start battery not charging on hook up

[markysparky71]

Hi folks can you help... 81 westfalia had the van about 6 years, every time im on a hook up charger tops up both leisure battery s under front seats and start battery in engine bay! noticed my start battery not getting any charge while on hook up? suggestions anyone? im guessing relay?? i know their is one behind drivers seat can i test them or anyone have alternative advice.
Have a multimeter but not brill with electrics cheers

[craigy345]

The relay works via the alternator, so charges the leisure battery as well as the starter battery when the engine is running.
It basically connects both batteries together when there is sufficient charge voltage i.e when the engine to running and alternator is operating.
When the engine stops the alternator obviously stops providing charge and the relay opens again to prevent the batteries discharging each other.

The relay has No function during 240v charging.

There are obviously a few changes and additions to your westfalia setup e.g additional battery.

Has your van got the original charger (BBB)?
If yes this has 2 charging feeds one for the starter and one for leisure battery.
Check to see where the feeds go? if both leisure batteries are being charged my money is on the starter charging lead Now being connected to the 2nd leisure battery.

Hope it makes sense?

[markysparky71]

Hi cheers for clearing the relay job up.
Yes have the original charger, but previously all 3 battery's have charged together, as leisure 2 are both linked to each other. I will start from the charger as this seems the logical start and work back to the start battery from there.
Thanks again

[California Dreamin]

Are you sure the BBB (original buzzing black box) is charging at all? it is quite common for either the small glass fuse or even the thermal fuse to fail, both mounted inside the BBB and accessible by removing the 4 top screws.

Martin

[markysparky71]

Hi yes deffo charging as have volt meter gauge on the dash reads up to 14 volt when I plug hook up in, also kitchen unit lights have went onto green after being on amber but cheers anyway. Im gonna have a look this morning starting from charger down to battery's

[markysparky71]

Any one got or know a link for wiring diagram for westfalia battery charger BBB ?? checked it today i have 14 volts on two wires coming from the charger need to find why my starter not seeing any of that voltage cheers

[craigy345]

Hi mate,

Have a look at the following link....

http://www.westfaliat3.info/03_1981_Wes ... lishWM.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This is a pdf of the Westfalia manual for your year and contains a wiring diagram.
Obviously there has been some additions and changes to the original set up, cause you have an extra battery connected + possibly other alterations.

Hopefully it may help?