HELP! T reg VW Transporter camper owner - query over how I know which battery is being used? Handle under bonnet

[Cocomallow]

Hello all, I am a newbie so I am hoping someone can help me out.

I have recently acquired a T reg (1995) VW Transporter that has been converted.
It has a battery under the hood (main van battery) and a leisure battery in the back.
When I bought it, I was shown a handle under the bonnet that I need to turn to switch between batteries.
I was told that when I turn the handle, the blue light should come on on the dash and this needs to be on for driving. When I park up, I need to switch it back to use leisure battery.


I recently had it MOT'd and I think the garage didn't turn the switch back so I am unsure which battery I am using!

Also to confirm, I went away the weekend and the blue light was not on when driving. However I turned the switch back and the battery didn't start at all (indicating a battery is dead). However when I flicked the switch in the back to 'leisure battery' - the internal lights worked. However could this be due to the electric being plugged in at the site?

I am now concerned as I don't know which battery I am using.

When parked up too, and the engine was off, (no electric hook up connected)the cigarette charger continued working, so again this made me wonder if my car battery is flat and it is running off the leisure!


I have a few festivals coming up and do not want to be left stranded anywhere.
Any help would be much appreciated - I am a young female who has no idea so please help a girl out

I can add photos later if this helps - Thank you in advance!

 

[Dellmassive]

Welcome.

A 1995 you say.... So a T4?

....

The 1995 VW Transporter is a highly sought-after classic from the T4 generation. As the first water-cooled, front-engine Transporter, it is renowned for its car-like drive, robust mechanics, and enduring popularity as a DIY and factory-style camper conversion

..

 

[Dellmassive]

Not many T4s on here, but if you post some pics we'll take a look

 

[Cocomallow]

Not many T4s on here, but if you post some pics we'll take a look

Hello thank you so much for coming back to me!
So here are some photos, let me know if you need anything else, and thanks again!

 

[Cocomallow]

Hello thank you so much for coming back to me!
So here are some photos, let me know if you need anything else, and thanks again!

View attachment 330459

View attachment 330460

View attachment 330461

View attachment 330462

I have circled where the blue light is meant to flash

 

[Dellmassive]

Hmm not very easy to tell from the pics...

Id say you you need to use a multimeter on the leisure battery, with the engine running.

Then try the switch both ways.....

When you see around 13.8v, that will be the leisure battery being charged from the engine..... So that position when driving.

When you see 12.0v or so, that will be the leisure battery alone.... For when parked up.

But to be fair..... That's a very old skool way of doing things.

You will be better off getting that switch swapped out for a VSR or dcdc charger.

VSR - voltage switch relay is an automatic switch that comes on when the engine is running.

And a dcdc charger is again an automatic charger..... But more complex and expensive.

 

[Dellmassive]

Id suggest replacing the switch with one of these vsr.

Simple job and the wires might be a straight swap?

https://amzn.to/4oX1gEg

.