Date:         Wed, 23 Aug 2017 10:32:18 -0600
Reply-To:     OlRivrRat <OlRivrRat@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         OlRivrRat <OlRivrRat@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Electric Power Steering in my 81 Westy
Comments: To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <CY4PR20MB1303BCE292DFD60E8F334779A0850@CY4PR20MB1303.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

        These folks have Electric P'S' + A Bunch of other cool stuff ~

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a7rpyb0Ovo

        Some E'P'S' sources ~

http://simonebirchall.co.uk/diy-system/t-series-kit.html

http://simonebirchall.co.uk/shop.html

http://ultimate-engineering.co.uk/powersteering.html


On 23 Aug , 2017, at 9:24 AM, Dennis Haynes wrote:

> You may be the only one that has an add on power steering unit on a Vanagon. There are many variables both in unit design and how it was installed. Since it stopped working after an ignition switch replacement I would begin there. If there was a parasitic load form that system while the vehicle was parked then it was never connected properly. Most likely there is a "trigger" input that should be fed from the ignition switch and a main feed that should be direct to the battery. It is possible that the power demand of this unit is such that the alternator-charge wiring cannot handle the load so the battery never gets fully charged. You should not have to keep a charger on the battery to get you started in the morning. If all is well you should be able to park it for a month or more and it should still start without help. You need to find an electrical person that can sort it all out for you. 
> 
> Dennis
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Kelly Manire
> Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2017 11:04 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Electric Power Steering in my 81 Westy
> 
> Good morning from Vancouver, BC Canada.
> 
> I have an 81 Westfalia Vanagon that has electric power steering, which was fantastic when it worked! Recently, while my mechanic was replacing my ignition switch, my power steering stopped working.
> 
> Did the component fail? If so, how can you tell? Or did the mechanic mess with the wiring and could that be the reason it's not working.
> 
> Do these Power Steering units require any kind of maintenance?
> 
> I've also noticed that over the last few months without power steering, there seems to be more battery strength. I normally have to keep my van plugged in, so it starts up. Was told I had a parasitic battery leak. Could this be coming from the Power Steering?
> 
> --
> Blessings!
> Kelly Manire
> 604-226-2416