Volvo Penta battery charging alarm (MD2030)

[xstucker]

I am trying to track down a problem causing the alarm occasionally. V-P engineer has checked the system and says that the batteries are good and that the alternator is charging well. However, I am getting intermittent charging alarms on the panel. Any experience of such a fault and in particular the resolution would be gratefully received.

 

[Elissaar]

Hi there

I have a VP 2030 and although I have not had a problem with the charging alarm I have had a problem with fuses going and so forth. The control panel is very prone to damp it seems and this can give some false readings. If the engineer has checked the alternator output and all wiring from the panel to alternator and then to the batteries my suggestion would be to make sure the control panel was dry.

Another possibility is a part broken wire in the alarm circuit (from alternator to control panel) which might be another issue - perhaps while the engine is running an intermittant circuit occurs causing the alarm to go off.

Just some thoughts

Simon

 

[bill12]

I get this problem on start up sometimes and the revs are at idle. Increasing RPM switches off the alarm.

 

[chrisc]

Which propobaly means your belt is loose

 

[sharonbell]

We had similiar problem with 2030, and it usually went away when the engine was revved up. Long term the volvo engineer fitted a diode ( I think), to the alternator, which cured the problem. When the alternator is'nt working you'll see that your tacho is also not working! Good luck.

 

[stubate]

another strange one that i found out on mine was that the solar panel on a v sunny day can produce more voltage than the alternator on tick over and cause the system to think that the alternator is not charging and the alarm goes off, upping the tick over cures it
stu

 

[Venus]

Another strange habit of my 2030 is that when starting the engine at idle the tacho dosn't work but it will when starting at 1/2 revs. It doesn't alarm though
Any ideas?

 

[xstucker]

Hi, Thanks for the ideas. I have now traced it to the Electronic controller in the control panel. This fancy title is just a name for the unit that monitors all of the sensors and if it senses a problem it puts the alarm on and lights the appropriate light on the panel. V-P can order the part for just £149 plus VAT. It would be even better if they could waterproof it properly.

Simon