the main battery i think. I have to jump start each time but when i put a battery tester on it shows that there is enough charge to start.

Originally Posted by scharkie

Hi drivesafe, I'm jump starting from the main battery i think. I have to jump start each time but when i put a battery tester on it shows that there is enough charge to start.

That doesnt make sense, if you are jumping from the main then you should be able to start ? What type of charge controller are you using and how is it wired up ?

Originally Posted by scharkie

Hi drivesafe, I'm jump starting from the main battery i think. I have to jump start each time but when i put a battery tester on it shows that there is enough charge to start.

You start normaly from you main battery. If the car doesn't start from it normally and you need to jump start then you main battery is probebly bung or an eletrical fault draining main battery or as Drivesafe points out engine not running enough to recharge the battery after you start. If it was the alternator your dual 2nd battery would not be charging and you could not jump from it. I assume your using your dual battery set up to jump start. Have you tried charging the main battery?