[VAL] RE: VAL 66 Caravel Electric Issues

[RJ.Dial@xxxxxxxxxx]

> I know you've all been presented with this issue many times
> previously, but
> I'm a new owner of a 66 Caravel and experiencing electrical
> issues beyond by scope.
>  Plugged into shore power, I have 110VAC to the wall outlets.
> Whether the
> toggle switches on the aluminum box under the couch are set
> to Shore or Battery power...

OK, normal so far.

> 1. I have no voltage to the two wires which connect to the battery.

I assume you mean with the battery disconnected. If so normal condition
(no battery charging w/ the older Caravels.)

> 2.  I have no voltage across the two fuses, which are good,
> on the aluminum
> box.

Once again normal with no battery connected.

> 2.  I have no voltage to the wires going into a light
> accessible from inside
> the bathroom closet next to the toilet.

Not a standard option from Airstream.  Maybe a PO added a 12volt light?

>
> In essence, I have no DC voltage.  I've hooked up a new
> battery and still
> have no lights or DC power anywhere when I flip the toggle switches to
> "Battery".

With a battery in place, good BUSS fuses in the holders, the two
switches on the Service Center  set to Battery.  You should be able to
turn on the 3 overhead lights and the front bullet lights.  The water
pump and fan should run also.

If they don't, the usual suspects are PO's rewiring (miswiring) the
system, or a bad diode or switch in the little Service Center control
box.  Best bet is to use an Ohmmeter and the schematic found in your
owners manual.  If no manual, there is one for a '65 Caravel on the VAC
website Library.

 The circuit breakers in the above named closet
> are on, and don't
> trip. I guess they're 110VAC.

You're right - 100v, out of the equation.

>
> Before I spend $200 on a new converter, does anyone have any
> ideas? Thanks,
>
> Tony in Sonora, CA
>

Best of luck,
RJ