Date:         Wed, 27 May 1998 02:56:11 EDT
Reply-To:     Modl6971 <Modl6971@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Modl6971 <Modl6971@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Deep cycle battery problem...95 eurovan
Comments: To: chirodoc@GTE.NET, Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

In a message dated 98-05-26 14:44:50 EDT, chirodoc@GTE.NET writes:

<<
 I have a 95 eurovan and 1st camping trip, using my furnace, by morning, the
battery was almost completely drained.  Is this normal or should it last
longer than overnight???  Started the furnace at 10pm and by 3am, low battery.

 Thanks so much,

 Jim >>
Pick up a hydrometer tester at any car parts place and check each cell in the
battery by sucking a little fuid out, filling up the hydrometer tester. Each
cell should have a even charge with a fully charged battery. If one cell is
off, you'll need to replace the battery. Now, is the battery getting a charge?
Check the voltage at the aux battery while the car is running. It should be
around 13.5 to 14.0 volts. If not, start with the aux battery solenoid just
above the battery up front under the hood. One side of the large terminal
should be around 13.5 to 14.0 volts, and the other side should be the same. (
engine running)  If not, does the solenoid click when turning on the ignition
only. If it does click, replace the solenoid.     If the solenoid is passing
the 13.5 to 14.0 volts, then check the two INLINE fuse holders for the aux
battery. One fuse is under fuse box, this is a non VW fuse and the other is by
the aux battery on the right, also non VW. If one of them is blown, replace
both with the updated curcuit breaker fuses, availabe at NAPA,  buy two 30 amp
long bladed curcuit breaker fuses.
Well, if 13.5 to 14.0 volts is getting to the aux battery, replace the battery
with a deep cycle battery from Interstate. Make sure the control panel above
your frigerator is in the off position when nothing is being used. Otherwise
you'll slowly drain your aux battery. Hope this helps.
 Michael M. 87 syncro.
 P.S.  You can charge the aux battery by plugging in the AC power supply.