Couple of electrical questions

[timhowes]

1. My solar panel sends no measurable current when my surfboard is on the roofrack, covering approx 1/3 of the area, yet with the rest of the panel in bright sunlight. Is this normal? Not a problem if so, just thought it was a bit odd.

2. My AFT opens effortlessly with the alternator running (approx 14V) compared with not running (approx 12.7V). Is this normal or a sign my AFT motor is in ill-health?

Thanks in anticipation for any help as ever
Tim

[g8dhe]

1. Yes quite possible, the individual cells making up the panel are normally connected in strings of 36 cells in series the number of strings and ordering of the positions varies a lot. But yes anything blocking the light to the majority of cells will cause zero output from the panel as a whole.

2.Yes normal, the manual requires you to have the engine running! The load on the battery going either up/down is likely to cause you starting problem if done with out alternator assistance more than a couple of times! They take around 20 Amps and being the longest cabling run in the vehicle there is a significant voltage drop!. To help however do clean and polish the chrome section of the gas struts and consider using the Factsheet on the club site to refurbish and clean up the motors.

[timhowes]

Thanks, clearly I should have RTFM! Although I don't have one...

Is it wise to have the alternator running to put the lid down too, even with gravity on its side?

[g8dhe]

Yes both ways, the gas struts expand and assist on the lift but need to be compressed on the lowering so swings and roundabouts!

[timhowes]

Got it. Thanks. Will help my poor roof out from now on