A couple of weeks ago I bought a Sony Ericssson car kit from someone I 
know.
First time I connected it up it worked for 10 minutes then when I turned the 
car off and restarted it - nothing.

Thinking I might have pulled a wire loose somehow I removed the whole thing 
and retested it and it's been refusing to play nicely ever since.

To power it , there are three wires - Black for earth - Red for permanent 
12v and Blue for ignition sense that needs to be connected to a switched 12v 
supply.

I reconnected the power wires to the fuse box (once fuse for switched 12v 
and another for permanent 12v plus a handy earth) and checked that I was 
getting the correct voltages at the connector where it goes into the car 
kit.

Plugged it together , switched on the ignition and nothing happened - no 
signs of life. Rechecked everything - definitely getting 12v at the 
connector where it goes into the car kit but it won't work.

I removed it all as I'd run out of time and then tried again a couple of 
days later with the same results. Thinking this was very odd I got my 
multimeter out again and measured the volatage that I was getting at the 
fuse with it connected to the car kit , and with the ignition off I was 
getting 12v. If I turned the ignition on so that the ingition sense has a 
12v feed but didn't start the engine , the voltage on both switched and 
permanent 12v lines dropped to just 5v. When I started the engine the 
voltage went back up to 12v and everything started working. I've fitted a 
fair few stereos in the past and never seen anything like this before - I 
can't understand why the voltage should drop that much.

I didn't have time to finish off so once again I disconnected everything and 
I've just come back to look at it today. I've reconnected to the fusebox and 
checked that I have the correct voltages where the cable plugs into the car 
kit - all good.
This is wired exactly as it was last time , but now it won't power up at all 
with the engine running or not. Thinking I may be going mad I've connected 
the permanent and switched 12v wires directly to the 12v feed going into the 
back of the fusebox - nothing. I definitely have the power going into it but 
there's no life.

That would suggest that the car kit is faulty , but just wanting to confirm 
things I popped the bonnet and connected it directly to the battery and it 
works just fine.
Back to the fusebox - no life , back to the battery direct - working.

Now this is a total mystery to me. It seems to vary from week to week the 
situations in which it will and won't power up and I'm checking all the 
connections with a multimeter and it *is* getting power. Why should it be 
happy with 12v in one place and not in another?

-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

Dr Zoidberg <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:

> Now this is a total mystery to me. It seems to vary from week to week the
> situations in which it will and won't power up and I'm checking all the
> connections with a multimeter and it *is* getting power. Why should it be
> happy with 12v in one place and not in another?

It's that dodgy Czech build quality.

Should have bought a proper VW rather than a cheap Commie copy ;-)
-- 
SteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark
Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL
BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC #

Dr Zoidberg <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:

> Now this is a total mystery to me. It seems to vary from week to week the
> situations in which it will and won't power up and I'm checking all the
> connections with a multimeter and it *is* getting power. Why should it be
> happy with 12v in one place and not in another?

It's that dodgy Czech build quality.

Should have bought a proper VW rather than a cheap Commie copy ;-)
-- 
SteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark
Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL
BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC #

Has it got a decent earth?

Ged wrote:
> Has it got a decent earth?

Yes.
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

Dr Zoidberg <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:

> Now this is a total mystery to me. It seems to vary from week to week the
> situations in which it will and won't power up and I'm checking all the
> connections with a multimeter and it *is* getting power. Why should it be
> happy with 12v in one place and not in another?

It's that dodgy Czech build quality.

Should have bought a proper VW rather than a cheap Commie copy ;-)
-- 
SteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark
Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL
BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC #

Has it got a decent earth?

Ged wrote:
> Has it got a decent earth?

Yes.
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

On Aug 11, 4:30 pm, "Dr Zoidberg"
<alexNOOOOOO!!!!...@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:
> Ged wrote:
> > Has it got a decent earth?
>
> Yes.
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

What year is the vehicle? If its a newer model it might have CAN/VAN/
Multiplex wiring. Some ignition feeds will drop out and do funny
things under very little current draw.

