280DA - identify which battery is dead?

[per280DA]

My 280DA T-4.3 2001 probably has a dead battery and I wonder how I easily identify which battery?

I realized that when having the second battery switch in mode 'battery 2' it does not start. Engines starts easily in mode 'battery 1'.

Anyone knows which battery needs replacement?


Regards, Per
(got delivery this Spring and it is my first boat ever)

 

[PMC]

uhh-the one connected to batt.2?:huh:

If you can not trace the positive cable from the battery to the switch, you can use the process of elimination method.

1) Switch to Off position
2) Remove the Positive Terminal on one of the batteries
3) Switch to position 1
4) See if she cranks its the other battery


Safety note: Do not work on the batteries in any capacity (cable removal, tightening, etc.) without the switch in the OFF position.


BTW - update your signature - it is extremely helpful for others in diagnosis

 

[Presentation]

PLEASE also remove your wedding ring and disconnect from shore power.

Follow the above instructions and label the battery cables.

BTW, replace both batteries. They are just under $100/each and if one is dead the other is close.

Besides, a dead battery can discharge a good battery causing damage to the good battery.

 

[Tippy Canoe]

I have three batteries on my boat but from the sound of this thread it appears that others have only 2?? I am curious as to why I have the third battery and what the wiring sequence is.

 

[fc3]

The use of an known accurate voltmeter is an acceptable means of testing a battery. Better is to use a hydrometer, which can be used only on non-sealed flooded cell batteries.

 

[Presentation]

I have three batteries on my boat but from the sound of this thread it appears that others have only 2?? I am curious as to why I have the third battery and what the wiring sequence is.

I have three batteries.

In the back corner of the cockpit where you put the keys in I have two battery switches.

One switch is a simple “On” or “Off” and controls a starting battery for the starboard engine and generator.

The other switch is “1” or “2” or “Both” or “Off” and controls 2 group 29 deep cycle batteries for the house and the port engine.

 

[per280DA]

Yes - I have three batteries as well. I realized this when I saw the replies and then I did a deep dive in the manual.

Great advice from everyone and I will most likely replace all three (3) batteries tomorrow.

Hope it is easy!


Regards, Per

 

[MExcelsior]

The 280 should have 3 batteries. It may be possible that models with only one drive have two. According to the boat schematics, the 2-battery bank is house and the 1 battery is port. (Although, I think that on my boat it might actually be bass-akward - which seems to match Presentations config.).

Although it might be a little extra $$, I would really replace all your 3 batteries at the same time. If you need to replace the 2-battery bank, definitely replace both batteries and not just one.