Community Forums

1Proudvet · 06-06-2016, 07:12 PM

I have a new Magnum inverter (6 months) and have taken 3 short trips without any issues. The inverter shut down on our current trip and the display indicates "hot batteries". I checked the battery water levels and everything was OK. I took it to a repair facility and a tech measured the battery external heat at 130 degrees. After allowing the batteries to cool down the inverter started working again and I drove off. After approximately 30 minutes on the road the inverter shut down again (display - hot batteries)? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

gemert · 06-06-2016, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Proudvet

I have a new Magnum inverter (6 months) and have taken 3 short trips without any issues. The inverter shut down on our current trip and the display indicates "hot batteries". I checked the battery water levels and everything was OK. I took it to a repair facility and a tech measured the battery external heat at 130 degrees. After allowing the batteries to cool down the inverter started working again and I drove off. After approximately 30 minutes on the road the inverter shut down again (display - hot batteries)? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Long shot alert!!! I had my muffler pipe fall off. I didn't notice until mu air lines behind my batteries burned through on my way down a Mountain in western VA. The elect fuel prime pump next to the batteries had a plastic case that actually started flowing. If your batteries are in the rear it's worth a look.

chuckftboy · 06-06-2016, 07:24 PM

Try moving the temperature sensor to another battery. You may have a shorted cell on the one it is connected to now causing it to heat up as it charges.

Dutch Star Don · 06-06-2016, 07:28 PM

Magnum is really good when you call and will walk you through any issues.

dons2346 · 06-06-2016, 08:03 PM

I have had that fault one time. I was where the ambient temps were in the 90's so over the asphalt would be higher. The fault code has to be cleared, it will not go away by itself. How to clear a code is in your manual.

twinboat · 06-06-2016, 08:03 PM

Have you looked at the battery voltage, while underway.

It's possible that your alternator is overcharging the batteries.

Next time your on the road, check the volt meter. Anything above 14.2 for a few hours, could cause your batteries to overheat.

FIRE UP · 06-06-2016, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

Have you looked at the battery voltage, while underway.

It's possible that your alternator is overcharging the batteries.

Next time your on the road, check the volt meter. Anything above 14.2 for a few hours, could cause your batteries to overheat.

Now there's a great answer. You DO need to validate the actual voltage that's getting to your batteries. If it's standard, say around 13.5 or so, then you're not getting over charged. But, if it's much higher, say 14.8- 15.0 or so, it might be that your Magnum was put into the "Equalizing Mode". Our Dimensions unit would do it automatically after a few cycles of discharge and charge.

But, the Magnum we have now, has to be put into equalize manually. I'm thinking that yours may, somehow, have been put into the equalize mode by mistake, maybe. Just a suggestion here.
Scott

SCVJeff · 06-06-2016, 11:23 PM

If the tech said 130, it's 130... Something is wrong, batteries don't just heat up by themselves unless there is an internal short or they are being massively over charged.

Fix it before you have an explosion !!!

Unplug shore power and call Magnum. If you don't have a DVM or know how to use one, find someone who does.. Quickly

IASM · 06-06-2016, 11:54 PM

As others have said the only real way to diagnose a battery problem is with a volt meter. If your at rest voltage is acceptable then check charge voltage with magnum and also engine . Most likely a bad battery in your system. Usually its best to disconnect the battery so there isolated then wait 30 minutes or so then check all voltages individually.

Larrikin · 06-08-2016, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IASM

As others have said the only real way to diagnose a battery problem is with a volt meter. If your at rest voltage is acceptable then check charge voltage with magnum and also engine . Most likely a bad battery in your system. Usually its best to disconnect the battery so there isolated then wait 30 minutes or so then check all voltages individually.

Are ALL batteries hot, or just the one. My coach batteries are close to the exhaust, and 130 does seem reachable on a hot day just from road and exhaust heat. How old are the batteries? Can Magnum calibrate or otherwise provide a check for the sensor circuit itself?