Why is my BCDC Alpha flashing the Recovery Battery LED?

This information is applicable to the following products:

• BCDC Alpha 25A DC Battery Charger (BCDC12025B) 
• BCDC Alpha 50A DC Battery Charger (BCDC12050B)

WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE?

The BCDC Alpha Recovery Battery status LED will flash.  

This fault condition is a soft fault and therefore only the Recovery Battery LED will flash. 

WHAT DOES THE FLASHING RECOVERY BATTERY LED MEAN?

This fault indicates that the BCDC Alpha has detected that there is no auxiliary battery or start battery connected when the Recovery Mode was initiated or had failed the Start Battery Recovery attempt. 

WILL THE BCDC ALPHA STILL CHARGE MY BATTERY IN THIS CONDITION?

Once the BCDC Alpha detects an issue while trying to initiate the Start Battery Recovery feature, the BCDC is unable to charge the start battery until the fault is rectified. 

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS FAULT MODE?

RECOVERY NO BATTERY DETECTED

The BCDC Alpha has detected that either no auxiliary battery or start battery is connected when the Recovery Mode was initiated. 

START BATTERY RECOVERY FAILED

The Start Battery Recovery failed due to either poor power supply or wiring issue present. 

HOW TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FLASHING RECOVER LED?

To determine the cause of this condition, it will require diagnostic testing. REDARC recommends seeking the support of an installer where possible, however please see below a list of the common causes and repairs. 

A) LOOSING CONNECTION TO EITHER AUXILIARY BATTERY OR VEHICLE START BATTERY

Things to check: 

1. Check auxiliary battery voltage and state of charge. 
2. Check and measure the vehicle’s start battery voltage. 
3. Check wiring at the BCDC Alpha (refer to diagram below).
   - Ensure that you are getting start battery voltage when measuring voltage between vehicle input and ground circuits. 
   - Ensure that you are getting auxiliary battery voltage when measuring voltage between the auxiliary battery and ground circuits. 
4. If any difference in voltage is measured (voltage drop), locate the power supply issue. 
5. Repair wiring and recheck operation.  

Please note, things that can contribute to voltage drop or power supply issues include:

• Undersized cable 
• Poor connections - such as loose or damaged terminal/connections  
• Faulty fuse protection 

 

B) AUXILIARY BATTERY LOW STATE OF CHARGE

If the auxiliary battery is too low, there may not be enough power to conduct the 15 minute  Start battery Recovery process.

Things to check: 

1. Check the auxiliary battery state of charge. 
   
2. Ensure there is adequate power to conduct Start Battery Recovery mode. 
   
3. If the uxiliary battery condition is good, refer to steps outlined in part A.