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Split charger - Can anyone identify or help?

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Split charger - Can anyone identify or help?

Postby The combat wombat » Tue May 17, 2016 2:04 pm

So, my Mk4 camper has a split charge relay, which I was told wasn't working. Having had a quick look I could see that there was an in-line fuse holder which had a broken lead, and which I have now replaced, although the fuse was missing, so I don't know what rating to use. However, I now see there is a red cable coming out of the relay, which was obviously once crimped to something, but is no longer connected. There are no nearby wires that look like they should be connected to it. I have no idea if the split charger system works, or if it is fixable. Anyone got any ideas on the system, so I can track down a wiring diagram?

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Re: Split charger - Can anyone identify or help?

Postby walt1984 » Tue May 17, 2016 2:16 pm

Can only guess the red wire went to the leisure battery.
If this relay mounted on bulkhead on passenger side?

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Re: Split charger - Can anyone identify or help?

Postby The combat wombat » Tue May 17, 2016 2:19 pm

Yeah, that's what I'm assuming, too. The photo is taken head on, so van battery is way off to the left and leisure battery is just off to the right. This is the bulkhead in front of the passenger.
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Re: Split charger - Can anyone identify or help?

Postby walt1984 » Tue May 17, 2016 3:01 pm

If you have a multi meter or can wire a small light to the red wire and a earth point on the body you should see voltage when you turn ignition on or you might have to start the engine. some relays only switch on when they sense the battery's been charged

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Re: Split charger - Can anyone identify or help?

Postby The combat wombat » Tue May 17, 2016 9:39 pm

Ok, thanks, I'll have a poke around with the multimeter and see what gives. Not sure why the relay has 6 terminals, unless it's voltage sensing, but I'll see if I can find out more on the subject.
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Re: Split charger - Can anyone identify or help?

Postby mjsroofing » Fri May 27, 2016 7:14 am

That's a standard split relay charger you can buy from many motor factors, halfords possibly, wiring diagrams will be on Google.

I'm sure one wire is for a fridge when used for caravan hook up.

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Re: Split charger - Can anyone identify or help?

Postby The combat wombat » Tue May 31, 2016 1:52 pm

Thanks for that, armed with that info I think I've found the wiring info. The van does have a fridge, but I can't see why it needs a dedicated supply, it can just run off the leisure battery, while the battery is charging.

Now I know what the wiring is, I'll replace it with a new voltage sensing split relay.
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Re: Split charger - Can anyone identify or help?

Postby walt1984 » Tue May 31, 2016 5:32 pm

Fridge has its own supply or it would drain the battery.

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Re: Split charger - Can anyone identify or help?

Postby mjsroofing » Tue May 31, 2016 9:19 pm

The combat wombat wrote:Thanks for that, armed with that info I think I've found the wiring info. The van does have a fridge, but I can't see why it needs a dedicated supply, it can just run off the leisure battery, while the battery is charging.

Now I know what the wiring is, I'll replace it with a new voltage sensing split relay.


That's what I use, only three wires, live in, live out and Earth.
70amp one I've got and ive never had a problem.
www.mjsroofing.co.uk
2022 2.0 ecoblue fwd, 72k
2009 2.2 tdci 115ps just over 110k now.
2002 2.0 tddi 100ps. Over 205k still sweet . Now owned by Jay.
2001 escort van 75, 1.8 turbo intercooler. scrapyard heaven
1995 escort van 50, 1.8 straight diesel, scrapyard heaven.
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Re: Split charger - Can anyone identify or help?

Postby mjsroofing » Tue May 31, 2016 9:21 pm

walt1984 wrote:Fridge has its own supply or it would drain the battery.

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When I was towing caravan I think the fridge would only work when engine was running. So not sure if it's voltage regulated
www.mjsroofing.co.uk
2022 2.0 ecoblue fwd, 72k
2009 2.2 tdci 115ps just over 110k now.
2002 2.0 tddi 100ps. Over 205k still sweet . Now owned by Jay.
2001 escort van 75, 1.8 turbo intercooler. scrapyard heaven
1995 escort van 50, 1.8 straight diesel, scrapyard heaven.
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Re: Split charger - Can anyone identify or help?

Postby The combat wombat » Wed Jun 01, 2016 9:42 am

The fridge is a Waeco 12v compressor one and runs off the leisure battery, unless it is physically turned off, by using the switch inside. It's pretty power-efficient,even though it's pretty old, so, I'll just get a voltage sensing split relay, which will keep the leisure battery topped up while driving. I'm also going to fit a 100w solar panel, which I'll wire through a controller, to the leisure battery. The split relay I'm going to get is bi-directional, so the solar panel will even charge up the starter battery if there's extra juice available.
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Re: Split charger - Can anyone identify or help?

Postby walt1984 » Wed Jun 01, 2016 12:47 pm

Now i see. Im on the old 3 way fridge.
We used 12 volt on the road and gas when parked up.

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