Charging problem

[MMMC]

Hi,

Came back from hols the other day and took the van out for a spin. Most the journey was find until the generator light came on and the battery stopped charging. This seemed to happen when I switched the indicators on, although I had used them previously on the journey no problem. The voltage of the battery dropped to around 7 volts (on my dash volt meter) and the indictors wouldn't work at all.

Anyway I was at home and I left the van for a couple of hours. I went back out to look at it and it started and charged no problem....for about 5 miles...then it happened all over again.

I have a theory that its all to do with the ice and snow. My van lives outside and gets pretty damp at this time of year. Could it be that as it defrosts on a journey the ice is turning to water and wetting a circuit causing this problem? I don't understand why it stops the van charging though and why it works sometimes and not others. For example when I started it up this morning it was fine until I turned the indicator on...then back to low volts and no charging. If it was a short you'd expect it to be permanent I guess?

Anyway can anyone offer me advice how to resolve this one please? Cheers

 

[Araon]

check the belt deflection when cold and warmed, is it just the indicators or any electrical load, radio or lights etc....

 

[MMMC]

The belt looks fine.

All other electrical stuff works fine when charging and when not charging. This morning I started it up and it was fine - everything worked and was charging...until I touched the indicator arm...

 

[Araon]

You have a 9 pin relay fitted as the indicator relay or has it been swapped out?

right left or both? hazards? what about when the brakes applied?

 

[MMMC]

I'm pretty sure its the original relay. Indicators both left and right cause the problem but not the hazards! Brakes OK too.

 

[Araon]

I'd take a look at the relay make sure no moistures creeped in there, these relays can be damned expensive so be careful.

You can take them apart carefully but you'll need to drill the central rivet out (and find a way to resecure it).

 

[MMMC]

thanks for the tip. I'm going to take it into my local specialist for a look...its due an MOT this month anyway...

I will of course update this thread with the answer.....cheers

 

[Araon]

if it is the relay you should be able to hold the case when it happens and judge how hot its getting, I take it the fuse isnt blowing....