Symphony - 12V leisure battery questions

Hi

I am completely new to motorhomes but recently acquired a 1997 Autosleeper Symphony - amazing condition. I have some questions about the 12V electrics:

• I recently installed a double USB socket to power a portable DVD player and speakers - great sound and pictures. Working in the evenings when the wires were hooked up I used the 12V supply to provide lighting. After ca 1 hour the battery indicator showed red. I don't think I was using that much power and we went away last weekend using a hook up - so I would have thought it was fairly well charged. How do I establish if my leisure battery needs changing?
  
• Does anyone know how to change the 12V tubes - I can't work out how to get into the housing.
  

Many thanks


Peter

Hi Peter
Welcome to the forum from Bridlington ,someone with a van similar to yours will be able to help later.
Boaby

Hi, and welcome to the forum.
My van is a bit older than yours but the lights might be the same:

If so, just ease the brown ends bits outward and the white defuser will come away to access the tubes.

Are you sure that the battery is being charged?

Frank

My 97 Symphony had different lamps. There was a tiny indent on each end to insert a small screwdriver blade into and a gentle twist would remove the defuser.

Thanks to all - I have the lamps with the tiny indents and so will try the screwdriver approach. Does anyone know if these can be replaced by LED's?

Regarding the battery, it is definitely charging when on hook up - I measured the voltage at 13.8V DC. It's a Leisure Platinum battery if that gives any clues.

If battery not charging with engine running check fuses hanging above engine battery. There are two, one for fridge and other for split charge. The holders for these fuses corrode and cause problems on these items.