POSSIBLE SHORT IN HANDICAPPED VAN SEAT.. 2

[RALJR]

Hi,

I have a handicapped van with a three way seat, driven by 3 motors. up/down, right/center, and forward/back. There are 3 DPDT switches. The problem is that the switch that turns the seat to the 'right' is barely working. However, when the engine is started, and the oversized alternator has a chance to work, the switch works normally.

How would a novice trouble shoot whether there is 1)corroded switch, 2)bad switch, 3)ground switch or 4)bad or dirty motor??
I am sure you can add other possibilities.

If I get out on the road, and am away from home, and it goes out, I am 'scre___'.. I know you say take it to an auto electric shop, but I am trying to save some money.

Regards and Best Wishes,

Richard

 

[hacksaw]

sounds like a bad switch contact. the alternator provides a little extra voltage in the system to burn off contact oxides etc, and the unit works.

there are electrical "contact cleaners" that can alleviate the problem. if you use something like wd 40, of other such lubes, they can leave a deposit than aggravates the problem. sealed switches may be better suited to that application (high dust) but had to get.

if contact cleaner doesn't do the trick, the switch contacts may not be suited to the current loading.

in that case you have to get a heavier duty switch. if that is not possible, then you have to use an interposing relay that does have properly rated contacts. good luck

 

[jbartos]

Suggestion: I concur with the above posting. Also, generally, the entire circuit should be tested for its proper function, since sometimes a faulty switch may impact the motor winding or created other problems within the circuit. The vibrating applications, such a truck, often experience loose nuts, crews or wire fasteners.
Also, wide temperature ranges the truck experiences can cause poor connections with high resistances causing lower currents to flow in the circuit.