This is normal operation. The audible click is the relay under the drivers seat that disconnects the 12v refrigerator heating element when the alternator is not charging. The warning light serves two purposes. One is to let you know that the alternator is not charging when the ignition is on. The second purpose is the provide current to the alternator to get it started. The bulb keeps current from back flowing into the ignition circuit when the ignition is switched off. The relay loads the circuit down causing the Westy's to require being revved higher before the alternator "kicks in". Dennis
-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Jeremy Speer Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2002 10:07 AM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Charging light question Folks, While my newly acquired '89 westy sits out front encased in a cocoon of ice (Minneapolis has re-entered winter for a while) my idle mind is pondering questions while i wait for the thaw. When i start it up (warm/cold makes no difference) the charging LED stays on until i rev the engine just a bit above idle. There is sometimes an audible click, then the LED goes off and stays off. Time for a new voltage regulator? Also, does anybody know a source for those dashboard LED's? -jspeer '87 Westy, yet-to-be-named |
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