Date:         Wed, 30 May 2007 01:15:55 -0500
Reply-To:     Matt Roberds <mattroberds@COX.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Matt Roberds <mattroberds@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: Ignition question
Comments: cc: Billy <zbillman@COMCAST.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <20070530040411.EYQD17078.fed1rmmtai111.cox.net@fed1rmimpi03.cox.net>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

> From:    Billy <zbillman@COMCAST.NET>
> Date:    Tue, 29 May 2007 23:08:26 -0400
>
> A little history: Recently I have added a Sure Power battery separator/
> isolator and hooked up my radio and interior lighting to the Aux battery.

Disconnect it and put everything back the way it was, then see if you
still have trouble.  If the trouble goes away, then the new isolator
wasn't hooked up correctly or is defective.

> Under the dash I replaced the Hella relay this gave me back my proper
> starting voltage and it had since been running fine.

There are approximately 5.3 Hella relays in your average Vanagon.  Which
one do you mean?

If you still have the standard-ish "aux battery" relay that lets both
batteries charge from the alternator but isolates them when the van is
not running, I don't think you need it anymore if the Sure Power isolator
is installed correctly and working.

> Also, now when I turn on my bright lights the dome lights flash with
> the switch.

This screams "grounds".  I know you checked them but check again.
(Also, moving the interior lights to the aux battery may be related.)

Matt Roberds