New To Me T6.1 Low Battery

[Thepominlaw]

Hi everyone, momentous week this week for me I bought my first ever camper van. A 2020 T6.1 highline and absolutely love it.

I have, however, noticed the battery is only showing 58% in the vehicle. Is this normal? Went for a run a few days ago and it was up to 75% but a few days later it’s down to 58. Should I buy a BM2 monitor? If so are they easy to fit as I am a complete beginner mechanics wise? Just wondering what the drain is last thing I want is to be ready to go to work and it not start dealer fully charged it before purchase so surely it should stay at 100%. I’m not sure any experience I have is with cars and I’m sure I didn’t get battery drain.

Also looking to get trickle charger, any affordable ones you can recommend for purchasing the UK thinking it might be worth getting one. That way if the van isn’t used for a week or so I can charge it before use are they also easy to use? Do I just literally clip it onto the battery terminals to charge or is there something else I need to do?

 

[doncarlyon]

It's a case of eliminating anything that could be draining power, all depends on the setup.

Also, check the age of the battery. It might just need replacing.

 

[Thepominlaw]

I believe it’s the original battery

 

[doncarlyon]

Does the van still start/stop ? That's usually a good indication of the battery health.

 

[DXX]

I believe it’s the original battery

At 5 years old it’s almost certainly at end of life. It is possible to install a larger battery than the OEM supplied.
There’s a few battery discussions on the Forum, have a look. Search
Bosch batteries are made by Varta so no point in paying the premium price for a Bosch when a Varta will be just as good.

 

[CAB]

BM2 is easy to fit, even I did it!


Edit: just re-read, the below isn't me, but a goldmine of information.

Thread 'Battery Monitoring -- How I Done It --'

22 Oct 2019

Battery Monitoring -- How I Done It --

Part #1

Battery monitoring is a very important part of your 12v system . . . . whether its just the vans starter battery or your leisure setup keeping an eye on the power in your battery bank will keep you from breaking down and make sure your weekends are not cut short from lack of power.

Battery monitoring is even more important with Lithium Lifepo4 batteries as the voltage stays fairly constant for 90% of the capacity.

first off lets look at a few basic 12v meters.

here a great little unit that I've been using for ages....

you can plug it...

• Dellmassive
• battery sensor dellmassive how to guide
• Replies: 333
• Forum: Electrics, Lighting, ICE, Security

• 

 

[Dundee_Kev]

I have, however, noticed the battery is only showing 58% in the vehicle. Is this normal? Went for a run a few days ago and it was up to 75% but a few days later it’s down to 58. Should I buy a BM2 monitor? If so are they easy to fit as I am a complete beginner mechanics wise? Just wondering what the drain is last thing I want is to be ready to go to work and it not start dealer fully charged it before purchase so surely it should stay at 100%. I’m not sure any experience I have is with cars and I’m sure I didn’t get battery drain.

Are we talking about the leisure battery or the starter battery?

 

[Thepominlaw]

Starter battery

 

[Thepominlaw]

Does the van still start/stop ? That's usually a good indication of the battery health.

Yes it still starts / stops at traffic lights etc

 

[Sim60]

Starter battery

How are you measuring the 58% number?
What voltage are you getting across the starter battery terminals?

 

[Thepominlaw]

The 58% came from the Carista obd reader. Voltage meter arrives today

 

[DXX]

The 58% came from the Carista obd reader. Voltage meter arrives today

Voltage is part of the diagnostics, voltage of an AGM takes time to stabilise after charging.
The battery may well show an acceptable voltage but it needs to be checked under load.
I replaced my starter battery at 5 years, it had no problem starting the van, stop / start worked, however it was affecting the effective charging on my leisure battery.
As soon as it was renewed the leisure battery changing performance increased.

 

[Sim60]

Tell us a bit more about your system.
Do you have an aftermarket leisure battery and split charge or dc-dc converter?
Do you have anything connected directly to the starter battery negative terminal ( a big no as the VW shunt won’t be seeing this load , so could account for low charge level)

Simon

 

[Salty Spuds]

The 58% came from the Carista obd reader. Voltage meter arrives today

A percentage reading is pretty meaningless tbh. It all depends on what the baseline is/battery/stop-start system. A resting voltage reading is what’s required along with battery type. Unless you’re experiencing other problems, sluggish starting, stop start not working, then you could be fretting over nothing. A case of a little knowledge…..

 

[Thepominlaw]

Yes thanks I think that’s the case most likely never owned one before. Discovering a few issues just went to unlock van and windows were down that’ll teach me to play with keys