Ged wrote:
> On Aug 11, 4:30 pm, "Dr Zoidberg"
> <alexNOOOOOO!!!!...@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:
>> Ged wrote:
>>> Has it got a decent earth?
>>
>> Yes.
>> --
>> Alex
>>
>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>
>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>
> What year is the vehicle? If its a newer model it might have CAN/VAN/
> Multiplex wiring. Some ignition feeds will drop out and do funny
> things under very little current draw.

It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

>
> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit? If you are I would
probably try running a feed from the barrel or lighter socket (if its
12v ign), pick a nice think wire. The ones at the head unit and other
locations are probably linked into the CAN bus stuff. I don't really
understand CAN bus but I know it does some funky stuff when you try
tapping anything onto it, any current draw can cause problems.

> 12v ign), pick a nice think wire. The ones at the head unit and other


.....not sure what a think wire is...probably best to try a thick
wire:)

Dr Zoidberg <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:

> Now this is a total mystery to me. It seems to vary from week to week the
> situations in which it will and won't power up and I'm checking all the
> connections with a multimeter and it *is* getting power. Why should it be
> happy with 12v in one place and not in another?

It's that dodgy Czech build quality.

Should have bought a proper VW rather than a cheap Commie copy ;-)
-- 
SteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark
Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL
BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC #

Has it got a decent earth?

Ged wrote:
> Has it got a decent earth?

Yes.
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

On Aug 11, 4:30 pm, "Dr Zoidberg"
<alexNOOOOOO!!!!...@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:
> Ged wrote:
> > Has it got a decent earth?
>
> Yes.
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

What year is the vehicle? If its a newer model it might have CAN/VAN/
Multiplex wiring. Some ignition feeds will drop out and do funny
things under very little current draw.

Ged wrote:
> On Aug 11, 4:30 pm, "Dr Zoidberg"
> <alexNOOOOOO!!!!...@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:
>> Ged wrote:
>>> Has it got a decent earth?
>>
>> Yes.
>> --
>> Alex
>>
>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>
>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>
> What year is the vehicle? If its a newer model it might have CAN/VAN/
> Multiplex wiring. Some ignition feeds will drop out and do funny
> things under very little current draw.

It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

>
> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit? If you are I would
probably try running a feed from the barrel or lighter socket (if its
12v ign), pick a nice think wire. The ones at the head unit and other
locations are probably linked into the CAN bus stuff. I don't really
understand CAN bus but I know it does some funky stuff when you try
tapping anything onto it, any current draw can cause problems.

> 12v ign), pick a nice think wire. The ones at the head unit and other


.....not sure what a think wire is...probably best to try a thick
wire:)

Ged wrote:
>> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
>> --
>> Alex
>>
>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>
>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>
> Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit?

Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

> Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

Hmmm, I would try going onto the back of the barrel or lighter.....it
would rule out any problems on the ignition at least.

"Dr Zoidberg" <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote in message 
news:5i69v6F3mqligU1@mid.individual.net...
> Ged wrote:
>>> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
>>> --
>>> Alex
>>>
>>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>>
>>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>>
>> Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit?
>
> Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals

With it being CAN Bus, the fuse box most likely isn't just a fuse box. It'll 
have a CAN controller built in, and chances are you've probably picked up 
two fuses that are controlled by the CAN controller for optional extras. 
Hence the strange goings on with voltages.

Professional installers will always take a feed direct from the battery, and 
unless they can find a suitable ignition controlled wire, they'll wire the 
kit up so it's permanently on. It just means you don't get the option of the 
phone turning off with the ignition (most handsfree kits will work with the 
igntion off anyway).

Dr Zoidberg <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:

> Now this is a total mystery to me. It seems to vary from week to week the
> situations in which it will and won't power up and I'm checking all the
> connections with a multimeter and it *is* getting power. Why should it be
> happy with 12v in one place and not in another?

It's that dodgy Czech build quality.

Should have bought a proper VW rather than a cheap Commie copy ;-)
-- 
SteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark
Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL
BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC #

Has it got a decent earth?

