Whats this then?

[AdrianC]

Leisure battery 13.0V without hookup connected; 13.5 with.

Does this sound right?

Sounds high for not being charged, and low for being charged. Sounds like the starter is being charged, but the charger is somewhat unenthusiastic.

[peel567]

Hmm

It all seems to work so I'll not interfere more.

Keen to modify the feed for the lights however. Your explanation is very straightforward and clear. There is some kind of fault behind the dash whereby fuse 3 keeps blowing. Seems to be related to the cigarette lighter as the fuse usually goes when the lighter is turned. Can't quite get the thing out to investigate further but I think I need to do this before making the wiring mod. Anyway thanks for the help and advice

dave

[AdrianC]

There is some kind of fault behind the dash whereby fuse 3 keeps blowing. Seems to be related to the cigarette lighter as the fuse usually goes when the lighter is turned.

Rotated? If so, that's going to be an easy one - the live's touching something earthed (probably the steel of the dash top) when you rotate it.

[peel567]

It might be when rotated. Easiest to just put a blob of glue to stop it rotating? I could manage that! Doesn't otherwise seem that easy to remove the lighter without something snapping

[AdrianC]

It might be when rotated. Easiest to just put a blob of glue to stop it rotating? I could manage that! Doesn't otherwise seem that easy to remove the lighter without something snapping

Well, that's one option. But can you get to the lighter with the glovebox or ashtray out? All it needs is a bit of insulating tape around the bare bit of wire, and you've fixed the problem, not the symptom.

[barneyrubble]

Just thought I would follow this up, pulled the front panel off and the innards are all in one bit. Which is good new, still no leisure battery in the van so started the engine, and tried it.

A little green light came on, and a nice even gentle ticking started ...and after a little while warm air! Result seems to work, now to turn. New dial to fit the control

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Matt

[California Dreamin]

13Volts is hi for standing voltage but batteries tend to hold on to residual 'charge' voltage for a few hours after being connected to a charger....leave it 4-5 hours and this will drop to 12.6/12.7 volts. In any event very good voltage.
13.5 volts is on the low side but again, with a 'fully charged' leisure the stepped charger will have dropped to it's lowest charge output so again all OK.

Martin