Operation Manual

Electrical system

90 Caravan - 14-09 - EN

9.3.2 Check the living area battery (Autark Package)

The capacity of a battery is limited as to time. The higher the number of electrical

appliances, the faster the energy of the living area battery is consumed. A battery

which has been installed for years has no longer the complete capacity available.

Charging condition To protect the living area battery, no more than 80% of the battery's capacity

should be drawn. Therefore check the charging condition of the living area battery

regularly. The charging condition of the living area battery can be read off on the

panel.

Energy reserves The living area battery has a limited power supply only. That is why electrical appli-

ances should not be operated over a long period of time if the vehicle is not con-

nected to the 240 V power supply or the engine of the towing vehicle is switched

off.

9.3.3 Charging the living area battery (Autark Package)

Z A meaningful measurement of the charging condition can only be made after 4

hours of battery charging. Immediately after charging, the battery voltage is

higher, after approx. 4 hours, it sinks to the so-called off-load voltage. The off-

load voltage displays the charging condition.

Off-load voltage (measured at the poles) Charging condition

Higher than 12,80 V 100%

Approx. 12.55 V 75%

Approx. 12.32 V 50%

Approx. 12.18 V 25%

Lower than 12.00 V 0%

X The acid in the battery is poisonous and corrosive. Any contact with the skin

or the eyes is to be avoided.

X In the case of charging with an external charger there is danger of explosion.

Only charge the battery in a well ventilated area and away from naked flames

or possible sources of sparks.

X Always remove the living area battery from the vehicle when charging it

using an external charger.

Z Do not connect the battery cables to the wrong poles.

Z When the living area battery is disconnected and the caravan and the towing

vehicle are connected electrically, do not use the ignition of the towing vehicle.

Danger of short circuit!

Z Before disconnecting or connecting the terminals of the living area battery,

switch off the engine of the towing vehicle as well as the 240 V and 12 V power

supplies and all appliances. Danger of short circuit!

Z Before charging the battery, check whether the external charger is approved for

the battery type.

Z Observe the instruction manual for the charger.

Z Irreparable damage to the living area battery will result if it is overcharged.