Ged wrote:
> Has it got a decent earth?

Yes.
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

On Aug 11, 4:30 pm, "Dr Zoidberg"
<alexNOOOOOO!!!!...@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:
> Ged wrote:
> > Has it got a decent earth?
>
> Yes.
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

What year is the vehicle? If its a newer model it might have CAN/VAN/
Multiplex wiring. Some ignition feeds will drop out and do funny
things under very little current draw.

Ged wrote:
> On Aug 11, 4:30 pm, "Dr Zoidberg"
> <alexNOOOOOO!!!!...@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:
>> Ged wrote:
>>> Has it got a decent earth?
>>
>> Yes.
>> --
>> Alex
>>
>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>
>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>
> What year is the vehicle? If its a newer model it might have CAN/VAN/
> Multiplex wiring. Some ignition feeds will drop out and do funny
> things under very little current draw.

It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

>
> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit? If you are I would
probably try running a feed from the barrel or lighter socket (if its
12v ign), pick a nice think wire. The ones at the head unit and other
locations are probably linked into the CAN bus stuff. I don't really
understand CAN bus but I know it does some funky stuff when you try
tapping anything onto it, any current draw can cause problems.

> 12v ign), pick a nice think wire. The ones at the head unit and other


.....not sure what a think wire is...probably best to try a thick
wire:)

Ged wrote:
>> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
>> --
>> Alex
>>
>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>
>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>
> Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit?

Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

> Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

Hmmm, I would try going onto the back of the barrel or lighter.....it
would rule out any problems on the ignition at least.

"Dr Zoidberg" <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote in message 
news:5i69v6F3mqligU1@mid.individual.net...
> Ged wrote:
>>> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
>>> --
>>> Alex
>>>
>>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>>
>>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>>
>> Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit?
>
> Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals

With it being CAN Bus, the fuse box most likely isn't just a fuse box. It'll 
have a CAN controller built in, and chances are you've probably picked up 
two fuses that are controlled by the CAN controller for optional extras. 
Hence the strange goings on with voltages.

Professional installers will always take a feed direct from the battery, and 
unless they can find a suitable ignition controlled wire, they'll wire the 
kit up so it's permanently on. It just means you don't get the option of the 
phone turning off with the ignition (most handsfree kits will work with the 
igntion off anyway).

Dr Zoidberg <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:

> Now this is a total mystery to me. It seems to vary from week to week the
> situations in which it will and won't power up and I'm checking all the
> connections with a multimeter and it *is* getting power. Why should it be
> happy with 12v in one place and not in another?

It's that dodgy Czech build quality.

Should have bought a proper VW rather than a cheap Commie copy ;-)
-- 
SteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark
Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL
BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC #

Has it got a decent earth?

Ged wrote:
> Has it got a decent earth?

Yes.
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

On Aug 11, 4:30 pm, "Dr Zoidberg"
<alexNOOOOOO!!!!...@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:
> Ged wrote:
> > Has it got a decent earth?
>
> Yes.
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

What year is the vehicle? If its a newer model it might have CAN/VAN/
Multiplex wiring. Some ignition feeds will drop out and do funny
things under very little current draw.

Ged wrote:
> On Aug 11, 4:30 pm, "Dr Zoidberg"
> <alexNOOOOOO!!!!...@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:
>> Ged wrote:
>>> Has it got a decent earth?
>>
>> Yes.
>> --
>> Alex
>>
>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>
>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>
> What year is the vehicle? If its a newer model it might have CAN/VAN/
> Multiplex wiring. Some ignition feeds will drop out and do funny
> things under very little current draw.

It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

>
> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit? If you are I would
probably try running a feed from the barrel or lighter socket (if its
12v ign), pick a nice think wire. The ones at the head unit and other
locations are probably linked into the CAN bus stuff. I don't really
understand CAN bus but I know it does some funky stuff when you try
tapping anything onto it, any current draw can cause problems.

