Battery charge indicator light...

[thirdktm]

We bought a new battery for the coach (Melbourne 24M).
Never, during a 1,500 mile trip last week, did the light on the inside panel that show levels of battery charge and water tanks show that the battery was 100% charged.
And with the original battery, when it was 100% charged, the panel light said so.
We are puzzled....

[WinnieView]

Sorry but gotta start simple;
Do the coach lights work when only on battery?
Was there any charge level shown?
Is the battery connected properly?

[thirdktm]

Answer to 2008Seneca:
Do the coach lights work when only on battery? Yes.......
Was there any charge level shown? Yes, two-thirds, which is the highest level that's lower than 100%.
Is the battery connected properly? Yes.............

[WinnieView]

Does the engine alternator change the coach battery when running? And can you put a volt meter on the coach battery and check the charge?

Does the battery show a full charge when plugged into shore power after 12 hours?

[thirdktm]

To 2008Seneca:
--When we are on shore power, the panel shows 100% charged.
--Yes, when we are driving down the road, the engine is charging the coach battery.
--I do not own a volt meter, but I think a friend does........Would the information that gleans be a clue to something?

[WinnieView]

It sounds like everything is working correctly. Perhaps the new battery is bigger (more amp hours) and thus takes longer to charge from the engine battery, and some trips (driving) just haven't been long enough.

[GrumpyDad]

You want to know the actual numerical voltage, those percentage charge lights aren't particularly informative. Can get that with a voltage monitor, or just a portable voltage meter on the battery, whichever way tickles your fancy.

[RedHorse1]

Find the right coupon and HF will give you a cheap VOM for free if you purchase something. I have one that serves my needs in the 5th.

[thirdktm]

Red Horse: I like that four-letter word -- FREE -- for a voltage meter from Harbor Freight.
Is checking a voltage as easy as touching the red lead to the positive and the black lead to the negative? (Yes, I really do not know for sure......!.)

[WinnieView]

Originally Posted by thirdktm

Red Horse: I like that four-letter word -- FREE -- for a voltage meter from Harbor Freight.
Is checking a voltage as easy as touching the red lead to the positive and the black lead to the negative? (Yes, I really do not know for sure......!.)

Correct.
And in the case of checking DC voltage set the meter to the symbol V with a straight line next to it.

https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials...suring-voltage