split relay constantly 'ticking'

[mr2allotments]

Hi

My T25 has a split relay fitted to allow both batteries to be charged up when running. I always ensure that this is set in the middle (both batteries) setting when driving but am becoming annoyed by the constant 'ticking' noise that seems to come from the relay (benetah the drivers seat) when i am driving.

Both batteries seem to be okay and the noise often stops when the headlights are on, otherwise it 'ticks' roughly every 20 seconds or so ........ any ideas?

Assuming it is the relay as i wasn't aware that there is anything else under my seat!

Cheers

[bigherb]

If it is a voltage sensing relay then the cut in voltage is set to high, depending on what type you have there should be an adjusting pot either through a hole in the case or inside the relay.

[mr2allotments]

Thanks i shall take a look over the weekend - tbh i can't easily see any central unit so i shall have to take a good look under the seat!
Thanks for the advice

[mr2allotments]

The relay is a Ryder TF1170-2 and there isn't any obvious adjustment from the outside of the unit - any ideas?

It worked fine until i switched the relay switch from both batteries to aux and then back again whilst the engine was running - could this have caused it to 'throw a wobbly'?

Chris

[bigherb]

Yes that is a voltage sensing relay, there should be a adjustable potentiometer inside or ring Ryder Towing 0161 430 1120 and they could email you the instructions.

[Oldiebut goodie]

Why have you got a 'relay switch' ?- the switch is the relay!
Seems like you have two systems on the go at once there - a changeover switch and a relay. No wonder the poor thing is confused! Remove the changeover switch and it will function as intended. (in effect what you have done is taken the sensing voltage from the two batteries at once)

[Oldiebut goodie]

Yes that is a voltage sensing relay, there should be a adjustable potentiometer inside or ring Ryder Towing 0161 430 1120 and they could email you the instructions.

You would have to virtually destroy it to get inside - looking at it. They are preset with no user variables. (useless!) At least the the smartcom ones are variable so that you can adjust to your own van's peccadillos. But I don't think that is the issue here. (see above)

[mr2allotments]

Hi

as i understood it; the relay allows both batteries to be charged when driving and the switch allows me to decide which battery to use for internal lighting, etc, once parked up or to choose which battery to charge up if i decide to over-ride the relay.

As you can see - i bought the van with all of this in place! it seems to work well but my concern was that it never 'ticked' until i altered the switch that time.

Chris

[Oldiebut goodie]

By having that switch on both batteries they are connected. Then by having the intelligent relay fitted and operative at the same time all you are doing is trying to make another connection between the two batteries. Whilst the switch is connected the two batteries are going to be as near as possible at the same voltage (and receiving charge), the relay in this scenario is therefore superfluous (and confused).

Solution - don't put switch to both batteries! You don't need to use the vehicle battery for lighting etc. - that is what the leisure battery is for. Why that option is included is beyond me because that way you could end up having no starter battery leaving you stranded. Just leave it on the leisure battery position.

What was your thinking behind the setting of the switch to both batteries whilst driving?

[mr2allotments]

It's what the previous owner told me to do and what they were told by the previous owner who had the relay fitted.

So, to check .... if i leave the switch on auxiliary battery then i can run the internal lighting from the leisure battery whenever i need and both batteries will still be charged when the van is running? i thought i had to set the switch in the middle position to ensure that both batteries charged up.

I assume that the starter motor, ignition, etc will always be powered by ther main battery?? My main worry is that the main battery won't be charged up.

Another addition to the electrical system is that is has had a mains-operated battery charger fitted - whenever we go on mains hook-up it automatically charges both batteries.

I have owned the van for 10 months with no probs whatsoever - just keen to stop this 'ticking' !

Thanks for all your advice

[bigherb]

Without seening how it's wired up it is hard to say. It is not a standard setup, like oldie says there is no need for a manual switch with a split charge relay, the relay does the switching. Mains chargers should not charge two batteries at once unless they are matched batteries wired in parallel. otherwise if one battery is flatter than the other the higher charged battery will be overcharged whilst the other one is charging up.