Date:         Tue, 27 Mar 2007 19:38:57 -0700
Reply-To:     Shawn Wright <vwdiesels@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Shawn Wright <vwdiesels@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: MORE 12v fridge not working info
In-Reply-To:  <008501c770df$457d5c90$0201a8c0@MASTERPC>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

IIRC correctly, the fridge relay behind the driver seat uses the alternator charge voltage (blue
wire off alt) to activate it, so the fridge LED not coming on until the alternator LED goes out
*is* normal. Sounds like a current test, as Dennis points out, is your next step...

On 27 Mar 2007 at 22:17, Dennis <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:

> Sounds like things are working normally. The need to goose the gas after
> starting for the alternator to turn on is normal, especially in the
> campers. I've explained this before. The 12v operation will light the
> flame indicator lamp, again normal. The fridge will not cool instantly,
> normal. The element may be defective, current test can tell that.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Jim Felder
> Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2007 3:10 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: MORE 12v fridge not working info
>
> Here's some more info, now that I've had a few minutes to check it out.
>
> It's worth noting that this is a diesel, they have a notorious
> feature where the alternator light doesn't go off until you get the
> revs a little about idle, then the light goes out and stays out. It
> has to do with this problem.
>
> I noticed on the way back into town last night that the fridge was
> warm after some hours on the road. Further investigation shows that
> although all the gas is off, the gas LED glows when the fridge is
> switched to 12V.
>
> If I start the car **with the fridge switch in the 12V position** and
> don't goose the engine, the fridge LED doesn't come on.
>
> As soon as I goose the engine to get the alternator light to go out,
> the LED for the gas pilot comes on.
>
> Geza P. suggested checking the two fuses on the B pillar, and that
> wasn't it.
>
> Somebody else is having the problem as well, as they have emailed me
> about it. But I don't have any answers yet.
>
> Guesses?
>
> Jim


Shawn Wright
http://members.shaw.ca/vwdiesels
'88 Westy 1.6TD 5 speed
'85 Jetta Diesel 1.6NA