Hi Phill,
I thing that noise is from alternator being overloaded .
There are some electronic components in brake lite/seatbelt indicator and
lower voltage might be messing with it.
I'm assuming your engine was running.
How good is your battery?
Most likely fridge is drawing too much current to be supported by your
battery/alternator.
Charge up your battery and you should be OK.
Denis Mezihorak
86' Westy GL
Vancouver, BC

----- Original Message -----
From: Philip Menchions <pbj2003@INFONET.ST-JOHNS.NF.CA>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, June 25, 1999 4:46 PM
Subject: Fridge not working off battery

> Here's one for you I've never come across discussed on the list. As soon
> as I try to switch to the battery option for fridge operation I get a
> fiercesome grinding noise from the rear of the vehicle and the parking
> brake warning light comes on.
>
>  Has any body experienced these symptoms. I see no correlation between
> fridge operation and the parking brake.
>
>  We're leaving on a trip to PEI and points west very early tomorrow
> morning. Any advice is very much appreciated.
>
> Phil
> 89 Westy