Electrical issue on 178
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4817
Printed Date: 19 Aug 2025 at 3:32pm
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Topic: Electrical issue on 178
Posted By: cody91
Subject: Electrical issue on 178
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2014 at 10:01am
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I recently added a cut off switch to my Rpod 178. I few days later I went to inspect the interior and I noticed the interior LED lights were kinda dim. I checked the battery level on the control panel and it read 3/4 full. A few minutes later the lights went out and the battey level was empty. Anyone every experience this? I'm thinking either faulty battery level indicator and a possible uknown electrical drain or maybe a bad battery. Thanks, Cody91 |
Replies:
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2014 at 11:34am
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Sounds like the cutoff didn't work, so the LPG detector and fridge were still drawing from your battery. Since the battery never should get to the point where your lights go out (that low and it damages the battery), there may be a problem with the battery itself if it is new and you are sure you have kept it charged. Remember, with a cutoff switch or fuse, you must plug the pod in every 30 days AND reconnect the battery. Charge overnight, then disconnect the battery and pod. Do the same the night before a trip and again when you get home. Or, keep everything connected all the time, or get a battery maintainer. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: cody91
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2014 at 11:42am
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Thanks Techntrek. I have been plugging in the Pod every 2 weeks or so since I put in the disconnect. and I made sure the battery was reconnected. I was thinking I may have left something on that was drawing power from the battery. I'm planning to pull the battery out this evening and place it on a trickle charger. The battery is less than a year old. Do you think I would to check check the water level? |
Posted By: RPodWeGo
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2014 at 12:05pm
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yes check the water level in the cells. Distilled water to replace, any grocery store. ------------- RPodWeGo RPod 177 04 v8 Toyota 4Runner |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2014 at 12:07pm
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Make sure you get a good charge on it before using the maintainer, either from the converter or a full-sized battery charger. The water level on any lead-acid battery should be checked occasionally, yes. Only use distilled water - $.99 per gallon at Wal-Mart. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2014 at 8:14pm
Something doesn't sound right. You connect the battery when plugged in, and disconnect it when not plugged in. When would something have been left on? If there is a problem with the battery you can probably exchange it where you got it for a prorated new one. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: Hairy Podders
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2014 at 10:18pm
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Or a bad connection..... ------------- Darryl, Julie & Lindsey Cooper & Libby- Devoted Canines 2014 RP178 2006 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon |
Posted By: cody91
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2014 at 11:13pm
Tars, I agree. Somethings not right. I'm still not sure what caused the battery to drain. I plugged in the rpod last night to charge. When I came home today after work the rpod battery checker indicated it was full. This evening I took the battery out and connected it to my digital charger (which also has a battery tester) and the charger indicated that the battery was a 100%. I did the battery box cut off mod that some folks have done on this forum. I think the switch is probably not working correctly or some of the wires are touching when I put the cover back on the battery box. This combined with me possibly leaving the radio on may have caused the battery to drain.
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Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 10 Jun 2014 at 8:24am
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It's easy enough to tell if the radio or the lights are on after you disconnect the battery. If they are, there is something you need to fix. The disconnect switch should be simple and obvious, although it does require some care to install. There are only two ways about it. It's off or it's on. If your battery cables connect with wingnuts, unscrew at least one of the cables and secure it with a ziptie or string or something go keep it from bouncing against the battery terminal. That's a cheap, sure solution. The switch should be this simple. Clearly, it's open or closed. TT  ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: cody91
Date Posted: 10 Jun 2014 at 8:35am
Thanks Tars. I'll try the zip ties. This is the battery switch I used. http://www.amazon.com/HELLA-002843011-Series-Rating-Battery/dp/B0000AYAFE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402403454&sr=8-1&keywords=hella+battery+switch - http://www.amazon.com/HELLA-002843011-Series-Rating-Battery/dp/B0000AYAFE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402403454&sr=8-1&keywords=hella+battery+switch It's ok but I had to cut the connection bolts a little to successfully mount it to the top of the battery box and rain water collects in the recess where the key goes. I'm thinking I shoulda used a less cumbersome switch to install. I also have one of the newer pods with the Zamp cables going into the battery box. I'm wondering if I shoulda keep those cables attached to the battery directly instead of routing them through the switch. I'll give the zip ties a try. Thanks. |