Thermo King Tripac Evo question: Current Charge

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Blackdawgtrucker6969, Feb 1, 2026.

  1. Blackdawgtrucker6969

    Blackdawgtrucker6969 Bobtail Member

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    Feb 11, 2024
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    My Thermo King Tripac Evolution is reading a current charge around 246 amps. This number seems to stay around 246 regardless of weather the engine is running or not. Should this number be 0 when the alternator is not running? I've noticed from videos that current charge amperage is around 10 amps normally. My Charge Current Shutoff Value is set to default 12 amps. Does anyone know what this issue is?

    Also, I have noticed when the engine starts because of low battery voltage in standby mode, it will continuously run until I manually turn off. It will not recognize when the batteries are charged and shutdown. I would like it to turn on to keep batteries charged but not overcharge.
    Screenshot (19).jpg Screenshot (20).jpg Screenshot (21).jpg
     
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  3. abyliks

    abyliks Road Train Member

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    When was the last time you cleaned the battery connections? How old are the batteries?
     
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  4. Blackdawgtrucker6969

    Blackdawgtrucker6969 Bobtail Member

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    I just got new batteries and cleaned everything up 2 months ago. I noticed before changing batteries, it would constantly charge. It would run for 24 hours if I didn't shut it down.
     
  5. Blackdawgtrucker6969

    Blackdawgtrucker6969 Bobtail Member

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    I did replace the alternator 6 months ago. It appears to be working fine. The voltage is above 14 volts when running.
     
  6. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    Surely it's just a glitch, that high of amperage isn't even possible. Stuff would be on fire.
     
  7. ducnut

    ducnut Road Train Member

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    I’m guessing, the control module has failed, because it’s not correctly sensing voltage and amps. It shouldn’t run more than ~15min, when topping up the batteries and nothing else drawing from the system. I’d stop at your local TK dealer and ask them for an opinion. Chances are, they’ve seen it many times before.
     
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  8. Blackdawgtrucker6969

    Blackdawgtrucker6969 Bobtail Member

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    It is correctly sensing voltage. Amps don't seem to change. Dealership was my last resort. Trying to see if anyone knows how to fix this. Thank you.
     
  9. ducnut

    ducnut Road Train Member

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    Yes, it seems the module is reading it because the display voltage is seemingly accurate, but, the module must not be correctly SENSING the voltage or it would shut off the APU. Likewise, the amperage reading is erroneous. You’ve got two wrongs related to electricity, which makes me think it’s the module.

    Anytime unexplainable/random things are happening and there’s a module involved, the module is usually the failure point.
     
  10. Blackdawgtrucker6969

    Blackdawgtrucker6969 Bobtail Member

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    Thanks, my fear was it's the control module. Already replaced it once on this unit and unit only has 4600 hours. First time was under warranty. Thermo King is such garbage and the parts are so expensive.
     
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  11. ducnut

    ducnut Road Train Member

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    I agree. I think, their stuff is overrated and they’re just resting on the laurels of their name. We have tons of issues with our TK APU’s, as well. What’s worse is the dealer stocks very little for them.
     
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