Terminal 15 ?

[Richtherivetcounter]

After three years of not touching my 1.6HDi, I've finally had to get the tools out as a stone marten has started shredding the under-bonnet insulation (they are quite a problem here in Belgium). At the moment, the blighter seems to have left the cables and hoses alone.

I dropped in to the local accessory shop where they sell cheapish ultrasonic deterrents. "No worries. It's fused, just connect it to the battery and earth...".

That's straightforward enough, there is a nice unused terminal on the battery fuse plate and indeed the device is working.

However, in the rather confusing instructions (they are better in Dutch than English but still not good), in addition to a drawing showing wiring direct to battery there is the statement that in cars so-equipped, the earth should be via 'Terminal 15' so that it only activates when the ignition is switched off.

A quick 'Google' only seems to show this 'terminal 15' terminology in connection with BMWs and Volkswagens....so my question is whether there is a similar function on the Berlingo and if it is reasonably accessible within the engine compartment.

I've also read a suggestion that EU regs don't allow the device to work when the engine is running (would it scare passing dogs ?)

At the moment, I have it wired in and can simply remove the in-line fuse before driving but this will become tiresome if I have to do it for long.

I'm more up to speed on dynamos and magnetos and my electrical education seemed to  tail off at some point in the late 1970s...but I can use a multi-meter. An indication of a ready and waiting terminal would be really handy though.

[Macca79]

Hi, Terminal 15 is a term used on vehicle wiring diagrams, the '15' refers to an ignition supply, a live supply usually.If your unit is to work with the ignition off I'm assuming your instructions is looking for an earth with the ignition off, without looking at a specific vehicle diagram I'd be unsure where to look,although within the under bonnet fuse box with the use of a probe / multimeter, you may find a suitable earth. Good luck

[ffrenchie]

Put some really strong smelling aftershave or some camphor oil under the bonnet when you park up like getting rid of cats.