Black box wiring

An alchemy of sparks, copper wire and earth

Moderators: User administrators, Moderators

Post Reply
User avatar
captain Byrne
Registered user
Posts: 1004
Joined: 19 Mar 2009, 10:01
80-90 Mem No: 7107
Location: Glasgow
Contact:

Black box wiring

Post by captain Byrne »

Ever since I've had my van over 12 years now I've occasionally looked inside the black box in the engine bay & thought ooh, that doesn't look good, I'll have to do something about that one day. Anyway, that day has come. Does anyone know what I should do & perhaps more importantly how I can figure out what goes where & how to do a re-wire. The white cylindrical connector looks pretty fried to me so would like to know what it connects. I'm not great at electrics but this is within my remit. Advice welcome. Thanks.

Image
 
1983 LHD Westfalia poptop 1.9 DG petrol.

User avatar
maxstu
Registered user
Posts: 4474
Joined: 07 Feb 2008, 01:05
80-90 Mem No: 3946
Location: Margate

Re: Black box wiring

Post by maxstu »

Wow! That is getting hot. :shock: Looks like you have an earthing issue. Does the starter work well by the way?
Cant recall without aid from wiring diagram in Haynes manual or Bentley.
Mark it up with plenty of photos too. Cut out burnt wiring and replace with some Wago connectors.
That is the easiest route.
MaxStu
1989 DJ 2.1 Auto Leisuredrive rusty bucket.
"Blissfully happy in your presence".

User avatar
captain Byrne
Registered user
Posts: 1004
Joined: 19 Mar 2009, 10:01
80-90 Mem No: 7107
Location: Glasgow
Contact:

Re: Black box wiring

Post by captain Byrne »

Everything works very well. I replaced earth straps a few years ago and the starter & alternator & general electrics in the engine bay are all fine. I'm guessing it's a issue from a previous owner who just couldn't be bothered to rewire the box after a fault. I'm tempted to give it to an auto-electrician to sort out. I could rewire it myself but I don't really have the knowhow to test everything once it's done.

 
1983 LHD Westfalia poptop 1.9 DG petrol.

User avatar
Mocki
Membership Admin
Posts: 16957
Joined: 29 Sep 2005, 09:27
80-90 Mem No: 428
Location: Mansfield Notts
Contact:

Re: Black box wiring

Post by Mocki »

If it’s a DG there should be a relay in there for the inlet manifold heater , is it hidden behind the other connectors ?
Other than that it’s just plug together connectors for the rear lights and engine loom , nothing hard to work out , take many pictures as you unplug each one revealing the next , it’s not really a auto electrician level job , you can do that !

There is a power "stud" on the wall of the box that supplied the main power for the relay which is always live , so battery disconnected before you start .....
Steve
tel / txt O7947-137911
👀
________________

1989 2.1LpgWBX HiTop Leisuredrive Camper
1988 2.1 Caravelle TS TinTop Camper 
 

User avatar
maxstu
Registered user
Posts: 4474
Joined: 07 Feb 2008, 01:05
80-90 Mem No: 3946
Location: Margate

Re: Black box wiring

Post by maxstu »

Easy to use these too. Then you can disconnect as you please
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WAGO-222-412 ... %3A2334524
MaxStu
1989 DJ 2.1 Auto Leisuredrive rusty bucket.
"Blissfully happy in your presence".

User avatar
captain Byrne
Registered user
Posts: 1004
Joined: 19 Mar 2009, 10:01
80-90 Mem No: 7107
Location: Glasgow
Contact:

Re: Black box wiring

Post by captain Byrne »

Ok I'll give it a go with some Wago connectors.
1983 LHD Westfalia poptop 1.9 DG petrol.

User avatar
captain Byrne
Registered user
Posts: 1004
Joined: 19 Mar 2009, 10:01
80-90 Mem No: 7107
Location: Glasgow
Contact:

Re: Black box wiring

Post by captain Byrne »

Ok so I've removed the 7 way connector & reconneted with Wagos - pretty straightforward. My problem is now do I reconnect the frazzled wire which was already broken anyway and hope that what ever caused it to overheat was previously fixed, or do I leave alone & leave it disconnected. It's difficult to see the colour of the wire but it looks like black/grey. Not sure what to do.
Image
1983 LHD Westfalia poptop 1.9 DG petrol.

User avatar
captain Byrne
Registered user
Posts: 1004
Joined: 19 Mar 2009, 10:01
80-90 Mem No: 7107
Location: Glasgow
Contact:

Re: Black box wiring

Post by captain Byrne »

Ok problem solved. The fried wire was to the offside rear light which wasn't working when I bought the van. Not knowing much about it at the time I just took another feed from the nearside & forgot about it. Anyway, all fine & dandy now.
1983 LHD Westfalia poptop 1.9 DG petrol.

User avatar
maxstu
Registered user
Posts: 4474
Joined: 07 Feb 2008, 01:05
80-90 Mem No: 3946
Location: Margate

Re: Black box wiring

Post by maxstu »

Well done :ok reckon you saved yourself 50
quid at least.
MaxStu
1989 DJ 2.1 Auto Leisuredrive rusty bucket.
"Blissfully happy in your presence".

User avatar
captain Byrne
Registered user
Posts: 1004
Joined: 19 Mar 2009, 10:01
80-90 Mem No: 7107
Location: Glasgow
Contact:

Re: Black box wiring

Post by captain Byrne »

And the rest! Those Wago connectors are handy. First time I've used them & after years of pratting around with fiddly terminal blocks & connectors these are a dream to use.
1983 LHD Westfalia poptop 1.9 DG petrol.

TONYT25T25
Registered user
Posts: 1825
Joined: 16 Sep 2013, 17:19
80-90 Mem No: 13596
Location: Hampshire

Re: Black box wiring

Post by TONYT25T25 »

Good spot there, just ordered a pack of 10 as a just in case situation.
1984 Campervan 1.9DG Petrol WBX

Post Reply