> 12v ign), pick a nice think wire. The ones at the head unit and other


.....not sure what a think wire is...probably best to try a thick
wire:)

Ged wrote:
>> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
>> --
>> Alex
>>
>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>
>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>
> Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit?

Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

> Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

Hmmm, I would try going onto the back of the barrel or lighter.....it
would rule out any problems on the ignition at least.

"Dr Zoidberg" <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote in message 
news:5i69v6F3mqligU1@mid.individual.net...
> Ged wrote:
>>> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
>>> --
>>> Alex
>>>
>>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>>
>>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>>
>> Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit?
>
> Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals

With it being CAN Bus, the fuse box most likely isn't just a fuse box. It'll 
have a CAN controller built in, and chances are you've probably picked up 
two fuses that are controlled by the CAN controller for optional extras. 
Hence the strange goings on with voltages.

Professional installers will always take a feed direct from the battery, and 
unless they can find a suitable ignition controlled wire, they'll wire the 
kit up so it's permanently on. It just means you don't get the option of the 
phone turning off with the ignition (most handsfree kits will work with the 
igntion off anyway).

moray wrote:
> "Dr Zoidberg" <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:5i69v6F3mqligU1@mid.individual.net...
>> Ged wrote:
>>>> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
>>>> --
>>>> Alex
>>>>
>>>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>>>
>>>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>>>
>>> Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit?
>>
>> Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals
>
> With it being CAN Bus, the fuse box most likely isn't just a fuse
> box. It'll have a CAN controller built in, and chances are you've
> probably picked up two fuses that are controlled by the CAN
> controller for optional extras.

The fuse that I've used for the switched live is labelled with a phone 
symbol , suggesting it's designed for a car kit.
The other one I can't remember off the top of my head.

> Hence the strange goings on with voltages.

Indeed.

> Professional installers will always take a feed direct from the
> battery, and unless they can find a suitable ignition controlled
> wire, they'll wire the kit up so it's permanently on. It just means
> you don't get the option of the phone turning off with the ignition
> (most handsfree kits will work with the igntion off anyway).

I'd rather not have the continual drain , even if it is low.
Looks like I'll have to try and find a route through from the engine bay for 
a permanent 12v though
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

I would personally take the feeds from the back of the barrel. Good
luck with it whichever route you go.

Dr Zoidberg <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:

> Now this is a total mystery to me. It seems to vary from week to week the
> situations in which it will and won't power up and I'm checking all the
> connections with a multimeter and it *is* getting power. Why should it be
> happy with 12v in one place and not in another?

It's that dodgy Czech build quality.

Should have bought a proper VW rather than a cheap Commie copy ;-)
-- 
SteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark
Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL
BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC #

Has it got a decent earth?

Ged wrote:
> Has it got a decent earth?

Yes.
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

On Aug 11, 4:30 pm, "Dr Zoidberg"
<alexNOOOOOO!!!!...@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:
> Ged wrote:
> > Has it got a decent earth?
>
> Yes.
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

What year is the vehicle? If its a newer model it might have CAN/VAN/
Multiplex wiring. Some ignition feeds will drop out and do funny
things under very little current draw.

Ged wrote:
> On Aug 11, 4:30 pm, "Dr Zoidberg"
> <alexNOOOOOO!!!!...@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:
>> Ged wrote:
>>> Has it got a decent earth?
>>
>> Yes.
>> --
>> Alex
>>
>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>
>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>
> What year is the vehicle? If its a newer model it might have CAN/VAN/
> Multiplex wiring. Some ignition feeds will drop out and do funny
> things under very little current draw.

It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

>
> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit? If you are I would
probably try running a feed from the barrel or lighter socket (if its
12v ign), pick a nice think wire. The ones at the head unit and other
locations are probably linked into the CAN bus stuff. I don't really
understand CAN bus but I know it does some funky stuff when you try
tapping anything onto it, any current draw can cause problems.

> 12v ign), pick a nice think wire. The ones at the head unit and other


.....not sure what a think wire is...probably best to try a thick
wire:)

Ged wrote:
>> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
>> --
>> Alex
>>
>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>
>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>
> Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit?

Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

> Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

Hmmm, I would try going onto the back of the barrel or lighter.....it
would rule out any problems on the ignition at least.

"Dr Zoidberg" <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote in message 
news:5i69v6F3mqligU1@mid.individual.net...
> Ged wrote:
>>> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
>>> --
>>> Alex
>>>
>>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>>
>>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>>
>> Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit?
>
> Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals

With it being CAN Bus, the fuse box most likely isn't just a fuse box. It'll 
have a CAN controller built in, and chances are you've probably picked up 
two fuses that are controlled by the CAN controller for optional extras. 
Hence the strange goings on with voltages.

Professional installers will always take a feed direct from the battery, and 
unless they can find a suitable ignition controlled wire, they'll wire the 
kit up so it's permanently on. It just means you don't get the option of the 
phone turning off with the ignition (most handsfree kits will work with the 
igntion off anyway).

moray wrote:
> "Dr Zoidberg" <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:5i69v6F3mqligU1@mid.individual.net...
>> Ged wrote:
>>>> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
>>>> --
>>>> Alex
>>>>
>>>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>>>
>>>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>>>
>>> Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit?
>>
>> Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals
>
> With it being CAN Bus, the fuse box most likely isn't just a fuse
> box. It'll have a CAN controller built in, and chances are you've
> probably picked up two fuses that are controlled by the CAN
> controller for optional extras.

The fuse that I've used for the switched live is labelled with a phone 
symbol , suggesting it's designed for a car kit.
The other one I can't remember off the top of my head.

> Hence the strange goings on with voltages.

Indeed.

> Professional installers will always take a feed direct from the
> battery, and unless they can find a suitable ignition controlled
> wire, they'll wire the kit up so it's permanently on. It just means
> you don't get the option of the phone turning off with the ignition
> (most handsfree kits will work with the igntion off anyway).

I'd rather not have the continual drain , even if it is low.
Looks like I'll have to try and find a route through from the engine bay for 
a permanent 12v though
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

I would personally take the feeds from the back of the barrel. Good
luck with it whichever route you go.

Dr Zoidberg <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:

> Now this is a total mystery to me. It seems to vary from week to week the
> situations in which it will and won't power up and I'm checking all the
> connections with a multimeter and it *is* getting power. Why should it be
> happy with 12v in one place and not in another?

It's that dodgy Czech build quality.

Should have bought a proper VW rather than a cheap Commie copy ;-)
-- 
SteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark
Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL
BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC #

Has it got a decent earth?

Ged wrote:
> Has it got a decent earth?

Yes.
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

On Aug 11, 4:30 pm, "Dr Zoidberg"
<alexNOOOOOO!!!!...@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:
> Ged wrote:
> > Has it got a decent earth?
>
> Yes.
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

What year is the vehicle? If its a newer model it might have CAN/VAN/
Multiplex wiring. Some ignition feeds will drop out and do funny
things under very little current draw.

Ged wrote:
> On Aug 11, 4:30 pm, "Dr Zoidberg"
> <alexNOOOOOO!!!!...@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:
>> Ged wrote:
>>> Has it got a decent earth?
>>
>> Yes.
>> --
>> Alex
>>
>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>
>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>
> What year is the vehicle? If its a newer model it might have CAN/VAN/
> Multiplex wiring. Some ignition feeds will drop out and do funny
> things under very little current draw.

It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

>
> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit? If you are I would
probably try running a feed from the barrel or lighter socket (if its
12v ign), pick a nice think wire. The ones at the head unit and other
locations are probably linked into the CAN bus stuff. I don't really
understand CAN bus but I know it does some funky stuff when you try
tapping anything onto it, any current draw can cause problems.

> 12v ign), pick a nice think wire. The ones at the head unit and other


.....not sure what a think wire is...probably best to try a thick
wire:)

Ged wrote:
>> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
>> --
>> Alex
>>
>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>
>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>
> Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit?

Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

> Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

Hmmm, I would try going onto the back of the barrel or lighter.....it
would rule out any problems on the ignition at least.

