Looking for "electrical" gurus

lettereleven · Post by **lettereleven** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 9:07 pm

Hi all,

I am still very new to my L400, so I appreciate your patience and any help you might be able to provide.

The interior electricals, specifically on the console, on my van are just a bit "weird". Functionally, all is fine, but the display quality is less than ideal.
To begin with, the electronic heater display (environmental climate control - ECC) would flicker from bright to dim constantly. It was not related to road vibration as it happend even when parked. Last week, I removed the electronic heater display to clean it and investigate. After much forum searching similar issues, this was the closest match (http://www.mdocuk.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=32119)

The heater display is now nice and clean, but still flickers just as badly. The compass is now a total mess (apparently the sun sets in the East). The clock display lights up only in the middle. Yes, I regret taking it apart!

Unrelated to all that, the dash light are also pretty weak. I'd like to sort that out if possible.

I guess my first question is: Is this sort of electrical issue typical of a 1994 Deli's personality, and I should just accept it?
Second, if it isnt, does anyone know a vendor (or enthusiastic individual) who I could approach?

Any insight would be really appreciated.

Cheers,
Jamie.

jessef · Post by **jessef** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 9:48 pm

before you throw money at a vendor, I suggest to get in touch with Jay (Tardisdeli)

electrical gremlins are in his genetics

lettereleven · Post by **lettereleven** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 10:04 pm

Thank you Jesse!

vixentd · Post by **vixentd** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 10:11 pm

I struggled on another vehicle with dim and then brighter dash lights, and some radio interference, and checked all grounds etc. It wasn't until the alternator packed it in and a new one was installed that the problem was solved. The armature was badly worn. Not sure if these symptoms have ever applied to a Delica?

Post by **nxski** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 10:21 pm

My lights did that for a while before the alternator went so that could be the cause.

tonydca · Post by **tonydca** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 10:27 pm

I was gonna chime in on the alternator/battery combo.

What's your in-dash voltmeter read when you are away and running and warmed up (i.e. with the glowplugs and other optional electrical stuff off)? It should read 14V comfortably; if in doubt you can check with a handheld voltmeter.

Inadequate system voltage can be a source of much weirdness and is a quick thing to check.

lettereleven · Post by **lettereleven** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 10:30 pm

Interesting to hear the alternator. Thanks for the insight.
Is there any way to test/isolate that as the potential cause?

@tonydca
The voltage seems pretty good. Cant remember what it is off hand, but its in the upper end of the range.
Where would I place the leads to test? (likely stupid question, but again, noob).

-J

tonydca · Post by **tonydca** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 10:41 pm

At the battery terminals. The system voltage will read around 12.6 +/- 0.3V with the engine off, and when running it should read 14.3 +/- 0.5V.

The latter number should be pretty steady at idle with no major electrical draws on (glowplugs/aircon/defogger/foglamps/etc.)

lettereleven · Post by **lettereleven** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 11:09 pm

Thank you sir!

Luna-Sea · Post by **Luna-Sea** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 12:05 am

Once you sort out your electrical conundrums,
You can reset your compass by holding down the button
And driving in a few tight circles.

Right On!

Rising Sun Auto Import · Sun Mar 04, 2012 9:27 am

lettereleven wrote:Hi all,

I am still very new to my L400, so I appreciate your patience and any help you might be able to provide.

The interior electricals, specifically on the console, on my van are just a bit "weird". Functionally, all is fine, but the display quality is less than ideal.
To begin with, the electronic heater display (environmental climate control - ECC) would flicker from bright to dim constantly. It was not related to road vibration as it happend even when parked. Last week, I removed the electronic heater display to clean it and investigate. After much forum searching similar issues, this was the closest match (http://www.mdocuk.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=32119)

The heater display is now nice and clean, but still flickers just as badly. The compass is now a total mess (apparently the sun sets in the East). The clock display lights up only in the middle. Yes, I regret taking it apart!

Unrelated to all that, the dash light are also pretty weak. I'd like to sort that out if possible.

I guess my first question is: Is this sort of electrical issue typical of a 1994 Deli's personality, and I should just accept it?
Second, if it isnt, does anyone know a vendor (or enthusiastic individual) who I could approach?

Any insight would be really appreciated.

Cheers,
Jamie.

Those are not easy to fix for an amateur without proper part sourcing.
And a lot of money ( clinometer only costs $200 on Mitsubishi Japan shelf )involved.
If I were you, I would take it to your seller.

Steven

jessef · Post by **jessef** » Sun Mar 04, 2012 11:05 am

You'll find dealers push a service or parts from behind a keyboard without knowing your core problem. In your case, no need to buy parts a dealer is selling prematurely if yours works fine.

Have confidence in Jay. This is his specialty area. He likes burgers.

RichD · Post by **RichD** » Sun Mar 04, 2012 12:44 pm

Jay is the de facto Delica electrics expert. He does vehicle electrics all day long.

When in doubt, yes you should pay him for his time.

lettereleven · Post by **lettereleven** » Sun Mar 04, 2012 9:54 pm

Thanks for the guidance All! I had a good conversation with tonydca today. Suspect it might be a short in the headlights / fogs that might be the culprit. Once I sort out the major mechanical issues, I will do some further investigation.

Thanks again

lettereleven · Post by **lettereleven** » Sat May 12, 2012 6:33 pm

Just closing out this thread - the electrical issues were a result of day running lights. They were removed and all is well.

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