Technical Ducato 2.8 Battery Problem

[ourden]

I have a Ducato 2.8 2003 model on a Bessacarr M/H. I had some trouble with my battery about a month ago, so had a new 95amp fitted, got back off a 2 week holiday on Tues to find my van completly dead? the only thing on was the small red led flashing alarm light. Although stood for a fortnight it should not do that.
Got the AA out jump start it then left it running for over an hour.
Next day dead. got it started then disconnected the alarm, turned engine off then disconnected the nuetral lead & noticed a clicking noise when touching the terminal? its coming from two relays that are located in engine bay bang in the middle located with a cover over them there is another relay & a few fuses.
Can anyone explain what these are for? Thanks Some pic added

 

[rigrunner sibes]

Put a volt meter across the battery terminals and rev. If it doesnt read 14v then the alternator is dead. I have just had to replace my alternator for exact symptoms like yours. It seems that the dead alternator was draining the battery while standing and nothing running. There was also no warning lights on the dashboard!
Shop around for an exchange alternator. I paid £90+vat for an exchange one not £240+vat that Fiat wanted. Also change the belt while your at it if it hasn't been changed before/recently.

Keith

 

[John C S]

Alternator is a common thing to go.

Interestingly, it doesn't always bring up the battery warning on the dash.

Mine lit the battery warning light about a month before the alternator failed, but only briefly.

It may also be accompanied by a carbon sort of burning smell.

 

[ourden]

Thanks guys, alternator is fine, & the pics I put up are for the Fridge that
Swift/Bessacarr fit.
I think I have a drain somewhere on the battery, so going to put a clamp meter across see if it is (£9.99 delivered of F-Bay) then take fuses out one by one untill the meter stops showing a reading

 

[corkman]

Don't need a clamp meter you'll have a spark at the battery terminals.

 

[keithho]

I've had this problem since I bought my motorhome ten years ago. I've tried all the above plus fried a number of batteries by connecting van to mains power (via conversion normal connector!) 24/7. Finally settled for van connected to mains via time clock which gives 30 minutes charge per day, found this more acceptable than connected permanently via inteligent charger. I know its not sorted the problem but so far the van starts when I want it to, well it did until primary fuel pump threw its hand in last week!