> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.motus.org/en/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.motus.org/en/stations/station-inspection/diagnosing-battery-issues.md).

# Diagnosing Battery Issues

## Steps 

Use the diagram below to help determine if there's an issue with your battery or just the wiring.

#### 1. With everything plugged in, measure voltage at the battery

<figure><img src="https://2565212148-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fjf0K5m6GrB75xw7Xweac%2Fuploads%2FWSZ0LFOz9VMb3mfKfDHq%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=a4e99341-cd2e-4bb1-a694-5e2b2e23db63" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 2. With everything plugged in, measure voltage at the charge controller

<figure><img src="https://2565212148-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fjf0K5m6GrB75xw7Xweac%2Fuploads%2FZWqmnf6YdXvEE7nmwg0A%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=d6341ff8-ecef-496a-80ad-2f1cf9a32cbb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 3. Disconnect solar panel from charge controller&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://2565212148-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fjf0K5m6GrB75xw7Xweac%2Fuploads%2FC4jnx4fpW8ADQkLJhVVY%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=4c8c7f2d-7562-4186-9937-d7a59dfa2ffb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 4. Measure voltage at battery again (when solar panel is unplugged)

<figure><img src="https://2565212148-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fjf0K5m6GrB75xw7Xweac%2Fuploads%2FcJQ4uoQPY56uRFXyArf6%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=0ad4a98c-ee62-4c93-a79c-9b8f43cd380f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 5. Measure voltage at charge controller again (when solar panel is unplugged)

<figure><img src="https://2565212148-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fjf0K5m6GrB75xw7Xweac%2Fuploads%2Fz64oKZ6oXIXBnBmBbiOy%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=c97340a8-c060-425c-a674-958dfb159855" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Results&#x20;

* If [Step 1](#id-1.-with-everything-plugged-in-measure-voltage-at-the-battery) and [Step 2](#id-2.-with-everything-plugged-in-measure-voltage-at-the-charge-controller) are different, the wiring is bad
* If [Step 1](#id-1.-with-everything-plugged-in-measure-voltage-at-the-battery) and [Step 4](#id-4.-measure-voltage-at-battery-again-when-solar-panel-is-unplugged) are different, the battery is bad
* If [Step 2](#id-2.-with-everything-plugged-in-measure-voltage-at-the-charge-controller) and [Step 5](#id-5.-measure-voltage-at-charge-controller-again-when-solar-panel-is-unplugged) are different, the wiring is bad so check it again!

## Notes:&#x20;

* Jiggle the wires when doing the tests to see if the voltage jumps down and then back up - that indicates a flaky connection.
* The battery being bad doesn't mean it's ruined, it just could be locked in an open-circuit state to protect itself. You should swap it out and troubleshoot it back at the office.
* When I say if Steps X and Y are different, I mean the voltage doesn't have to be 0 and high, one end could just be lower by a few volts.


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