Relay issue

[David_374357146]

Hi,

Wondering if anyone can help with a small issue I have - when my car is connected to the van the electrics are not working properly - the power flicks on and off, which I can see from the power level gauge, and if I put lights on, by the fact that they flick on and off with the power. Any ideas? Faulty towbar connection? issue within the van itself? etc etc. When using the battery, or hook-up the power is fine, this only happens when attached to the car.

Many thanks

 

[drsorento]

Check the earth connection on the van plug if any connections look iffy I would replace the plug

 

[Julie_374476190]

david we have same problem with our 2006 swift i noticed it because the fridge was operating intermittently whilst hooked up to the car. the dealer had an old fridge element wired to a grey plug when he plugged it in to my car nothing happened apparently it should heat up. he concluded that i have an unsuitable relay wired into my car. not sure which i have but there are mechanical and electrical variants. modern fridges demand more power than older models so having the correct type matters. we now just place ice blocks in fridge for our site to site journeys. a towbar fitter would advise you i'm sure

 

[PetePajero]

The most common fault is in the plug and socket in between the van and car.

If you look at the plug you will see the connections. These are brass and they are split into four sections. Widen these sections slightly with a screwdriver.

That will improve electrical connection and this should be your first port of call.

Incidentally, try not to wiggle the plug off. This action tends to close the contacts together resulting in poor contact.

Disconnect with a firm straight pull instead.

 

[Damian]

The van electrics should only work for the fridge and charge circuit when connected to the car and the engine is running at a fast idle.

The symptoms you describe are classic relay setting being too high a cut in if this is happening as described above.

There should be an adjustment screw on the relay.