BATTERY PROBLEMS: - Refer to this section to help diagnose problems based
on battery observations.
CASE
BATTERY SEE NOTE(S)
1 →
Seems to be over-charging See Battery Note 1
2 →
Does not fully charge batteries (or)
Does not hold a charge
See Battery Note 2
Battery Note 1 - BATTERY OVER-CHARGING: If there is evidence that the batteries have been over-
charging, consider the following…
• Normal Battery Condition: The batteries may not be over-charging but only be experiencing normal
water loss and normal levels of gassing. Check the “BATTERY VOLTAGE” reading. Normal battery
voltage for a wet cell battery can be up to 14.6 volts. See BATTERY WATER LOSS and GASSING
(Help Notes #2 and #3)
• Controller Problem: The MARK/(15,20) could be defective. Perform the FUSE REMOVAL TEST (Page
18). Determine if the MARK/(15,20) is working properly. Check for INCORRECT VOLTAGE SET-
POINT (Help Note #11)
• Batteries Need Lower Set-point: The batteries may require a lower full-charge voltage. Refer to
INCORRECT VOLTAGE SET-POINT (Help Note #11).
• Other Charging Sources: Another charging source could be the cause. If the MARK/(15,20) is not
charging, the overcharging may be from another source. Some 110 volt battery chargers are not well
regulated and could over-charge batteries if left unattended.
•• A Hot Battery - Hot temperatures can affect the battery charging. A hot location for batteries will tend to
over-charge the batteries. See TEMPERATURE (Help Note #4).
Battery Note 2 - BATTERY UNDER-CHARGED: If the battery voltage is often low or the battery voltage
drops fast after charging, consider the following…
•• System not sized correctly - See Help Note #5. For too much usage, try charging the battery with
another charging source (engine alternator, generator or AC battery charger). If the batteries charge OK
and hold the charge, an increase in the number batteries and panels may be needed to support the
usage.
•• Solar Panels Problem - Panel may be dirty, not aligned or other problem. See PROBLEMS WITH
SOLAR PANELS (Help Note #6)
•• Bad Connection – A bad connection can reduce the charge. See BAD CONNECTION: PANEL and
BATTERIES (Help Notes #8 & #9)
•• MARK/(15,20) Controller Problem - Perform the FUSE REMOVAL TEST (Page 18). Also, refer to the
MARK/(15,20) PROBLEM section. Examine the readings from the MARK/(15,20) meter to see if they
indicate a problem.
•• A Bad Battery - The batteries may be going bad. See PROBLEMS WITH BATTERIES (Help Note #7).
•• A Cold Battery - Cold temperatures can affect the battery charging. If the battery is cold much of the
time, the battery’s long-term performance and life may suffer. See TEMPERATURE (Help Note #4).
19
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