Hi, up until today both Semaphores were working now pasender one isn't even attempting to lift, I'm not very good with electrics but from what I can see noting is shorted out and the drivers side is working perfectly?
Any ideas?
Thanks
Posted by: 54 Gertie - 09 April 2009 23:34:05
I suppose the simplest thing it could be would be a wire slipped out but it is a bit hard to diagnose without being there! :?
Really helpful I know! :lol:
Try signaling to that side, get out and try to open it with your fingers (dont jam a screwdriver in there)
It may just be being a bit stubborn and a bit of persuasion may get it moving! :wink: This is however not a solution but it may help with further diagnosis!
Posted by: sarah dell - 09 April 2009 23:39:06
Tried that but doesn't want to budge and didn't want to force it, Could it be just a bulb? or does that just stop it lighting up?
Posted by: Rich Oakley - 09 April 2009 23:42:39
Do you have a voltmeter?
Posted by: sarah dell - 09 April 2009 23:43:35
No but prob gonna need one so can get one?
Posted by: 54 Gertie - 09 April 2009 23:46:02
The bulb will not effect is movement
It is worth checking the voltage at the battery and comparing that to the voltage at the semaphore but if the other side works perfectly it is probably down to the semaphore itself!
Posted by: sarah dell - 09 April 2009 23:47:31
[quote=54 Gertie]The bulb will not effect is movement
It is worth checking the voltage at the battery and comparing that to the voltage at the semaphore but if the other side works perfectly it is probably down to the semaphore itself! [/quote]
Does that mean I need a new one?
Posted by: 54 Gertie - 09 April 2009 23:50:39
[quote=54 Gertie]The bulb will not effect is movement
It is worth checking the voltage at the battery and comparing that to the voltage at the semaphore but if the other side works perfectly it is probably down to the semaphore itself! [/quote]
Sorry, that wasnt very clear!
If the voltage at the semaphore is considerably less than at the battery terminals that would suggest that there is a bad connection between the semaphore switch and semaphore!
Hope thats clearer! :wink:
Posted by: 54 Gertie - 09 April 2009 23:51:11
[quote=sarah dell]
Does that mean I need a new one?[/quote]
Read my previous post! I have refined what i previous said! :lol:
Posted by: Rich Oakley - 09 April 2009 23:52:33
Hand-held Voltmeters can be bought for a few quid. A very wortwhile investment if you're running a 6V VW! This type of thing will do the job...
https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DIGITAL-MULTIMETER-AMPS-AC-DC-OHM-V-A-VOLTMETER-b_W0QQitemZ320357666890QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET?hash=item320357666890&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318
Posted by: sarah dell - 09 April 2009 23:52:51
Gonna be really dumb here but how do I do that?
Posted by: 54 Gertie - 09 April 2009 23:54:00
[quote=sarah dell]Gonna be really dumb here but how do I do that?[/quote]
What? Buy something from ebay or check the voltage? :lol:
Posted by: sarah dell - 09 April 2009 23:57:24
Very funny ...:lol:
check the voltage,I am female after all. :d
(not got anyone techical to ask)
Dunno what i would do without the guys on this forum
Posted by: 54 Gertie - 10 April 2009 00:00:17
1) Apply + lead to + terminal on battery and do the same with the -
2) Note the reading (eg 5.57 volts)
3) Switch on the semaphore and apply the + terminal to the bottom screw connector on the semaphore (when its up) and connect the - terminal to a place on the body to get a good earth! This could go on the metal body of the semaphore.
4) Note down this reading and if it is quite a bit less than the previous reading then try to find where it is losing the voltage!
Hope this helps or has it just made you more confused? :lol:
EDIT:
+ = Positive
- = Negative
:wink:
Posted by: sarah dell - 10 April 2009 00:02:39
No thats brill will try tomorrow. I am assuming I have to switch semaphore on on the stalk and manually try and lift up with fingers to do this, if stiff and have to force to lift will I wreck the semaphore?
ps thanks really appreciate you taking the time to explain to a plank like me. :d
Posted by: 54 Gertie - 10 April 2009 00:04:43
[quote=sarah dell]No thats brill will try tomorrow. I am assuming I have to switch semaphore on on the stalk and manually try and lift up with fingers to do this, if stiff and have to force to lift will I wreck the semaphore?[/quote]
It is not ideal to "force" a semaphore but it will work!
I would however try to stop it from latching back in by tying some string around it. This will stop you having to force it more than once! :wink:
Posted by: tman - 10 April 2009 01:02:53
You have a working semaphore on the other side of the car. Why don't you swap them both over to see if the fault moves too? If it does then you have a faulty semaphore, but my money is on the switch!
