Date:         Tue, 11 Apr 2017 16:11:51 -0400
Reply-To:     David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: Backup light puzzle anyone?
Comments: To: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <029201d2b2fb$b9fc70b0$2df55210$@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

Your voltmeter should be able to tell you where the problem lies.

Yrs,
d

On Tue, Apr 11, 2017 at 3:42 PM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com>
wrote:

> Yeah, DC circuits are famous for floating currents when grounds are
> disrupted.  I'll replace the ground wires and connectors and see what
> happens.
>
> Stuart
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dennis Haynes [mailto:d23haynes57@hotmail.com]
> Sent: Monday, April 10, 2017 6:42 PM
> To: Stuart MacMillan; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: RE: Backup light puzzle anyone?
>
> You need to look at the grounds at one of the rear sockets. Resistance at
> the grounds is putting the 2 lamps in series from the other bulbs giving
> you
> the half voltage causing the low current sensitivity of the LEDs to light
> up.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Stuart MacMillan
> Sent: Monday, April 10, 2017 9:09 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Backup light puzzle anyone?
>
> I got a pair of LED back up "bulbs" along with the other LEDs for my '85
> automatic transmission Vanagon, and they are on all the time when ignition
> is on (other bulbs work fine). The switch on the selector is brand new
> (both
> parts), but there is a constant 5v at the backup lights and at the switched
> contact on the selector switch, and the proper 12 volts on the power side.
> 5v is enough to illuminate the LEDs.
>
>
>
> There has to be some kind of short in the wiring between the switch and the
> lights, but where would that wire pick up 5 volts?  The rear taillight
> light
> assemblies are in excellent condition and I've re-done the ground at the
> left taillight.
>
>
>
> I've had to go back to the filament bulbs until I can figure this one out.
> Or maybe just forget about the LEDs because the short is probably buried
> somewhere in the wrapped harness under the van.
>
>
>
> No end to the fun!
>
>
>
> Stuart
>