rv converter not charging battery

RV Converter Not Charging Battery: Troubleshooting Issues

An RV converter not charging battery can be a frustrating problem. Since the converter plays a significant role in running the onboard electrical system, it has worked fine to supply continuous energy for the batteries.

Like any electrical component, an RV converter can have various issues and may stop charging the battery. If that happens, it is best to troubleshoot the problem before assuming that the converter is bad. Often, there is an easy fix without much cost to get your converter up and running again.

RV Converter Not Charging Battery: Troubleshooting Issues

Before diagnosing the list of problems, you should check out whether the converter is working or not. A healthy converter should display a 110 to 130 voltage reading when checked with a multimeter.

If the reading is lower or higher than the standard figures, you should call a technician or replace the converter with a new one.

Nothing unusual in the reading means you need to check a few things to figure out the problems and resolve them.

Rusty battery connections

The RV converter not charging battery could happen because of corrosion on the battery posts and connections. The good news is that this problem can often be fixed with a bit of cleaning.

Disconnect the battery clamps from the terminals. Use a wire brush to clean off any greenish or white corrosion on the connectors. Be careful not to leave behind a single spot of rust.

Once the corrosion is gone, mix some toothpaste and baking soda until it forms a paste. Apply this paste to the connectors and let it sit for a few minutes. Then use a wire brush or sandpaper to scrub it off. Rinse off any residue with water.

Reattach the cables and test the RV battery.

Rusty battery terminals
Rusty battery terminals.

The battery cannot hold a charge

The charging issue could stem from an old or defective battery losing the capacity to hold a charge. In that case, even if the converter supplies power, the battery appears drained after a while.

To check if this is the issue, charge the battery unit with a charger for several hours and then disconnect the power line. Check the voltage after one hour with a multimeter or voltage meter. A lower voltage reading means that the battery unit struggles with holding the charge.

The solution to the problem is diagnosing the battery with an expert technician. If they cannot fix it, you have to buy a new one.

Converter’s cooling fan failure

A non-functional cooling fan can damage the converter’s internal components by overheating. You can probably spot or smell signs of burned-out wires if this happens.

To find out if the cooling fan is the culprit, attach a multimeter to its power source to check if it’s receiving sufficient electricity. If the fan is faulty, you will need to replace it.

Converter’s thermal sensor malfunctioning

Another reason for the RV converter not charging battery is a faulty thermal sensor. If the cooling fan receives an adequate power supply, the thermal sensor could be the reason for the overheating problems.

The only solution here is to change the sensor with an exact replacement. However, it could be more complicated than changing a cooling fan, so taking professional help might be the right thing to do.

Problems in the circuit board

The converter problem can happen due to a fault in the circuits. A blown fuse or a tripped breaker is a common side-effect of a power surge. Double-check each component in the circuit board to detect the faulty one.

It’s really easy to change a blown fuse. However, if it’s a damaged circuit breaker, you will need to replace it and rewire the board.

The RV converter not charging battery could also happen due to an outdated panel box. If this is the case, replace it with an upgraded model.

Problems with the shore power source

If your RV converter isn’t charging your battery, it might be because of a shore power problem. The RV converter should begin charging the battery when you plug your RV into the campsite’s electrical outlet. If it doesn’t, there might be something wrong with the outlet or with the wiring in your RV.

The first thing to check is the outlet. Ensure that it’s plugged in and that the switch is turned on. Plug a device into the outlet to see if it gets the power supply. If it does, the problem could be with your RV’s wiring.

A damaged outlet or bent prong can impede the normal flow of electricity. In that case, you inform the campsite’s management staff about it.

If everything looks good at the outlet, you might have a problem with your RV’s wiring. Call an electrician and let them find out the problem.

Rate this post

Leave a Reply