Have I got a problem?

[Lee J]

2001 Mk6, 2.4td, LWB Tranzit

Driving really well for a few years now. No problems at all. Started her up just before xmas to use her on a job and did the usual procedure of leaving her to warm up a bit before moving. Had the blowers on number 3 to clear window and the blower started to slow down, followed by a burning smell. I quickly turned the blower to zero. 5 mins later I tried blowers again and they were fine.

After xmas, I topped up the radiator resevoir with antifreeze (-5 degrees ya know!) blah blah blah and the following day I jumped in to use her, let her warm up, set off on a job and after 30 miles the battery light started flashing at me. Strange I thought? I switched off the auxillary battery (I got 2 on this van) and just ran on 1 standard battery. Did 200 miles there, stood for 6 hours and then did 200 miles back home, no running problems or drop in lights, started first time - never struggled but the battery light remains on permenent now.

Took it out yesterday, everything runs great. It'd been stood 5 days but started first turn. Battery light stuck on. got 5 mile down road and the heater slowed down again.

I would of thought ALTERNATOR - but it's obviously charging and working as I've been on 400 mile trips with lights/heaters/radio/wipers on - no problems.

any ideas? is the battery light telling me the heater is shafted?

[derekJ]

i would think you have a voltage regulator problem , so get the alternator checked.

[Timbo]

In the "old days" if the ignition switch developed a contact resistance then the ign. light would glow. The same thing can happen to the contacts and sockets of "ignition" relays. If your relay has a bad contact it would slow the blower and cause a burning smell.
I would check the ignition switch, its connector, ign. relay (picture of a key) and fuses. I think Ign. relay is top right in engine fusebox on Mk 6.

[Lee J]

thanks Timbo - I'll check that tonight. I take it I can just swap out an ign.relay like a normal one.?

or is it a 'dealer only' change having to have the whole vans computer system re-jigged?

[angeleye]

yes you can just pull it out like a fuse as timbo said top right relay is ign, top left is glow plug , so you can swap relays to check if the other is working both are the same, there 70amp most motor factors wont have one . i went to get one today had to order it,