17-09-2017, 02:35 PM
Thank you all for your replies both on and off the forum, very much appreciated. I have a much better understanding now.
Ian, your analogy is a good one. I was hoping to find a resistance in one component in the system but the apparent numerous small drops have left me flummoxed. All measurements were taken with the headlights on. I will try to borrow a digital voltmeter this week and repeat the exercise. I'll check terminals again but screws seem to be tight and all the wire ends have been soldered to stop them splaying - so I don't expect there are any issues there.
John, The isolator is indeed a red key type but I couldn't tell you the make. It is easily replaced though. dismantling the plc switch fills me with dread though - memories of a previous car, but I can see it might be helpful.
Roger, your explanation of battery voltages is excellent and reassures me that the battery and charging system are not to blame ... and Bob that also backs up what I am finding as being normal. It doesn't seem as though I have any need to look further at that.
It does make me wonder why the LED units aren't designed to run on (say) 5v upwards rather than 6 but I guess there are technical reasons which I wouldn't understand!
Peter.
Ian, your analogy is a good one. I was hoping to find a resistance in one component in the system but the apparent numerous small drops have left me flummoxed. All measurements were taken with the headlights on. I will try to borrow a digital voltmeter this week and repeat the exercise. I'll check terminals again but screws seem to be tight and all the wire ends have been soldered to stop them splaying - so I don't expect there are any issues there.
John, The isolator is indeed a red key type but I couldn't tell you the make. It is easily replaced though. dismantling the plc switch fills me with dread though - memories of a previous car, but I can see it might be helpful.
Roger, your explanation of battery voltages is excellent and reassures me that the battery and charging system are not to blame ... and Bob that also backs up what I am finding as being normal. It doesn't seem as though I have any need to look further at that.
It does make me wonder why the LED units aren't designed to run on (say) 5v upwards rather than 6 but I guess there are technical reasons which I wouldn't understand!
Peter.