Delica Canada | Mitsubishi Van Club

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.

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

electrical gremlins are in his genetics

Thank you Jesse!

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?

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

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.

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

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.)

Thank you sir!

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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