Operation Manual

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14 Motorcaravan - 09-08 - DET-0033-07E
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Electrical system
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9.4 Charging the living area battery and starter battery
The starter battery can only be fully charged with an external charger. If a
240 V power supply is used, the transformer/rectifier charges the starter bat-
tery with a float charge only. Even in mobile operation, the vehicle engine alter-
nator is not capable of completely charging the starter battery.
9.4.1 Charging using a 240 V power supply
If the vehicle is connected to the 240 V power supply, the living area battery
and the starter battery are automatically charged by the charger module on the
transformer/rectifier. The starter battery is only charged with a float charge.
The charging current is adapted to suit the charging condition of the battery.
This ensures that it is not possible to overload the battery.
To make use of the maximum output from the charger module on the trans-
former/rectifier, switch off all electrical appliances during charging.
9.4.2 Charging using the vehicle engine
When the vehicle engine is running, the vehicle alternator recharges the living
area battery and the starter battery. When the vehicle engine is switched off,
the batteries are automatically disconnected from one another by a relay in the
transformer/rectifier. This prevents the starter battery from being run down by
electrical appliances in the living area. The starting capability of the vehicle is
thus preserved. The charging condition of the living area battery or the starter
battery can be read on the panel.
9.4.3 Charging with an external charger
When charging the living area battery and the starter battery with an external
charger, proceed as follows:
Turn off the vehicle engine.
Switch off 12 V main switch on the panel. The indicator lamp will go off.
The acid in the battery is poisonous and corrosive. Any contact with the
skin or the eyes is to be avoided.
In the case of charging with an external charger there is danger of explo-
sion. Only charge the battery in a well ventilated area and away from
naked flames or possible sources of sparks.
Always remove the living area battery or the starter battery from the
vehicle when charging them using an external charger.
Do not connect the battery cables to the wrong poles.
If the starter battery or living area battery are disconnected, do not apply
the ignition. Danger of short circuit!
Before disconnecting or connecting the terminals of the battery, switch off
the vehicle engine as well as the 240 V and 12 V power supplies and all
appliances. Danger of short circuit!
Before charging the battery, check whether the external charger is
approved for the battery type.
Observe the instruction manuals for the base vehicle and the charger.
Irreparable damage to the living area battery will result if it is overcharged.