Autocruise Alto EHU charging

[mr_mojo97]

Hi all

We have a 2013 model and wondering if using the EHU actually charges the main vehicle battery. I thought it did but can't find it in the manual. We have a 110w solar panel and an AMT12-2 battery maintainer but the main battery never goes above 12.5v when not running. The battery is only 1.5 years old too. Halfords say the battery is low but fine and just needs a good run and can't do a warranty return as their equipment show no dead cells. Starting it up takes longer than it should, in my opinion.

Actually it failed the mot a couple of days ago as the engine stayed on. Fault codes showed low battery voltage and sticking egr valve (possibly due to low voltage). Cleared codes and engine light went out so passed mot.

Any advice? Many thanks

 

[GeoffnDee]

If your Autocruise is fitted with a Sargent EC460 PSU the EHU battery charging , leisure/starter/both , can be set using the smart setting and may be yours is set to leisure battery charging only . (and Solar if it is wired through the PSU )

 

[JimmE]

I also have a 2013 Alto, although we have replaced the original chargers as we have fitted a Lithium leisure battery, which the original chargers are not compatible with.

However, as GeoffnDee says, you have some control over this via the settings on the PSU in the bottom of the wardrobe. However, the Sargent manual also says that you can choose the primary charge source using the battery selection buttons on the panel above the sliding door - but bear in mind this also chooses the battery the van will draw from, so I'd recommend doing this more when charging at home rather than when charging on a site.

Sargent PSU manual attached!

(Our van did come with Solar, but it was an aftermarket installation, not wired via the Sargent controller. Unsure if yours is the same).

 

[GeoffnDee]

mr_mojo97 There is also a useful Sargent PSU smart charging setting guide to be found on page 2 of Manuals for Motorhome stuff section in Resources ( It says for Autotrail but is the same for all Sargentl EC400-450-500 units)

 

[mr_mojo97]

Ours is an EC400 also with an aftermarket solar wired to an mppt controller and not the Sargent. I shall check that manual out tomorrow. Thanks for that info

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