Fridge relay connection

An alchemy of sparks, copper wire and earth

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937carrera
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Re: Fridge relay connection

Post by 937carrera »

I can see the photos now, but don't know which terminal is which. :)

Unhelpfully, the wires aren't that different in thickness, which doesn't help either.

[quote="shrig1969"]1+2 are the red/black connections back to the din[/quote] what do you mean by din ?. The cable there is typical 2 core aftermarket cable, let's work through what is there, and imagine the base of the relay is a clock:

Terminal 1, coil feed, 9 o'clock - Is this the 12v feed from fuse 12, green wire
Terminal 2, coil earth, 3 o'clock - there should simply be a short wire to the chassis to complete the coil circuit. Is this earth hidden by the relay case in the second photo, black wire
Terminal 3, battery feed, 12 o'clock - missing
Terminal 5, feed to fridge, 6 o'clock - red wire in the 2 core cable

Black wire in the 2 core cable should be the -ve or earth cable from the fridge, connected to the same earthing point as the relay coil ?

Can you check the assumptions above with the van. If all is correct, then you do just need a fused 12v feed from the battery. If the fridge has a warning light and you want to see if it illuminates before ordering parts then simply run a temporary wire from the battery and hold it against terminal 3 for a second or two. The fridge light should light up if the engine is running.
1981 RHD 2.0 Aircooled Leisuredrive project, CU engine
1990 RHD 1.9 Auto Sleeper with DF/DG engine

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shrig1969
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Re: Fridge relay connection

Post by shrig1969 »

there seems to be an issue with me loading photos from Flickr at the moment. The link copies ok but does not load the photo??
I thought "DIN" was the correct terminology for the type of connection shown in the photo ( cabinet next to fridge)? might be wrong on that but Im sure I read it somewhere?

I found a 15 amp inline fuse that I will look to connect up tomorrow and test it to see if it works. All the terminals are connected as you have both stated and yes the black wire is earthed from the coil relay.

Not aware of a fridge warning light, but if it has never worked I would never have seen it. :shock:
I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual

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937carrera
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Re: Fridge relay connection

Post by 937carrera »

DIN = Deutsche Industrie Norm = German standards. I may have confused you as it is a DIN that specifies the terminal numbers (30, 85,86,97 in this case) in German cars.

There are a few forum issues at the moment. Quotes not displaying correctly, similar issue on your photos. It's not you :)
1981 RHD 2.0 Aircooled Leisuredrive project, CU engine
1990 RHD 1.9 Auto Sleeper with DF/DG engine

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shrig1969
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Re: Fridge relay connection

Post by shrig1969 »

Still unable to post pictures so I will describe as clear as possible.
Had a chance this afternoon to check the voltages with the engine running. All readings are approx......
Battery = 14.09 volts
(Hella) DIN connection point (cupboard next to fridge) = 14.04 volts
Terminal block (choc strip) on top of Fridge = 13.96 volts

12v switched on front of fridge panel
Battery = 13.58 volts
DIN = 13.18
T Block = 12.60

Please accept that these readings did fluctuate slightly whilst being taken, but is the drop in voltage expected when the fridge is turned on?
I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual

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937carrera
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Re: Fridge relay connection

Post by 937carrera »

I browsed through your pictures and now I see the reference to a DIN connection. You're correct the connection is called a hella / Din connection. Posh version of a lighter socket with much better connections, I made an adapter last year for my van.

The readings look sensible to me, one reason why 12v fridges only work when the engine is running is because of the current they draw, the voltage drop indicates that - without going into the electrical calculations. The voltage should pick up again when you take the engine above idle.

Sounds like the relay is working and so is the fridge. Well done for having a multimeter and using it :ok

Pictures / links / quotes not working is a site problem, not you, I'm sure the guys are trying to fix it.
1981 RHD 2.0 Aircooled Leisuredrive project, CU engine
1990 RHD 1.9 Auto Sleeper with DF/DG engine

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shrig1969
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Re: Fridge relay connection

Post by shrig1969 »

:ok :ok

Thanks again for your help in getting this issue resolved.
Now onto re-connecting and testing the Gas appliances........
I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual

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shrig1969
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Re: Fridge relay connection

Post by shrig1969 »

ImageUntitled by gary shrigley, on Flickr
Found this when tidying the van, and hope it will help someone out in the future.
My relay was numbered 1-4 but at the top I have added the more upto date numbering alongside for clarity.

Maybe should of stuck with "Technical drawing" at school ???
I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual

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937carrera
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Re: Fridge relay connection

Post by 937carrera »

Your level of technical drawing is about the same as mine......... perfectly functional though.

Thanks for posting it :ok
1981 RHD 2.0 Aircooled Leisuredrive project, CU engine
1990 RHD 1.9 Auto Sleeper with DF/DG engine

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