Van batteries dead

[bburkland]

Hi All,

I recently purchase a 2003 E-350 7.3l PSD and went out to the garage to find the van batteries dead this morning.

The van had been sitting about a week without shore power attached.

I attached the shore power this morning hoping that it would charge van batteries.

Should it charge them? I have xantex as well as an onboard generator installed.

I also tried to charge the van battery under the hood with a schumacher 2/6/10 amp charger this morning but instead of charging, I got an error code of F02.

The van batteries are about 3 years old and they appear to be three year warrantee Ford batteries.

Any suggestions on how to get the thing started?

[charlie56]

First post!

Welcome!

As a suggestion, at the start of this forum category is Sticky subject entitled "Battery FAQ". Try running down the descriptions and fixes offered up there, then if none of them work out, give us an update.

Could you also clarify what batteries you are having the problem with. You mentioned the "Van" batteries so, to me, that means the starter batteries, not the house batteries. Correct?

[daveb]

I’ve noticed with those small auto chargers that it’s common to get an error when charging dead batteries. Usually it’s because the battery is gone or you’re starting off on the higher setting like 10 or 12 amps. Try to start off at a lower setting and once the battery voltage begins to rise after a few hours then ramp it up to high.

As far as the Xantrex, I have the Prosine 2000 and it will charge the chassis and house systems but each model is different. The Separator must be in the closed position. If you lost both battery systems it sounds like the separator didn’t operate correctly (provided you have one) and something killed everything. Also you might have an isolator which SMB quit using and replaced due to problems had with them. At any rate you must track down what killed your batteries in the first place after you get the batteries back up. It’s possible you have a bad battery, so during the charge go out and feel the battery box. If it gets hot (not warm) stop charging and pull the battery. You should always replace both starting batteries if one is bad provided you have two starting batteries.

Besides the FAQ's here you can find some other info at this site:
http://autoramblings.com/blog/?p=386

Good luck and post back on what you find
Dave

[bburkland]

It turned out that the Van (as opposed to house) batteries were totally dead. No way to jump or even charge with small charger. Tow operator also thought that the starter motor was fried
Had van towed to local shop. Shop further checked batteries and attached shop charger for a few hours and then continued charging next day.

Van batteries took charge up to 12.86V . The shop monitored the battereries for several days while getting the new Ford starter motor and performing some other work. There was minor voltage drop about .12+V- on daily basis.

Shop installed new starter motor and I brought it home today.

Don't really know if started motor was the culprit, but I will monitor the batteries for awhile.

Thank you daveb for your concern and suggestions.

Ben