Leisure battery not charging from engine

[Solent]

Thanks Jonny Atlantic - just checked the relay Gunzl sent me and it does look wrong - the 87 pins are not connected. The Club Joker wiring diagram certainly seems to suggest they should be connected. I've ordered one of the other relays from the link on Brick Yard - I'll let you know how it goes.

I've booked the van in for the professionals to have a look on Thursday next week, so fingers crossed I can sort it before then...

["WEAZLECHIN"]

you can get a relay from any old motor factors place for £2.50! just make sure you get the correct one..

[Red Westie]

Solent....I pointed this out early on in the thread and gave you a link to the correct relay, the ones on brickyard are border line at 30amps (it will work but may fail prematurely because of load) at least the one I linked to was heavier duty at 40amps, slightly heavier duty than the original. Uses often go even heavier duty and fit 70 or even 100amp relays. 30amps if definately border line.

Like I said....the number you posted for the replacement relay did indicated it was a 'double throw' type which is correct but without actually seeing it!!! Correct relay has TWO number 87 terminals this tells you both outputs are switched together so double throw
INCORRECT RELAY HAS 87 and 87a terminals.....seperate terminal numbers indicates output switches from one to the other.

This is what you need (40amp giving greater reliability) ....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Relay-12V-40Amp-5 ... 2305f6cd85" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Martin

[Titus A Duxass]

My VW installed relay is only 30 amps and it's been okay for the last 7 years (and it does get used).

[Red Westie]

Agreed.....VW list a 30amps double throw 5 terminal, but as we know from experience...many users report occasionally blowing 25amp fuses, melted relays and stuck relay contacts (all down to the original design parameters being just good enough with little headroom) all I am saying is WHILST HE HAS THE OPTION, why not go for a 40amp to give more of a margin for reliabilty, it does make sense.
Martin

[Solent]

You're dead right, Red Westie - the photo I posted doesn't show the schematic of the relay I ordered from Gunzl. I've had a look at it now, and it's definitely the wrong sort (87 / 87a). As it was described as being a relay for secondary batteries I assumed it would be right - clearly not... Live and learn.

I'll get the 40amp relay you suggested and see if that sorts it now.

On the plus side I feel as if I'm learning a lot.

[Solent]

The correct relay with two 87 pins (and rated 40 amps) arrived this morning - just popped it in... Still no joy.

Think I may have to let the experts sort this out next week and let you know what they find.

[Red Westie]

Shame you aren't closer as I would have gladly had a look for you matey.
Have you tried the 80-90 HELP LIST?
These are people who have volunteered in one capacity or another to help 80-90 users, look for users with electrical experience.
Need to be a full member to access I think.
See:

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=54733" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regards
Martin

["WEAZLECHIN"]

if i am not mistaken, its the thin blue wire coming from your alternator.
just check this wire is not open circuit somewhere, light bulb/multimeter etc.

[Solent]

I didn't know about the help list - I'll check it out. (Trouble is I'm not particularly close to anybody!)

I'll have a look at the blue wire. Actually my blue wire has a second wire connected via a piggy-back clip on the same pin. Is that normal?

Is there anywhere that can tell you what colour wires should be connected to which pins? I've just been swapping like for like. I suppose it's worth checking.

[bigherb]

Blue wire pin 86
Red/Black pin 85
Red from starter battery to pin 30
Red/white to fuses to pin 87
Red to auxilary battery to pin 87

As built the red wires would be transposed but this way the interior lights and cigar lighter work off the auxilary battery

["WEAZLECHIN"]

just went out and checked mine when i saw this thread, 5 bloody volts going the leisure battery.. bugger, looks like a trip upto "car spares" then

[Solent]

Just in case anyone is still reading this thread... I gave up. Never did resolve the problem. Now sold the van on. Very disappointing experience.

["WEAZLECHIN"]

a relay made you sell the entire van?
the next van or caravan will also have relays, even a set of spot lights on the front of your car will require one.
can i buy your next vehicle cheap?