Date:         Thu, 9 Oct 2014 11:44:15 -0700
Reply-To:     Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Dim bulb
Comments: To: Jeff Palmer <jpalmer@mymts.net>
In-Reply-To:  <BLU436-SMTP3593C23181B24721E7E10AB8A00@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

Those bulbs may not be that accurate. I.e. If battery voltage drops to 12.9
volts, this could cause the Orange light to light up. Not saying that 12.9
volts is the actual value.

If charging the battery with a battery charger keeps the green light on for
a longer period, (engine off, charger disconnected)  either your trips are
short and few (alternator not spinning long enough to charge battery) or,
there's an issue with the behicles charging system and or battery. It could
be a matter of all 3.

When light is yellow, engine running, and the headlights are the only
accessory being used, this could be due to several things. Much has been
said here of poor grounds in headlight circuits. However. The stock
headlights don't draw that many Amps. As with above try charging the
battery. See if that makes a difference. The Bentley  manual should show
the procedure for checking alternator voltage output. Basically, you set
your VOM correctly, put the negative probe  to a clean ground ( negative)
in engine bay and positive to red wire(s) at alternator. Measure voltage
engine off, engine on, engine on with headlights on.

On Wednesday, October 8, 2014, Jeff Palmer <jpalmer@mymts.net> wrote:

> Funny question.  85 Westfalia, automatic, original starter and
> alternator.  My kid flicked the battery indicator switch on a few weeks ago
> and i've been watching it.  Generally it only hits green when the engine is
> running.  At rest it's yellow.  When the engine is running, and the
> headlights are turned on, I'm down to yellow.  Normal?  Or problem with the
> indicator?  Or charging problem?
>
> Thanks
> Jeff
>


--
Neil n

Blog: tubaneil.blogspot.ca

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