Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Offers Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Motorhomes and Campervans 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Zig Cf8 doing my head in - PLEASE HELP
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonCledry
19/5/2017 at 9:58am
 Location: Cornwall
 Outfit: Elddis Wisp 450 CT & Talbot Express View Cledry's Profile View Profile   Reply to Cledry Reply   Quote Cledry Quote  
Joined: 21/2/2013

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   100
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 4
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Dramatic? Moi?

I'm at the end of my tether trying to sort out the electrics in my 1989 Talbot Express Camelot. It's kind of been working ok till now but earlier this year the engine battery went completely flat when I was away. I since found out that the leisure battery was completely defunked so I assume all the power was being drawn from the enigine battery. I've replaced the leisure battery and the engine battery is behaving ok. However, I now have no 12v power in the habitation area at all.

The batteries are fine, the alternator is charging them, I've checked all the inline fuses and changed a couple that had blown. There's power getting to the back of the zig but it's not getting to the zig switches.

My friend came round yesterday and he found a couple of odd things - there are two live feeds going into the engine battery terminal - one is obviously the engine battery but we have no idea where the other one is coming from. He also found continuity in a couple of the terminals (the lights I think) so he thinks there might be an issue with the earths somewhere. Would that stop the zig working?

Can anyone help? I'm going away in a week and I've already spent five whole days trying to get to the bottom of it. I can't afford a new zig and wouldn't want to buy one before I knew that's what it was anyway.


PersonCapt Lightning
19/5/2017 at 10:25am
 Location: Turriff Aberdeenshi
 Outfit: Romahome R30 Dimens View Capt Lightning's Profile View Profile   Reply to Capt Lightning Reply   Quote Capt Lightning Quote  
Joined: 17/8/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2381
Site Reviews Total: 45
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 2  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 5  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 5
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 6
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 5
Right... firstly if you do not have a CF8 manual, they are available on the web. Might be of some help.

First thing I would ask is when you say no power, is this when the engine is running or not. In order to comply with various regulations, there is a relay (usually coupled with the fridge / split charge) that switches off the habitation power when the engine is running.

OK.... I assume you have checked and get 12V on both sides of the battery selector switch on the zig. Do you get 12V at the centre connector when you switch to either vehicle or leisure battery. If not, you have a duff switch.

Now assuming you do have 12V on the centre connector, do you get 12V on the common supply to the fuses?

There may possibly be other fuses round the relay

Check those things out and come back.

Post last edited on 19/05/2017 10:42:26

Post last edited on 19/05/2017 10:43:55

-------------
Two drifters off to see the world.

I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.


Campervan and Motorhome Insurance - Special Discount for UKCampsite.co.uk members
Caravan Guard Special Discount for UKCampsite.co.uk members on Campervan and Motorhome Insurance. Get 5 star rated cover and big savings - for a quote simply click Online Quotation

PersonCledry
19/5/2017 at 10:51am
 Location: Cornwall
 Outfit: Elddis Wisp 450 CT & Talbot Express View Cledry's Profile View Profile   Reply to Cledry Reply   Quote Cledry Quote  
Joined: 21/2/2013

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   100
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 4
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Hiya - I have a manual but it doesn't mention this as a fault.The only time I've had the negine running is to check the batteries are getting a charge from the alternator

What do you mean by both sides of the battery selector switch on the zig? Do you mean where the wires go into the rocker switch marked touring/on site? If so that's no. It comes in from both terminals on the back of the zig but doesn't reach the switch itself.

Also, what do you mean by the centre connector and comon supply to the fuses? Do you mean the fuses in the zig?

I'm so sorry :D

I'm going out to the van to have a look at the zig and see if I can work out what you mean.

Back in a mo


PersonCledry
19/5/2017 at 11:36am
 Location: Cornwall
 Outfit: Elddis Wisp 450 CT & Talbot Express View Cledry's Profile View Profile   Reply to Cledry Reply   Quote Cledry Quote  
Joined: 21/2/2013

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   100
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 4
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0


There's power going into the blue and red wires but not the orange and yellow. There's nothing I can find on the other side where the wires go to the switch but I'm unsure how to take a reading


PersonCapt Lightning
19/5/2017 at 11:52am
 Location: Turriff Aberdeenshi
 Outfit: Romahome R30 Dimens View Capt Lightning's Profile View Profile   Reply to Capt Lightning Reply   Quote Capt Lightning Quote  
Joined: 17/8/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2381
Site Reviews Total: 45
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 2  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 5  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 5
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 6
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 5
I forgot that the CF8 had a built-in charger, but that shouldn't change the problem. If you have 12V on the blue & red wires, but none on the output, that points to something internal - as I'm sure you've deduced.

Unfortunately, I can't find an internal diagram for the CF8, so all I can now suggest is to look inside it and trace the blue & red wires which I think should go to either side of the large rocker switch.

What are you using to take a reading? Just check for 12V on the switch and while you're in there, look for any other fuses that might be lurking.

-------------
Two drifters off to see the world.

I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.


Advertisement



PersonCledry
19/5/2017 at 12:04pm
 Location: Cornwall
 Outfit: Elddis Wisp 450 CT & Talbot Express View Cledry's Profile View Profile   Reply to Cledry Reply   Quote Cledry Quote  
Joined: 21/2/2013

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   100
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 4
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I've got a multimeter. I can't find any other fuses inside the zig or in the van.


PersonCapt Lightning
19/5/2017 at 12:06pm
 Location: Turriff Aberdeenshi
 Outfit: Romahome R30 Dimens View Capt Lightning's Profile View Profile   Reply to Capt Lightning Reply   Quote Capt Lightning Quote  
Joined: 17/8/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2381
Site Reviews Total: 45
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 2  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 5  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 5
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 6
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 5
Hang on... I've just found an internal diagram.

