Date: Thu, 4 Apr 2013 19:36:55 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Question about battery light
In-Reply-To: <CANEuo0hJBtsQyu_szxqsvs9Jc5r2RioWUdWVtBSspy=pm1SeCA@mail.gmail.com>
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Was the replacement cluster out of a Westy? If not the fridge relay could be
loading down the circuit and be part of the problem. Disconnect it and see
what happens. The light gets power from the ignition circuit (with some
resisters) and completes the circuit through the alternator. This current is
also needed to help[ excite the alternator to get it going. When the
alternator is working it back feeds voltage to the light causing the light
to go out as it has +batt on both sides. This is also used on the Westys to
operate the fridge relay which is grounded through the starter solenoid!
So to test disconnect the blue wire to the alternator and control wires to
the fridge relay. Key on engine off, alternator light should be off. If on,
find out why.
Connect blue wire near alternator to a ground point, light should turn on,
if not wiring problem. If OK, then connect to alternator. Light should turn
on. Start engine, when alternator kicks in light should go off.
If this checks good, then try with fridge relay connected. Does fridge relay
work? If not then you have voltage drop problem. If yes then and the light
stays on you have a cluster problem.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
kenneth wilford (Van-Again)
Sent: Thursday, April 4, 2013 6:47 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Question about battery light
I have a customers 86 Westy that has an instrument cluster from a later
model installed. I have been trying to troubleshoot the battery light
staying on and I am bumping my head against a brick wall. The cluster seems
to be seeing around 13.5volts when the van is running and all of the other
lights, etc. on the cluster seem to be working fine. Yet the battery light
won't go out.
I think originally this van used to have the oxy light and box, but the box
is no longer there and the newer instrument cluster doesn't have the oxy
light in it. I guess what I need to know is exactly what the light is
looking for as an input to turn the light out. I have never been completely
clear as to exactly what I should be seeing from the blue wire that goes to
the alternator since this is also the wire that is controlling the light.
Should I see a voltage from this wire? Is it a ground instead? If someone
could explain what this blue wire does that would help me out a lot.
Sincerely,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com
