Solar Panel Question

[Joe]

I have a 1996 Dodge Xplorer 230. It is equiped with a small solar panel on the roof. When I fist got it the charge rate on the monitor inside was min. It does not seem to be working at all anymore. The monitor does not indicate any charging. Do the panel go bad or is there something that can be checked out?

[markopolo]

Yes, a solar panel can fail. I've seen non working panels for sale on eBay.

With any luck though maybe the volt meter has failed or the wiring has come loose and the panel is OK.

Check everything for loose or rusty connections.

If you have a multimeter set it to DC and try and test the panel output directly. The panel will have (+) positive and (-) negative terminals just like a battery. If you get 14 or more volts at the panel then check your battery with the multimeter it should show more than 13 volts when the panel is connected on a sunny day. Check the volt meter in the van also.