Two things... 1. have you got the 12V switch (the right hand one) switched on.
2. There is an overload reset for the leisure battery.

Otherwise the internals are fairly simple.



-------------
Two drifters off to see the world.

I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.


PersonCledry
19/5/2017 at 12:09pm
 Location: Cornwall
 Outfit: Elddis Wisp 450 CT & Talbot Express View Cledry's Profile View Profile   Reply to Cledry Reply   Quote Cledry Quote  
Joined: 21/2/2013

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   100
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 4
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Any idea why there would be two live feeds going into terminal? It's the engine battery terminal.


PersonCledry
19/5/2017 at 12:13pm
 Location: Cornwall
 Outfit: Elddis Wisp 450 CT & Talbot Express View Cledry's Profile View Profile   Reply to Cledry Reply   Quote Cledry Quote  
Joined: 21/2/2013

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   100
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 4
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by Capt Lightning on 19/5/2017
Hang on... I've just found an internal diagram.

Two things... 1. have you got the 12V switch (the right hand one) switched on.
2. There is an overload reset for the leisure battery.

Otherwise the internals are fairly simple.




Yes, I've got the 12v switch on.

Is the overload switch the metal switch on the back of the internal panel?


PersonCapt Lightning
19/5/2017 at 12:13pm
 Location: Turriff Aberdeenshi
 Outfit: Romahome R30 Dimens View Capt Lightning's Profile View Profile   Reply to Capt Lightning Reply   Quote Capt Lightning Quote  
Joined: 17/8/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2381
Site Reviews Total: 45
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 2  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 5  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 5
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 6
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 5
Can't say for certain, best guess is it's for the fridge.

-------------
Two drifters off to see the world.

I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.


Advertisement



PersonCledry
19/5/2017 at 12:19pm
 Location: Cornwall
 Outfit: Elddis Wisp 450 CT & Talbot Express View Cledry's Profile View Profile   Reply to Cledry Reply   Quote Cledry Quote  
Joined: 21/2/2013

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   100
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 4
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by Capt Lightning on 19/5/2017
Can't say for certain, best guess is it's for the fridge.


The extra live feed?


PersonCapt Lightning
19/5/2017 at 12:22pm
 Location: Turriff Aberdeenshi
 Outfit: Romahome R30 Dimens View Capt Lightning's Profile View Profile   Reply to Capt Lightning Reply   Quote Capt Lightning Quote  
Joined: 17/8/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2381
Site Reviews Total: 45
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 2  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 5  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 5
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 6
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 5
The diagrams are a bit vague. It may be a thermal trip which resets itself, but this would only affect the leisure battery.

If you're OK with wiring diagrams, google Zig CF8 internal wiring and you will see images. These include photos and a wiring diagram. It's quite straightforward.

-------------
Two drifters off to see the world.

I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.


PersonCledry
19/5/2017 at 12:26pm
 Location: Cornwall
 Outfit: Elddis Wisp 450 CT & Talbot Express View Cledry's Profile View Profile   Reply to Cledry Reply   Quote Cledry Quote  
Joined: 21/2/2013

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   100
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 4
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by Capt Lightning on 19/5/2017
The diagrams are a bit vague. It may be a thermal trip which resets itself, but this would only affect the leisure battery.

If you're OK with wiring diagrams, google Zig CF8 internal wiring and you will see images. These include photos and a wiring diagram. It's quite straightforward.



This one? I've got that but it only shows the outside


PersonCapt Lightning
19/5/2017 at 1:26pm
 Location: Turriff Aberdeenshi
 Outfit: Romahome R30 Dimens View Capt Lightning's Profile View Profile   Reply to Capt Lightning Reply   Quote Capt Lightning Quote  
Joined: 17/8/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2381
Site Reviews Total: 45
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 2  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 5  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 5
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 6
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 5
No, this one.....

It would seem that I got the selector switch the wrong way round and unusually in this case the red & blue wires will go to the two centre connectors.

Looking at it again, there should always be 12V available at the 12V switch, so using this diagram, I'd trace the wiring and see where the voltage disappears. Maybe the 12V switch is duff?

You can ignore the bit at the left side of the diagram.

Post last edited on 19/05/2017 13:33:35

-------------
Two drifters off to see the world.

I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.


PersonCledry
19/5/2017 at 1:41pm
 Location: Cornwall
 Outfit: Elddis Wisp 450 CT & Talbot Express View Cledry's Profile View Profile   Reply to Cledry Reply   Quote Cledry Quote  
Joined: 21/2/2013

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   100
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 4
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I think my head just exploded :D That makes no sense to me at all.

I'm not getting any readings off anything internally. Where do I put the black probe on the multimeter?


PersonCapt Lightning
19/5/2017 at 1:51pm
 Location: Turriff Aberdeenshi
 Outfit: Romahome R30 Dimens View Capt Lightning's Profile View Profile   Reply to Capt Lightning Reply   Quote Capt Lightning Quote  
Joined: 17/8/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2381
Site Reviews Total: 45
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 2  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 5  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 5
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 6
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 5
I did my degree in electrical engineering, but I can't understand my wife's knitting patterns!

Put the black probe either on the metal casing, or on any of the negative wires.

You can ignore most of the diagram. The main things are the two wires labelled starter bat and leisure bat (the red & blue ones). They go to one side of the selector switch. One or both should have 12 V. There should be a wire from the selector switch to the 12V switch. This should have 12 V. whichever way the selector is.

When the 12V switch is ON, there should be 12V at the fuses.

Post last edited on 19/05/2017 13:56:13

-------------
Two drifters off to see the world.

I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2

Quick Links - All Forums - Motorhomes and Campervans - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

4213 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Special Offers]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Open Today's Window