PDA

View Full Version : Question towing problem



jazzman
20-08-2008, 05:00 PM
Today 04:08 PM
jazzman (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/member.php?u=3367)

I own a 2005 March Passat 1.9 tdi 100 Bhp tubo diesel estate. I tow a caravan and have had an Audi and a previous Passat tdi, both of which towed the same caravan. I have a problem operating the caravan fridge on 12v. The problem is that the 12v red light on the fridge keeps flashing on and off and the relay seems to be reluctant to allow the car battery to operate the fridge whilst on the move.
I have had the original tow bar installer look again but he thinks the alternator is not poweful enough. The VW dealer scoffs at that and so do I since my previous cars did the business. I have had a direct line from the battery insalled in place of using the power sockets in the rear of my wagon and still it doesn't work. I have also had the relay replaced with a 30 amp unit to no avail. The car has 12N and 12S sockets fitted. Can anyone help please. Its along way to Spain with no operational fridge.
The relay keeps clicking on and off and this is the second relay that I have tried.
I did try my portable fridge on my way home from Spain this year, plugging direct into the rear power sockets and it worked

adamss24
20-08-2008, 06:03 PM
Hi, did have the same problem with me car last summer. Bought a bypass relay and connected it to the car, the fridge worked but the power draw soon melted the relay and the fuse holder on the power lid. Shure enough, it ended dammaging the instrument cluster and i had to replace it later on because of faulty warnings....To be honest, i would just do without it and keep the gas running for the fridge. The alternator in me old car was 120 amps so powerfull enough for the extra battery and the fridge !