Suggested PM - Electrical issue with turn signals and Vansco VMM solved

[dhschultz39]

Upon return from San Diego a couple weeks ago, the left turn signal became inop when shifting into drive (or reverse), the left headlamp dimmed, the driving lamps came on dimly and pulsed at the turn signal flash rate, and the dash indicator for the left turn signal came on solid.
Wow! - the Vansco VMM is really screwed up was the first thought. Not
so fast - after much tracking down everything before sending off the VMM for repair, turns out the C11 Delphi connector, female end (mostly for DG circuitry) above the DG in front of the "firewall" had failed for the "B" terminal (Black 14 Ga wire at 1 O'Clock, #3435, a ground wire from splice #5).
The "failure" was the plastic retainer stops inside the Delphi connector broke away, permitting the slipper foot terminal to slide back and forth in the Delphi connector, causing an intermittent connection with the male spade in the other half of the Delphi (loom "spring pressure" caused intermittent contact) . The cause of breakage was too short a wire loom from the cable clamp on top of the DG, causing stretching of the wires going into the Delphi. The continued tugging on the loom from running the
DG slide in and out for fueling took its toll eventually on the Delphi connector and caused intermittent shorting (probable) of the center connector (Terminal A, Wht 16 Ga, DR-LP) and the other wierd feedback symptoms to the VMM. The fix: removed slipper terminal from female Delphi and bypassed connector to restore Pin B function.
Recommendation: Inspect wire loom atop the DG that controls front bumper and DG controls for absence of strain on two Delphi connectors in front center of firewall above the DG. Consider moving loom wire clamp to forward inspection plate hold-down bolt to lessen strain when front slide retracted.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by dhschultz39

Upon return from San Diego a couple weeks ago, the left turn signal became inop when shifting into drive (or reverse), the left headlamp dimmed, the driving lamps came on dimly and pulsed at the turn signal flash rate, and the dash indicator for the left turn signal came on solid.
Wow! - the Vansco VMM is really screwed up was the first thought. Not
so fast - after much tracking down everything before sending off the VMM for repair, turns out the C11 Delphi connector, female end (mostly for DG circuitry) above the DG in front of the "firewall" had failed for the "B" terminal (Black 14 Ga wire at 1 O'Clock, #3435, a ground wire from splice #5).
The "failure" was the plastic retainer stops inside the Delphi connector broke away, permitting the slipper foot terminal to slide back and forth in the Delphi connector, causing an intermittent connection with the male spade in the other half of the Delphi (loom "spring pressure" caused intermittent contact) . The cause of breakage was too short a wire loom from the cable clamp on top of the DG, causing stretching of the wires going into the Delphi. The continued tugging on the loom from running the
DG slide in and out for fueling took its toll eventually on the Delphi connector and caused intermittent shorting (probable) of the center connector (Terminal A, Wht 16 Ga, DR-LP) and the other wierd feedback symptoms to the VMM. The fix: removed slipper terminal from female Delphi and bypassed connector to restore Pin B function.
Recommendation: Inspect wire loom atop the DG that controls front bumper and DG controls for absence of strain on two Delphi connectors in front center of firewall above the DG. Consider moving loom wire clamp to forward inspection plate hold-down bolt to lessen strain when front slide retracted.

dhschultz39
What is Vasnco VMM, a DG and a DR-LP?
Wondering
Mel
'96 Safari

[Jim A]

The Vansco VMM is a Multiplex Module system used in 2004 and later Alpine Coaches. It runs multiplexed signals over a single conductor, allowing for less wiring to be done in the coach. Many systems are "networked" together. Some people swear by them (me included), others swear at them.

[Janet and Todd]

I think I have the DG one. Diesel Generator. He lost me at slipper foot terminal and Delphi whatchamacallit but I'm glad a solution to the issue was found.

[dhschultz39]

My apologies for assuming terminology used in my write-up applicable to Western RV Alpines would be understood by readers interested in the topic.

A few more details on the Vansco Mutiplex Module (VMM 2820) - Historically, vehicle controls are not intelligent. Outputs are connected directly to switch inputs through wires. Relays may be used to boost current, but that is still essentially point-to-point wiring. Building and installing the wire harness required to do this in a modern vehicle is very time consuming. Performing diagnostics is extremely difficult.

An alternative is to distribute small intelligent controllers that act as networked relay controllers throughout the vehicle. The modules communicate with each other over a
network and monitor each other’s status. In a multiplexed module system, when a switch (e.g., throttle position) is activated at the front of a vehicle, a module (small computer) near that switch detects the transition and broadcasts (digitizes and transmits) the switch position over the network. The module (computer) connected to the load receives this information, decodes it, and activates the load. The obvious advantage is absence of a 35' throttle cable.

In Alpines, the diesel generator (DG) is mounted on a motor-driven slide in the front of the vehicle (weight distribution consideration) that also encloses the fueling port (also a weight distribution consideration with the fuel tank forward). The electrical issue described came as a result of the slide moving fore and aft with each vehicle refueling, tugging at the pin terminals in the muti-pinned "Delphi" connectors (trade name) securely fastened to the "firewall" above the DG. Delphi connectors use a flat spade-shaped terminal that slides up and over a compressable "slipper" for the electrical contact. In my obscure case, the plastic ears internal to the Dephi that hold the slipper terminal in place (normally) when pushed on by the male spade, had broken, and permitted the female terminal to slide away from the male terminal, causing intermittent contact.

The last de-code of terminology, "Terminal A, Wht 16 Ga, DR-LP", is the nomenclature used by WRV's contractor for manufacture of the wiring harness, namely terminal A of the Delphi, white colored wire of 16 Gauge AWG, used as power for driving lights (don't know for sure what LP means).

School's out - will be more careful about use of abbreviations in the future.