Funny Mike,

My first post to SubaruVanagon returned a "This is off topic" and no further
replies.  This weekend someone else confirmed that indeed the subie
alternator works different from the VW.  So, an ignition switched relay is a
small compromise that I (can understand) and will probably go with.

Dave in Denver
EJ20 powered syncro

>From: Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
>Reply-To: Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: Adding Battery Relay
>Date: Mon, 29 May 2006 11:56:06 -0400
>
>This particular question can have a different answer (as I understand
>it) when it comes to Subaru conversions.
>
>If you have a Subaru conversion, then the Subaru list is probably the
>better place to seek info for wiring up an aux battery or using the
>fridge relay.
>
>Mike
>
>
>John Bange wrote:
>>>I almost hate to ask this question.  I am adding a relay and aux battery
>>>to
>>>my passenger van.  The relay came from a weekender and I currently
>>>have my
>>>2
>>>batteries connected directly together and not using the relay.
>>>
>>>So my question is can the relay tell the difference between battery
>>>voltage
>>>and charging voltage (I wouldn't think so).  But if not what triggered
>>>the
>>>relay to close only after the van was running.
>>>
>>>Clarification is greatly appreciated, but please no wiring diagrams or
>>>big
>>>words.  I liked the way the relay worked in my dual battery camper and I
>>>would like to set it up to work the same way in my new van.
>>
>>
>>
>>In a nutshell? The aux relay is powered off the blue wire coming from the
>>back of the alternator. The blue wire shows voltage only when the
>>alternator
>>is charging.
>>
>>It  gets more complicated* than that, but it all basically starts with the
>>blue alternator wire.
>>
>>*My own setup: blue wire triggers "alternator working" relay, which
>>supplies
>>12v to coil of solenoid-type aux battery relay. The solenoid coil grounds
>>through the NC contacts of a "starter in use" relay which is activated by
>>power to the starter solenoid, thus disconnecting the aux battery while
>>the
>>starter is cranking.