800.261.3602
Revised 05/19
Trouble Shooting Tips for PVCM40D-MPT
Problem:
The PVCM modules charge and battery status LEDs are not lit, and there is sunlight on the
PV panels.
Solution:
Verify the following check list:
The in-line fuse is good, circuit breaker has not tripped.
The battery wire polarity - Red to PVCM’s battery positive bolt and black to battery
negative.
The battery voltage at the controller is greater than 8VDC. Measure voltage between red
and black wires with DC volt meter.
The solar panel voltage is 16VDC or greater. Measure voltage between PV+ and black
wires with DC volt meter. If ALL the above conditions are met, reset the controller by
disconnecting the black wire for 10 seconds and then reconnecting black wire.
If the unit still does not wake up and enter bulk charge, contact our
Customer Service Department @ 800.261.3602.
Problem:
The PVCM module is always in night mode (Charge status LED OFF), and there is sunlight on
the solar panels.
Solution:
Verify the following check list:
The solar panel voltage is greater than 16VDC by measuring the voltage between PV+ and black
wires with DC volt meter.
The solar panel wire polarity - positive connected to the controllers PV+ bolt and the negative
wired to battery negative post.
If you don’t have a voltage, check for an open connection, if you have multiple panels, disconnect
one at a time and measure its output voltage. It only takes one shorted panel to bring down the
entire system.
If the above conditions are met, reset the controller by disconnecting the black wire for 10
seconds and then reconnecting the black wire.
Problem:
The battery loads have been left on and the storage battery has discharged below 7VDC. The
PVCM40D-MPT is not charging when the load or loads are turned off.
Solution:
The PVCM40D-PWM needs at least 8VDC from the battery to operate properly. Use an AC
battery charger to bring the battery voltage up above 8VDC. Once the battery voltage is
above 8VDC and the solar panels are in direct sunlight, then disconnect AC battery charger
and the PVCM40D-PWM will then function properly, and charging your battery(s). If there
isn’t enough daylight left to charge your battery(s) completely, we recommend allowing the
AC battery charger to finish charging your battery(s).
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