Zig unit

[playallday]

Hi Ant

Sorry to bother you but I have a problem.

When I bought my van the guy showed me the switches on the zig and I left them like he put them. I've only used the camper's internal lights as so far my trips have been to visit friends. However, when I went off recently, having not used the camper part for about 3 months, the lights didn't work. There was no light on the zig, so I thought I must have knocked it off and I played about with the switches to no avail. I am USELESS at troubleshooting and my friendly mechanic was not prepared to risk touching it. Is there anything obvious it might be?...I have to say, other than playing with the switches I haven't tried anything else.

I would be grateful for some advice.

Thanks Ant

Jean

[ant]

Hi jean.
The most likely problem is that the caravan battery has simply gone flat. A cetain amount of simple trouble shooting will confirm it.
Firstly, depending on the age of the van either turn the 12volt switch on and the caravan battery switch on ( on early zigs with a logic unit) or turn the caravan battery switch on ( left side) and the lights switch on ( on the later zig panels).
Now, start the engine, then try the lights with the engine running. If they work while the engine is running get the caravan battery charged and all will be well.
If the lights still don't work then you need to check the fuses, there will be an inline fuse near the vehicle battery under the bonnet with either a heavy blue or red wire ( depending on age), this fuse controls the charging while the engine is running via a relay. Sometimes there is also a fuse on the actual relay ( next to the battery).
If fuse is ok the relay may have died ( replace it).
Also check the fuses in the square box next to the battery, take them out one by one and replace them back in even if they look fine, sometimes a small amount of corrosion can stop them conducting.
If all this seems a bit spooky give me a ring when you're trying it out and I'll talk you through the steps.
Ant

[playallday]

Thanks so much, Ant. I will have a go over the weekend, weather permitting and let you know how I get on.

Jean

[playallday]

Hi Ant,
Well....the weather broke the weekend I was planning to try and sort it out so have only just got it together today. Tried the lights with the engine running...no joy. Had a look under the bonnet for the in-line fuse, which I found easily. It was a bit corroded so I bought a new one, put it in and hey presto!! there was light!!! It took about 35 minutes, including travelling time, plus 5 months to get around to it!! Thank you so much for your help and advice, Ant.
Jean

[playallday]

Hi Ant..it's me again
I have several things which I power through my cigarette lighter.
Is there a way that these can be run off the leisure battery..like getting an adapter or wiring or anything?
Jean

[ant]

Hi Jean.
The simplest thing would be to fit another cigarette lighter socket directly from the 2nd battery on a fused feed. You can buy them from most motor factors ( Halfords Motoman etc). to run a wire to the existing socket would be a bit of a fiddle and the length of the wire would not do much for the final voltage output of the socket.
Ant

[playallday]

Thanks Ant

[playallday]

Hi Ant..it's me again!!

My fridge works perfectly on gas and EHU. When in transit the light comes on on the dashboard, but the fridge doesn't work. I'm hoping it will just be the in-line fuse again, like last time, but I don't know where to look to find it. I'd be grateful for some clues!!

Thanks, Ant
Jean

BTW my son-in-law fitted the cigar lighter as you suggested. Perfect! ;D

[ant]

Hi Jean.
Under the bonnet to the right of the battery you'll find two small black ( probably) inch square boxes, they are the relays for the 2nd battery charging and the fridge. the one with a yellow wire going to it is the fridge relay. Also going to it is a heavy red wire, follow this until you come across the fuse. If the fuse is ok ( not blown or corroded), it might be the relay has died or indeed the actual heater in the back of the fridge.
Thanks
Ant

[playallday]

Thanks, Ant
It's pouring with rain today so will try that when it stops.
Jean