Why is my BCDC flashing all LEDs four times?

This information is applicable to the following BCDC chargers:

• BCDC Classic Under Bonnet 25A DC Battery Charger (BCDC1225D) 
• BCDC Classic Under Bonnet 40A DC Battery Charger (BCDC1240D) 
• BCDC Classic Under Bonnet 50A DC Battery Charger (BCDC1250D) 
• BCDC Core In-Cabin 25A DC Battery Charger (BCDCN1225) 
• BCDC Core In-Cabin 25A DC Battery Charger (BCDCN1240) 
• BCDC Trailer - 12A DC Trailer Battery Charger (BCDC11212T) 
• BCDC Trailer S – 12A Vehicle to Trailer Charger with Solar (BCDC1212S)

WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE?

The BCDC will exhibit a sequence where all seven LEDs located on the display panel flash simultaneously four times, followed by a 3.5 second pause before the cycle repeats. 

WHAT DOES ALL LEDS FLASHING 4 TIMES MEAN?

This fault indicates that the BCDC has detected that there is an output battery fault present relating to the voltage being too high. 

WILL THE BCDC STILL CHARGE MY BATTERY IN THIS CONDITION?

The BCDC will not provide charge when it has detected high voltage on the output battery (auxiliary battery) above the normal operating range. The BCDC will resume charging once the auxiliary battery is within normal operating range. 

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS FAULT MODE?

PARALLEL CHARGING

In some applications, multiple chargers are used to support large battery banks to manage various input sources. For example, a DC-DC charger for vehicle charging, solar regular for solar charging and mains charger for charging when connected to 240V. 

REVERSE POLARITY SOLAR INPUT

If solar is installed, ensure that the solar panel is wired in the correct polarity. Reverse polarity solar can trigger this 4 flash fault condition. 

HOW TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF ALL LEDS FLASHING 4 TIMES?

To determine the cause of this short circuit, it will require diagnostic testing. REDARC recommends seeking the support of an installer.

Below is a list of the common causes and repairs.

A) REVERSE POLARITY SOLAR INPUT

1. Check to see if there is any solar connected.
2. Using a multimeter, check solar input polarity by measuring the yellow and black  wires by probing the wiring at the BCDC.
3. If the measurement is a minus figure, the solar is wired in reverse polarity.
4. Disconnect solar input.
5. Rectify wiring and re-check operation. 

Note: Be mindful that the colour of the solar wires doesn't dictate whether it’s positive or negative, most of the time the wires are all black.

B) SECONDARY CHARGER/S

In applications using multiple charging sources, isolate each charging source, then independently reassess the operation of the BCDC. External solar regulators may have failed or be faulty. 

1. Using a multimeter, measure the battery voltage to confirm high voltage. 
2. Locate and isolate all secondary charging sources by disconnecting them from the  auxiliary battery (remove the fuses), for example external solar regulator and 240V chargers.  
3. Once disconnected/isolated, recheck operation of the BCDC. 
4. If the 4 flash code has cleared and the BCDC has resumed charging, there is an issue with one of the secondary chargers. 
5. Identify which secondary charger is causing over voltage.  
6. Remove and replace any faulty secondary chargers. 
7. Recheck operation.