Overheating Charger

[agaliha]

I have a Heart Interface Freedom 20 inverter/charger on my 2002 B361. Sometime recently it started displaying error code "003" when charging the batteries. I looked it up and it is the overheat code. The charger kicks off for about 5 minutes, then resumes charging until it overheats again. It does this over and over until the batteries are properly charged.

It will be a bear to remove the unit so I am putting this theory out there to see if any one else has had this problem. I think the unit has a small, computer-type cooling fan that has gone bad.

The batteries are 4D wet cells less than a year old and they are working really well. The unit also works very well in the invert mode. Other than the overheat code, everything is working perfectly. I checked the batteries while the code is showing and they are cool. The charger unit is warm. It has adequate ventilation space.

Anyone got any experience with this unit? Thanks in advance and Happy Fourth of July.

Agaliha

 

[woodster]

I have a Heart Interface Freedom 20 inverter/charger on my 2002 B361. Sometime recently it started displaying error code "003" when charging the batteries. I looked it up and it is the overheat code. The charger kicks off for about 5 minutes, then resumes charging until it overheats again. It does this over and over until the batteries are properly charged.

It will be a bear to remove the unit so I am putting this theory out there to see if any one else has had this problem. I think the unit has a small, computer-type cooling fan that has gone bad.

The batteries are 4D wet cells less than a year old and they are working really well. The unit also works very well in the invert mode. Other than the overheat code, everything is working perfectly. I checked the batteries while the code is showing and they are cool. The charger unit is warm. It has adequate ventilation space.

Anyone got any experience with this unit? Thanks in advance and Happy Fourth of July.

Agaliha

first off check all the conections in that system and make sure they are in good repair a loose unclean connection can be over working the charger ...second....if the fan is bad replace it....and if that doesnt work ....check with SBO.....some one will help i am sure of that....

regards

woody

 

[Benny17441]

If the fan was bad I think the unit would quickly overheat in inverter mode. Check for loose or corroded connections and verify the integrity of the 120V source.

 

[kloudie1]

agaliha.. if you can get close to touching where the little fan is, take a piece of Tygon tubing (1/4" or so.. size not really important) and use it as a sthetoscope.. Put one end in your ear and put the other end close to the fan grill.. If the fan is running you should be able to clearly hear it through the tube.. You can even tape the tube end to a piece of plastic coathanger or a stick (non conductive) and get the tube close.. to the fan grille before ya pull the charger.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Error code "003" - do you have a Link 1000 or Link 2000 that is operating the Freedom unit?

 

[wgkenney]

I have the exact same issue on my Beneteau 473. Freedom 20 charger/inverter with Link 1000. I talked with our maintenance guys and they felt it was the fan. We pulled it and sent back to factory and fan was replaced. Reinstalled Friday and still malfunctioned. They are troubleshooting the circuit boards next week.