Technical Where is the charging unit on a Fiat Ducato Ace Napoli camper van 2007

[GrumpPaul]

Hi -

I am a novice camper van owner and just bought the above. I need to replace the old lead acid leisure battery with a LIFEPO4 battery. The retailer has told me that I need to check the charging unit to make sure it can cater for Gel/Sealed Lead Acid batteries but I am having trouble finding the unit so thought I would ask someone here if they can help -

many thanks

Paul

 

[Eternal Optimist]

Follow the leads and it should be revealed eventually.

This may or may not involve judicious use of a screwdriver.

 

[Communicator]

The Ace Napoli is a Swift conversion on a Fiat Ducato base vehicle. Swift typically use Sargent electrical units. I have located a wiring diagram for a 2006 Ace Napoli this shows a separate mains charger unit whereas later installations used an integrated unit. I suspect that your charger will only deliver a constant 13.6V, and will not be suitable for charging lithium batteries. The unit is most probably hidden in a cupboard, possibly as hinted in post #2 behind a panel. The diagram that I have found shows the charger close to the mains distribution board, but that may just be for easy drawing.
If considering fitting lithium batteries, I suggest that you also consider fitting a battery to battery charger (B2B), a suitable version would provide the correct voltage for optimum charging of the proposed lithium batteries. It would also protect the alternator from possible overloading.

To digress slightly 2006 was a model change year for the Ducato base vehicle. A 2007 registered motorhome is quite possibly the earlier x244 model rather than the later x250 model. If not already aware of the Ducato model, check the VIN plate or V5C. The VIN will have the format ZFA244........, or ZFA250......... The VIN plate will also give engine type next to the heading Motore. The VIN plate can be found in a central position over the radiator when you open the bonnet. These details will be important if requiring advice, or parts in the future.

 

[rayc]

Any help? Note the Ace range in the user manual is referred to as Novello i.e New as in the new Ace Capri etc.
There is a useful wiring schematic on page 12. I'm guessing that the charger is the '12v Power Supply'. I'm also guessing that at that age it is designed for a lead acid battery and may not have an option for other types but you never know.

 

[Communicator]

Any help? Note the Ace range in the user manual is referred to as Novello i.e New as in the new Ace Capri etc.
There is a useful wiring schematic on page 12. I'm guessing that the charger is the '12v Power Supply'. I'm also guessing that at that age it is designed for a lead acid battery and may not have an option for other types but you never know.

If @GrumpPaul can confirm the model of his base vehicle, I still have the 2006 version of the manual on file.

 

[GrumpPaul]

If @GrumpPaul can confirm the model of his base vehicle, I still have the 2006 version of the manual on file.

I'll check tomorrow thanks for all your help