"Dr Zoidberg" <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote in message 
news:5i69v6F3mqligU1@mid.individual.net...
> Ged wrote:
>>> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
>>> --
>>> Alex
>>>
>>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>>
>>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>>
>> Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit?
>
> Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals

With it being CAN Bus, the fuse box most likely isn't just a fuse box. It'll 
have a CAN controller built in, and chances are you've probably picked up 
two fuses that are controlled by the CAN controller for optional extras. 
Hence the strange goings on with voltages.

Professional installers will always take a feed direct from the battery, and 
unless they can find a suitable ignition controlled wire, they'll wire the 
kit up so it's permanently on. It just means you don't get the option of the 
phone turning off with the ignition (most handsfree kits will work with the 
igntion off anyway).

moray wrote:
> "Dr Zoidberg" <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:5i69v6F3mqligU1@mid.individual.net...
>> Ged wrote:
>>>> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
>>>> --
>>>> Alex
>>>>
>>>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>>>
>>>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>>>
>>> Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit?
>>
>> Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals
>
> With it being CAN Bus, the fuse box most likely isn't just a fuse
> box. It'll have a CAN controller built in, and chances are you've
> probably picked up two fuses that are controlled by the CAN
> controller for optional extras.

The fuse that I've used for the switched live is labelled with a phone 
symbol , suggesting it's designed for a car kit.
The other one I can't remember off the top of my head.

> Hence the strange goings on with voltages.

Indeed.

> Professional installers will always take a feed direct from the
> battery, and unless they can find a suitable ignition controlled
> wire, they'll wire the kit up so it's permanently on. It just means
> you don't get the option of the phone turning off with the ignition
> (most handsfree kits will work with the igntion off anyway).

I'd rather not have the continual drain , even if it is low.
Looks like I'll have to try and find a route through from the engine bay for 
a permanent 12v though
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

I would personally take the feeds from the back of the barrel. Good
luck with it whichever route you go.

Dr Zoidberg <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:

> Now this is a total mystery to me. It seems to vary from week to week the
> situations in which it will and won't power up and I'm checking all the
> connections with a multimeter and it *is* getting power. Why should it be
> happy with 12v in one place and not in another?

It's that dodgy Czech build quality.

Should have bought a proper VW rather than a cheap Commie copy ;-)
-- 
SteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark
Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL
BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC #

Has it got a decent earth?

Ged wrote:
> Has it got a decent earth?

Yes.
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

On Aug 11, 4:30 pm, "Dr Zoidberg"
<alexNOOOOOO!!!!...@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:
> Ged wrote:
> > Has it got a decent earth?
>
> Yes.
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

What year is the vehicle? If its a newer model it might have CAN/VAN/
Multiplex wiring. Some ignition feeds will drop out and do funny
things under very little current draw.

Ged wrote:
> On Aug 11, 4:30 pm, "Dr Zoidberg"
> <alexNOOOOOO!!!!...@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:
>> Ged wrote:
>>> Has it got a decent earth?
>>
>> Yes.
>> --
>> Alex
>>
>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>
>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>
> What year is the vehicle? If its a newer model it might have CAN/VAN/
> Multiplex wiring. Some ignition feeds will drop out and do funny
> things under very little current draw.

It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

>
> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit? If you are I would
probably try running a feed from the barrel or lighter socket (if its
12v ign), pick a nice think wire. The ones at the head unit and other
locations are probably linked into the CAN bus stuff. I don't really
understand CAN bus but I know it does some funky stuff when you try
tapping anything onto it, any current draw can cause problems.

> 12v ign), pick a nice think wire. The ones at the head unit and other


.....not sure what a think wire is...probably best to try a thick
wire:)

Ged wrote:
>> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
>> --
>> Alex
>>
>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>
>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>
> Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit?

Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

> Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

Hmmm, I would try going onto the back of the barrel or lighter.....it
would rule out any problems on the ignition at least.

