onboard charger - voltage too high - 17.5V!

[JKTrevecca]

I have an older Bass Pro XPS / Pro Mariner 3 bank onboard charger. It's been in a box for a while. We're finally getting settled into our new home and I was in the garage getting ready to install it in my boat. Before installing it I hooked it up to 1 battery and plugged it in. The output voltage is over 17 volts. Since this would ruin my batteries I decided to wait before installing it. In about 20 seconds I could hear the battery beginning to "boil" in it's case so I disconnected it and started troubleshooting. Promariner's website said to hook up all leads to a battery if using less than 3 batteries so I did that with the same result.

I have a message left with the promariner service desk waiting on a callback.

Have any of you experienced anything similar? The unit apears to be sealed and un-serviceable so I'm thinking it's a paper weight unless you have any idea's for me.

Thanks in advance. -- Jason

 

[bruceb58]

Is this a known good battery? I would try it on a know good battery like one in your car first. Disconnect the negative lead on your car first and try.