[prestigeclean]

Just got a brand new ford transit custom and had a system fitted including split charge relay , but it's not charging the 110 amp battery on the system , my mechanic says it's not producing enough voltage to charge it due to something fitted to van , anybody had any similar issues with a 17 plate custom ? Thanks alan

[jonboywalton75]

Same issues myself with a 14transit custom
There is a way round it apparently but I'm not technically minded enough
I just gave it up and bought a 110 amp battery and stopped messing with the damned thing
There are some on here that probably will come on and help you though

[Oliver @ GrippaTank]

Good Afternoon,

The attached link will help explain the issue your having along with the solution we provide.

https://www.grippatank.co.uk/full-kit-12v-30amp-smart-battery-to-battery-charger

In very basic terms:

- Vehicles prior to 2015 usually have a standard alternator = engine on = 100% alternator on = split relay on.
- Vehicles prior to 2015 with smart technology or vehicles 2015 onwards = engine on = alternator has a "clutch" so will vary 0%-100%  = causes split relay to switch on and off or not even work at all.

For the above reason, a standard split relay is not recommended, and a battery to battery charger system as per the above link fixes the issue and is what we fit on all our GrippaTank installations for new vehicles.

We hope this helps!

[Simon Trapani]

Or this one:

http://www.simplysplitcharge.co.uk/store/index.php?route=product/category&path=80_148_149

[jonboywalton75]

£390, £240 take your choice
No wonder mine doesn't work
Fitted by an auto electrician that doesn't keep up to date
Those prices I'll stick to my leisure battery and charger nightly

[prestigeclean]

Is it a dc dc relay I need as opposed to the vrs that was fitted ? Thanks for the input regards alan

[prestigeclean]

Alternatively is it ok to directly wire it to the main van battery or will this also give problems , I had mine directly wired in my old vivaro without any charging issues ?

[Don Kee]

Where are you based?

As the above links explain, you'll struggle with a bog standard intelligent relay due to the regenerative braking

I had a charger fitted a few months ago for £120(ish, can't remember exactly) on a 16 plate custom, which accommodates for the changing voltage etc... (I have a volt metre fitted in line as well, so I know it all seems to be ok and working (for now!!))
 I can give you the number for the auto electrician that fitted mine but if you're not near bristol, I'm not sure how much it'll help


(Fitting direct, your leisure battery probably wont be able to handle the changing voltage and charge rate meaning you'll probably destroy it. I doubt your old van had regen braking which is why it was ok)

Have a look on sterling batteries website for a pretty good explanation as to the charging systems in new vans and why 'normal' split chargers struggle (or read this - https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0658/7343/files/page17_RegenBraking_d43ed42d-5d14-4b7e-b60a-04a76af7e5ff.pdf?5600843396576371320)

[Spruce]

Alternatively is it ok to directly wire it to the main van battery or will this also give problems , I had mine directly wired in my old vivaro without any charging issues ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3npZQ7JGp0A

[prestigeclean]

so I need a battery to battery charger , thanks for all the bang on advice alan

[nathankaye]

This is why i do a mixture of bench charging and solar panals. Which come the hot glorious days we had before this constant rain, i would often have to disconnect inorder not to over charge the battery. So regardless if im working or i have taken a break or simply driving, my battery is constantly charging.
(Mix of bench charging is sometimes required in the gloomy days)

[the king]

ive hurd the transit custum has a battory issue due to something cant rember what it is ! he has had the battory go flat quiet a few times in normal use a split charge would be a night mare on these vans lol i recken 

[jonboywalton75]

My battery on my 14 transit went dead the other week
10 days without driving and then 1st day back at work during my break, with blower on it died
Aa call out and I was ok, but it was flat as a pancake

[Susan Dean (1stclean)]

I read some where that you can change the program in the ecu so a normal split charger will work and I think van tuner does it for small fee ,  it was on the transit fourm because the recovery  lads get it done because of all the lights running at the road side when out on call

[Don Kee]

The manufacturer battery is crap

Plus the cargo lights dont have a switch, and although it's quoted 15ish mins,  they stay on for yonks when the doors are open and can drain the battery

I've changed my battery and put LED's in the back


You can map a split charger through Ford IDS but no dealer seems to want to touch it even though you can order it as a feature from build....
(I think you need dual batteries as well)

[dazmond]

my side lights stay on for around 5 mins after i turn the engine off(when im working with back door open) on my new connect.is there no way to stop this?

on topic i never use a split charge relay.i use a separate leisure battery in a pumpbox and charge it every evening overnight.takes 2 mins to run an extension cable to battery after purifying my water.

[Tony dunmall]

Yes dazmond

When you get out of van  open rear doors then push your light switch on left hand side of steering wheel forward and then backwards it will make a beep sound close door lights all of

Lights will go on again if sliding side  door or front doors are opened again

It's easier with two of you if your in and out every other house can be annoying but you get used to doing it

It can Be turned off at main dealer but I like the lights when not working  wfp this way they stay usable

[Clever Forum Name]

Got the Grippa tank split charge relays in our customs and connects both work perfectly.

Only issue with the custom is the poope OEM battery. Lasted 3 years though. Couldn't be arsed with warranty.

[brianbarber]

my side lights stay on for around 5 mins after i turn the engine off(when im working with back door open) on my new connect.is there no way to stop this?

on topic i never use a split charge relay.i use a separate leisure battery in a pumpbox and charge it every evening overnight.takes 2 mins to run an extension cable to battery after purifying my water.

Whilst doors open and side lights are on, pull indicator stalk once it will beep, then pull again and lights go out

Mr B

[dazmond]

cheers tony and brian