Cbe 100 problems

[evo628]

Can any one help......I have a Cbe 100 panel that I am having problems with.....for some reson the charge light that shows up when the vehicle is charging the leisure batterys when running is staying on even though the van is off.
I can only seem to switch it off by plugging it in to a mains hook up...but until I can it switches the awning light circuit off and can't use the internal lights as well....

Hope this makes sense

 

[Dellmassive]

Got some pics of your layout?

 

[evo628]

At work at the moment soon as I get home ill post some...
But this is basically my set up....

 

[evo628]

This is basically everthing I can see of the electrical system without starting to strip things down....does that help in any way?

 

[evo628]

Anyone any ideas....

 

[Samro]

I can only seem to switch it off by plugging it in to a mains hook up...but until I can it switches the awning light circuit off and can't use the internal lights as well....

Before you noted this fault, did the awning light circuit and internal lights automatically get isolated when the van was running? (Was this a feature to prevent interior lights or awning light from being permanently on when driving?)

EDIT:
If the answer to my above question is yes, then I suspect that your distribution box has charging relay built into it and this is faulty.

If the answer is no, then some physical interaction is required to make any further suggestion.

 

[evo628]

Yes its a feature of the cbe pc100 and the light normally went off when the ignition was turned off....now the only way to switch the light off is to hook it up on mains power but as soon as you use the van again the light comes back on...

 

[Samro]

Sorry. You responded so quickly that I'd edited my original response before you replied!
Your problem seems to be that the charge relay in the distribution box is defunct.

 

[Samro]

Probably this one:

 

[evo628]

Is there anyway to replace said relay or is it a case of a complete new unit?

 

[Samro]

I suspect the relay is soldered into the board. You'd have to take a look but the complete distribution box doesn't seem to be lots of money.

 

[evo628]

Ill pull it out today and have a look.
Thanks for your help its much appreciated.

 

[Samro]

A quick check that you should do is to see if your leisure battery and starter battery voltages are identical.

Also, it may be worth pulling the fuse from the feed (at the starter battery end).

I say this because if the charge relay contacts have welded theirselves closed, you have a risk of draining the starter battery with your fridge etc, until you resolve your problem.

 

[evo628]

I've just checked both and the voltage are fine on both.
I've disconnected the starter battery from the system and the light stayed on but on pulling the signal connection next to the relay I can hear the relay switch and the light goes off when I reconnected it the light stays off until the van is started again....

 

[Samro]

Can you pull the relay from its holder, or is it soldered to the board?

 

[evo628]

Soldered

 

[Samro]

Have a look at manual here:

https://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/user/downloads/CBE%20PC100%20KIT%20&%20PC200%20KIT%20instruction%20manual.pdf

After looking into this a little I've probably given you duff info on the relay front.

Page 15 shows the connections, and pin 1 on connection 18 determines whether or not the distribution panel is to charge whilst driving.

I would start by disconnecting this connection and seeing if you get not so operation with the exception of battery charging whilst driving?

 

[evo628]

Yer this is the one I've disconnected and it switches the relay and once plugged back in doesn't switch the relay until the engine starts again.
I've attached a multimeter and its permanently live.....should this be attached to an ignition circuit or always on?
Got a feeling the company that converted the van is the problem...

 

[evo628]

What I've just read via that link you have sent is basically when it senses the alternator charging it switches the relay (which is happening)when the votage drops its ment to switch back which is not happening unless I disconnect the signal wire or attach it to a hook up...

 

[Samro]

That is correct. There is ronething going on with that distribution box. What makes you think the converter has dropped the ball?