Alternator overcharging Volvo 05 VNL 630

Discussion in 'Volvo Forum' started by Djordjo82, Jun 10, 2013.

  1. Djordjo82

    Djordjo82 Bobtail Member

    5
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    Jan 7, 2013
    Willowbrook IL
    0
    Hello!

    I have a Volvo VNL 630 with Volvo D12 engine.
    I've installed power inverter 2500w connected directly to the batteries of the truck. http://www.whistlergroup.com/power-.../pro-2500w-power-inverters-product.aspx?id=32
    Inside have a refrigerator and small microwave. Everything worked perfect for one year.
    My alternator went bad and I've replaced it. Since then i have problems with the inverter.
    On the dashboard computer i have readings from the batteries or alternator like 13.9; 14.0; 14.1; 14.2 but i have another gauge on my power inverter and there is reading of 14.5; 14.6.
    If i try to turn on my refrigerator alarm starts from the power inverter and it shuts off. I don't know what can be. the Power inverter has protection from high voltage maybe it is activated?
    I have cleaned all the contacts on the batteries, checked the wires connections from the batteries to the inverter every thing ok. I've found one bad battery and i've replaced. When i reconnected all the wiring i start the truck and i've had reading code ( mid 144 sid 230) some ( j link ) don't remember how it was. Anyway i turned off my truck and restated again, the code was gone.
    But I have still the same problem my power inverter shuts off.

    Has anyone have a solution or advice for this problem?
    Thanks for any input!
     
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  3. flood

    flood Road Train Member

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    Dec 25, 2010
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    does you invertor have fuses (inline on the power cord).... and have you checked BOTH of them.....
     
  4. Djordjo82

    Djordjo82 Bobtail Member

    5
    1
    Jan 7, 2013
    Willowbrook IL
    0
    i have installed one 300A fuse on the inverter on the + from the batteries to the inverter. The inverter works with small devices. but when i plug the refrigerator sometimes can work for few minutes and the alarm will turn on after that automatically turns off.
    sometimes when the truck is not working everything works for hour or more and i can hear when the compressor from the refrigerator starts working the inverter starts beeping and it turns off.
     
  5. TheDude1969

    TheDude1969 Heavy Load Member

    807
    823
    Jun 10, 2013
    Joliet, Il
    0
    This is normally seen on initial start of the appliance, the amperage needed to start the motor is too much for the inverter.

    Over charging is almost never the problem, check w/ DVOM

    You mention bad alternator, and battery... and fixed. Its likely the battery caused the alternator to fail, and possible it has caused your refrigerator motor to burn some spots in the armature. Thus making it require more draw on the inverter till it fails.

    If this is what happened I'd pull the ref'r out and clean around the motor... coils and everywhere while its handy. Then turn thermostat all the way up while plugged into household 120v outlet. Then when compressor stops let refr thaw and do again... It just may clean those spots off the armature and brushes. Nearly no cost involved and always start with most likely culprit first.
     
    Djordjo82 Thanks this.
  6. Chris ITC740

    Chris ITC740 Bobtail Member

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    May 21, 2013
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    I am having the same problem with my voltage on a 07 VNL64T. My alternator is only a few weeks old. I checked my batteries, connections everything I could think of. Let me know what yours turns out to be. I'm stumped. I think it's ok as long as the voltage dosent go above 15 or16.
     
  7. Djordjo82

    Djordjo82 Bobtail Member

    5
    1
    Jan 7, 2013
    Willowbrook IL
    0
    I have tried the method that you suggested to me and still i have the same problem. I have pulled the fridge from my truck and installed in my home. It works perfect. It is confusing to me. The inverter works good with the vacuum cleaner witch has approximately 1000-1200 w. the fridge compressor has 180w and evan if it needs 10x more power to start operating it comes 1800w and the inverter is 2500w continuous.... It seems everything works separate but together no.
    Is there a possibility the inverter or fridge to have some protection for short circuit or some thing and is automatically applied? Tnx for the answer, George
     
  8. Pablo-UA

    Pablo-UA Road Train Member

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    Oct 11, 2010
    Borispol, Ukraine
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    not more 14.8 is norma
     
    Djordjo82 Thanks this.
  9. TheDude1969

    TheDude1969 Heavy Load Member

    807
    823
    Jun 10, 2013
    Joliet, Il
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    I know Volvo has a factory recall on the black box sitting just above the batteries, this has shorted twice in mine... and replaced.
    Nothing to mess with! Mine caught fire this last time, luckily < $1,000 damage and was covered by warranty. It made my volt meter fluctuate similar to yours, and acted like a shorted battery driving tho all batteries tested good.

    A partial short in the black junction switch could explain your problem... especially if you are using the factory sleeper connection.
     
    Djordjo82 Thanks this.
  10. Djordjo82

    Djordjo82 Bobtail Member

    5
    1
    Jan 7, 2013
    Willowbrook IL
    0
    I have solved the problem with my current inverter. I've checked the inverter, the refrigerator and all other appliances. Every thing works good... The alternator, batteries ( changed only one) appliances, the connection (wires from the batteries to the current inverter) .
    The problem was the GROUNDING from the refrigerator ( probably was making short circuit and the power inverter protection was shuting off the circuit) i've disconnected the grounding wire from the refrigerator and it works with no problems. The power inverter is still grounded to the chaises of the truck.
    I want to thank to ALL of YOU for your help and advices to try solving the issue that i had.
     
    TheDude1969 Thanks this.
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