"Dr Zoidberg" <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote in message 
news:5i69v6F3mqligU1@mid.individual.net...
> Ged wrote:
>>> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
>>> --
>>> Alex
>>>
>>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>>
>>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>>
>> Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit?
>
> Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals

With it being CAN Bus, the fuse box most likely isn't just a fuse box. It'll 
have a CAN controller built in, and chances are you've probably picked up 
two fuses that are controlled by the CAN controller for optional extras. 
Hence the strange goings on with voltages.

Professional installers will always take a feed direct from the battery, and 
unless they can find a suitable ignition controlled wire, they'll wire the 
kit up so it's permanently on. It just means you don't get the option of the 
phone turning off with the ignition (most handsfree kits will work with the 
igntion off anyway).

moray wrote:
> "Dr Zoidberg" <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:5i69v6F3mqligU1@mid.individual.net...
>> Ged wrote:
>>>> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
>>>> --
>>>> Alex
>>>>
>>>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>>>
>>>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>>>
>>> Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit?
>>
>> Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals
>
> With it being CAN Bus, the fuse box most likely isn't just a fuse
> box. It'll have a CAN controller built in, and chances are you've
> probably picked up two fuses that are controlled by the CAN
> controller for optional extras.

The fuse that I've used for the switched live is labelled with a phone 
symbol , suggesting it's designed for a car kit.
The other one I can't remember off the top of my head.

> Hence the strange goings on with voltages.

Indeed.

> Professional installers will always take a feed direct from the
> battery, and unless they can find a suitable ignition controlled
> wire, they'll wire the kit up so it's permanently on. It just means
> you don't get the option of the phone turning off with the ignition
> (most handsfree kits will work with the igntion off anyway).

I'd rather not have the continual drain , even if it is low.
Looks like I'll have to try and find a route through from the engine bay for 
a permanent 12v though
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

I would personally take the feeds from the back of the barrel. Good
luck with it whichever route you go.

Dr Zoidberg <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:

> Now this is a total mystery to me. It seems to vary from week to week the
> situations in which it will and won't power up and I'm checking all the
> connections with a multimeter and it *is* getting power. Why should it be
> happy with 12v in one place and not in another?

It's that dodgy Czech build quality.

Should have bought a proper VW rather than a cheap Commie copy ;-)
-- 
SteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark
Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL
BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC #

Has it got a decent earth?

Ged wrote:
> Has it got a decent earth?

Yes.
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

On Aug 11, 4:30 pm, "Dr Zoidberg"
<alexNOOOOOO!!!!...@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:
> Ged wrote:
> > Has it got a decent earth?
>
> Yes.
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

What year is the vehicle? If its a newer model it might have CAN/VAN/
Multiplex wiring. Some ignition feeds will drop out and do funny
things under very little current draw.

Ged wrote:
> On Aug 11, 4:30 pm, "Dr Zoidberg"
> <alexNOOOOOO!!!!...@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:
>> Ged wrote:
>>> Has it got a decent earth?
>>
>> Yes.
>> --
>> Alex
>>
>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>
>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>
> What year is the vehicle? If its a newer model it might have CAN/VAN/
> Multiplex wiring. Some ignition feeds will drop out and do funny
> things under very little current draw.

It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

>
> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit? If you are I would
probably try running a feed from the barrel or lighter socket (if its
12v ign), pick a nice think wire. The ones at the head unit and other
locations are probably linked into the CAN bus stuff. I don't really
understand CAN bus but I know it does some funky stuff when you try
tapping anything onto it, any current draw can cause problems.

> 12v ign), pick a nice think wire. The ones at the head unit and other


.....not sure what a think wire is...probably best to try a thick
wire:)

Ged wrote:
>> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
>> --
>> Alex
>>
>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>
>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>
> Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit?

Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

> Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

Hmmm, I would try going onto the back of the barrel or lighter.....it
would rule out any problems on the ignition at least.

