The RVs and motorhomes are designed with various electronic appliances to provide a comfortable traveling experience. In addition, there are power sockets for charging cameras, smartphones, and laptops.
These appliances and power sockets are powered through an inverter/charger, and Xantrex Freedom 458 is one of the best ones.
It’s designed with temperature-controlled charging for quick battery recharging and has automatic shutdowns to prevent battery depletion. However, these units are prone to performance issues, but we have a troubleshooting guide in this article.
Xantrex Freedom 458 Troubleshooting
1. High Battery Shutdown
This inverter/charger has been designed with a safety feature, with which the charger shuts off automatically if the voltage increases beyond the safety limit.
It usually happens when the batteries are left connected to the charger for too long, especially once the charging is complete.
This issue can be resolved by disconnecting the batteries from the unit and reconnecting the wires after a few minutes. As a result, the inverter/charger will start operating normally.
2. Low Battery Shutdown
The battery protection feature means that the unit will be turned off if the battery voltage becomes too low. The low battery shutdown occurs when the batteries are left disconnected from the inverter/charger for too long.
To resolve this issue, you have to connect the batteries to the charger and let it recharge the batteries.
On the other hand, if you have connected the batteries for a long time but the batteries are still shutting down, there are chances that the battery terminals are dirty and aren’t letting the signals pass through. It’s common for the battery terminals to get covered with an oxide layer.
For this reason, we recommend that you turn off the vehicle and use a clean cloth to clean the oxide layer. Once the battery terminals are clean, the battery connections will be optimized.
3. Inverter Not Working Smoothly/Intermittent Working
If the current is flowing to the inverter/charger, but it’s not working smoothly, you have to check the power outlets in the vehicles that are connected to the unit. If these are switched off, it means that the circuit breaker is tripped.
The circuit breaker trips when there are fluctuations in the current – it is important to protect the electronic appliances. So, it’s recommended that you check the circuit breaker and turn it on if it’s tripped.
On the other hand, if the circuit breaker is already on, it’s likely that the fuse has blown. The fuse is located around the circuit breaker, and if it seems blackened or burnt, you’ve to replace it with a new one. The new fuse can be purchased from any electric supply store.
4. Inverter Overload
When the inverter/charger overloads, it means that the unit will shut down automatically to protect itself from potential damage. It usually happens when you turn on too many devices or appliances on the charger at once.
The solution is pretty simple, as you only have to reduce the load on the charger/inverter by disconnecting some appliances or devices. Once the load is eased, the inverter will turn on automatically and will start working.
5. Thermal Shutdown
The thermal shutdown happens when the inverter/charger becomes overheated. It happens when the inverter is used for an extended time period or if it’s located in a hot environment.
To resolve this issue, it’s recommended that you turn off the vehicle to make sure the inverter/charger cools down before you turn it on again. Also, if you are traveling in hotter areas, it’s better to take regular breaks to prevent overheating.
6. Not Receiving Power
If the inverter/charger is not receiving power from the batteries, it won’t be able to operate. In most cases, it happens when the batteries aren’t properly connected to the charger or if the battery cables are damaged.
If you suspect it to be the case, the first step is to check all the battery cables and make sure they are connected to the battery terminals tightly. Also, if the battery cables are damaged, you should get them replaced.
Lastly, you’ve to ensure that the inverter is properly connected to the charger.
7. Low Battery
The low battery issue is indicated by the red LED. The off LED means that the battery voltages are normal. However, if the LED starts blinking slowly, it means that there is a battery shutdown because the voltage is less than 10VDC.
On the other hand, if the red LED starts flashing rapidly, it’s likely that there is something wrong with the DC system.
For this reason, we recommend that you check all the battery connections and make sure they are correct. Also, the battery cables must be intact.
However, if changing the battery cables doesn’t work, it’s likely that the battery is damaged and needs to be replaced. In most cases, the battery stops working when you haven’t changed the batteries in two to three years.
8. Overcurrent
Overcurrent is one of the most common faults in the inverter, which poses damage to the inverter as well as the passengers and drivers because it can lead to sudden power loss on the road.
In most cases, the overcurrent is caused by excessive load on the charger, so start by removing the electronic appliances or remote devices from the charger.
In addition, the short circuit can also cause overcurrent. So, if removing the extra electronic appliances hasn’t resolved the issue, you have to call an electrician to fix the short circuit.
Also, you have to ensure that the circuit breakers and fuses are working properly because they offer overcurrent protection. In most cases, the system shuts off automatically when there is an overcurrent, but you will have to fix the root cause to turn it on.
9. Gas Coming From The Battery Compartment
If the inverter/charger is connected to the batteries, but there is gas coming out of the compartment, it’s likely that you are using the wet cell batteries. That’s because wet cell batteries produce gas as a result of charging.
However, if the gas is too much, there are chances that the electrolyte level in the batteries has dropped down, so check the level and add electrolytic fluid.
Secondly, you have to check the battery plates because they must not be exposed to air because the contamination of battery cells can cause a gas issue. Make sure that the top of the batteries are well-cleaned, and don’t forget to provide sufficient ventilation for the battery compartment.
ast but not least, make sure that you don’t use ordinary vehicle batteries or CCA-rated batteries.
10. Inverter Not Turning On At All
If the inverter/charger is not turning on at all, there are chances that the batteries are disconnected, so make sure the battery cables or wires are connected to the batteries.
In addition, you have to check for loose battery terminals. In particular, if the wires connected to the battery terminals are loose, you have to tighten them up.
11. Constant Beeping
If the inverter/charger is constantly beeping, there are chances that the cooling fan is not working because the unit might be overheated. The cooling fan must operate with the unit.
So, if the cooling fan is not working, it won’t be able to maintain a cool temperature in the unit, which results in overheating, hence the constant beeping.
So, if your vehicle is constantly beeping, you should turn off the vehicle instantly and let it cool down for a few minutes. In addition to cooling down the inverter/charger, you have to get the cooling fan replaced to ensure proper cooling.
The Bottom Line
Xantrex Freedom 458 is one of the best inverters/chargers out there since it’s a three-stage charger and has promising AC power technology.
However, it is prone to some errors, but the troubleshooting guide in this article should help you out. In case the inverter/charger is under warranty, you can get a free repair or replacement.
Turned off breaker to replace hot water heater . when I was finished turned breaker back on. Now my 12 volt things work but my 110 does not. Tried the breaker switch several more times but still no 110.
the OVERTEMP OVERLOAD/AGM//AND LOW BATTERY/GEL2 LITES ARE ON
I am having same issue. Did you ever get a fix.