Community Forums

JD Allen · 01-19-2006, 08:02 AM

I bought a 2005 Sightseer 29R in June. The engine battery has a red indicator even after being on a charger for several days. When I went in for 3000 mile service I asked the Ford truck dealer to check the battery. He said it was OK and that sometimes the indicators don't work and they are always in the red.

When I checked the battery the other day, after it was on a charger for several days, 4 of the cells were at the bottom of the red range on my hydrometer. I don't think that's a good sign.

JD Allen · 01-19-2006, 08:02 AM

I bought a 2005 Sightseer 29R in June. The engine battery has a red indicator even after being on a charger for several days. When I went in for 3000 mile service I asked the Ford truck dealer to check the battery. He said it was OK and that sometimes the indicators don't work and they are always in the red.

When I checked the battery the other day, after it was on a charger for several days, 4 of the cells were at the bottom of the red range on my hydrometer. I don't think that's a good sign.

Dougmyers · 01-19-2006, 08:17 AM

If it under warrenty I would make them change it, if not go buy a new battery thats better then being stuck some place where there are no batterys or service.

PS: Hey JD one of my rules on batterys is to charge it up let it set for a day or two and check the voltage with a meter if its below 11 volts its out and replaced, but it needs to be disconnected and just sitting with out draw on it before checking it for that day or two.

John_Canfield · 01-19-2006, 01:01 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by JD Allen:
When I checked the battery the other day, after it was on a charger for several days, 4 of the cells were at the bottom of the red range on my hydrometer. I don't think that's a good sign. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Yes - that's not a good sign! The hydrometer is probably the best way to determine the state of charge. Try another dealer or take the battery to an auto parts store and let them check it.

Freddy · 10-13-2006, 08:41 AM

I have a hydrometer with multi colored balls. Just checked each cell in both house batteries, and all of the balls floated except the green. That one remained at the bottom of the tube.

I have a "battery minder" on them at all times, and battery tester shows 12.8v. I'm not having any problems with them (2+ yrs old) yet, but just curious why only 3 of the 4 balls are floating.

Joe-K · 10-13-2006, 10:11 AM

The built in indicators are infamous for not working correctly, but the Ford dealer should have tested them as you did with a hydrometer. I'd go back, explain you tested with a hydrometer and have him check in properly. I agree, I think you should get a new battery under warranty.