"Dr Zoidberg" <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote in message 
news:5i69v6F3mqligU1@mid.individual.net...
> Ged wrote:
>>> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
>>> --
>>> Alex
>>>
>>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>>
>>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>>
>> Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit?
>
> Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals

With it being CAN Bus, the fuse box most likely isn't just a fuse box. It'll 
have a CAN controller built in, and chances are you've probably picked up 
two fuses that are controlled by the CAN controller for optional extras. 
Hence the strange goings on with voltages.

Professional installers will always take a feed direct from the battery, and 
unless they can find a suitable ignition controlled wire, they'll wire the 
kit up so it's permanently on. It just means you don't get the option of the 
phone turning off with the ignition (most handsfree kits will work with the 
igntion off anyway).

moray wrote:
> "Dr Zoidberg" <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:5i69v6F3mqligU1@mid.individual.net...
>> Ged wrote:
>>>> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
>>>> --
>>>> Alex
>>>>
>>>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>>>
>>>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>>>
>>> Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit?
>>
>> Nope , into the fuse box onto a couple of spare terminals
>
> With it being CAN Bus, the fuse box most likely isn't just a fuse
> box. It'll have a CAN controller built in, and chances are you've
> probably picked up two fuses that are controlled by the CAN
> controller for optional extras.

The fuse that I've used for the switched live is labelled with a phone 
symbol , suggesting it's designed for a car kit.
The other one I can't remember off the top of my head.

> Hence the strange goings on with voltages.

Indeed.

> Professional installers will always take a feed direct from the
> battery, and unless they can find a suitable ignition controlled
> wire, they'll wire the kit up so it's permanently on. It just means
> you don't get the option of the phone turning off with the ignition
> (most handsfree kits will work with the igntion off anyway).

I'd rather not have the continual drain , even if it is low.
Looks like I'll have to try and find a route through from the engine bay for 
a permanent 12v though
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

I would personally take the feeds from the back of the barrel. Good
luck with it whichever route you go.

Dr Zoidberg <alexNOOOOOO!!!!!!!@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:

> Now this is a total mystery to me. It seems to vary from week to week the
> situations in which it will and won't power up and I'm checking all the
> connections with a multimeter and it *is* getting power. Why should it be
> happy with 12v in one place and not in another?

It's that dodgy Czech build quality.

Should have bought a proper VW rather than a cheap Commie copy ;-)
-- 
SteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark
Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL
BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC #

Has it got a decent earth?

Ged wrote:
> Has it got a decent earth?

Yes.
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

On Aug 11, 4:30 pm, "Dr Zoidberg"
<alexNOOOOOO!!!!...@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:
> Ged wrote:
> > Has it got a decent earth?
>
> Yes.
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

What year is the vehicle? If its a newer model it might have CAN/VAN/
Multiplex wiring. Some ignition feeds will drop out and do funny
things under very little current draw.

Ged wrote:
> On Aug 11, 4:30 pm, "Dr Zoidberg"
> <alexNOOOOOO!!!!...@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:
>> Ged wrote:
>>> Has it got a decent earth?
>>
>> Yes.
>> --
>> Alex
>>
>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>
>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>
> What year is the vehicle? If its a newer model it might have CAN/VAN/
> Multiplex wiring. Some ignition feeds will drop out and do funny
> things under very little current draw.

It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
-- 
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"

www.drzoidberg.co.uk www.ebayfaq.co.uk

>
> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
> --
> Alex
>
> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>
> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk

Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit? If you are I would
probably try running a feed from the barrel or lighter socket (if its
12v ign), pick a nice think wire. The ones at the head unit and other
locations are probably linked into the CAN bus stuff. I don't really
understand CAN bus but I know it does some funky stuff when you try
tapping anything onto it, any current draw can cause problems.

> 12v ign), pick a nice think wire. The ones at the head unit and other


.....not sure what a think wire is...probably best to try a thick
wire:)

Ged wrote:
>> It's an 06 octavia and it does have CAN-Bus wiring
>> --
>> Alex
>>
>> "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away"
>>
>> www.drzoidberg.co.ukwww.ebayfaq.co.uk
>
> Are you using the ignition feed at the head unit?

Nope , into the fuse box