12v power lost - any ideas please?

[RichardP]

I have an Autotrail Tracker with the Sargent EC225 charger and EC100 switch unit coupled with solar panels. After 3 nights wilding on Orkney the EC100 wouldn't switch on leaving us with no water pump etc. I've checked fuses on the battery, the EC225 and the little box if tricks under the floor to no avail. We've been on a site to try and charge things up with the mains. No dice there. Finally in an act of desperation I bought a new leisure battery (at an eye watering price) and still no gain.
Anyone any suggestions please?

 

[number14]

Where are you on Orkney? I'm there right now near Kirkwall. I have a multimeter and basic toolkit and could possibly help you trace the fault.

 

[RichardP]

Hi thanks that would have been great but we're now back on the mainland at Brora. Wish I'd been in touch earlier as we were at Kirkwall

 

[molly 2]

Buy a cheap multimeter , lots of tutorials on u tube , fuses can look OK but still be faulty or make a bad connection , did you ,check the fuses fitted close to the both batterys . My van has fuses in the 328 and also in an electrical box behind drivers seat .check wiring connections on inline fuses for loose crimps . Check wiring on batterys for loose or bad connections.

 

[RichardP]

Buy a cheap multimeter , lots of tutorials on u tube , fuses can look OK but still be faulty or make a bad connection , did you ,check the fuses fitted close to the both batterys . My van has fuses in the 328 and also in an electrical box behind drivers seat .check wiring connections on inline fuses for loose crimps . Check wiring on batterys for loose or bad connections.

I'm on the lookout for a multimeter now - thanks

 

[r4dent]

Follow the red lead from the leisure battery. There should be a large (20 to 50) amp in line fuse. If this blows all 12v power to the moho is lost. Mend with a new one of the same amperage.

Let us know if this is the issue.

 

[RichardP]

Follow the red lead from the leisure battery. There should be a large (20 to 50) amp in line fuse. If this blows all 12v power to the moho is lost. Mend with a new one of the same amperage.

Let us know if this is the issue.

Fuse looked ok but I swapped it anyway but it didn't make a difference. I'll check with a multi meter when I can get one - we're getting into Screwfix country now (Inverness)

 

[winks]

I have one of these https://www.screwfix.com/c/tools/multimeters/cat7910010

So good I bought a second one for home. Could just do with longer leads and some test clips but they’re dead cheap anyhow.

Cheers

H

 

[RichardP]

I have one of these https://www.screwfix.com/c/tools/multimeters/cat7910010

So good I bought a second one for home. Could just do with longer leads and some test clips but they’re dead cheap anyhow.

Cheers

H

That's the one - ordered for pickup today in Inverness

 

[Boris7]

I know this is a bit like closing the gate when the horse has already bolted but just for anyone else looking, a multimeter with continuity function is an absolute must in the MH imo, take its battery out and put it in a draw, you’ll be pleased you did one day.

 

[RichardP]

Well multimeter picked up and used. All fuses OK. Batteries reading at 13.8v and still not dice. Beginning to think it might be the controller gizmo

 

[AllanD]

Well multimeter picked up and used. All fuses OK. Batteries reading at 13.8v and still not dice. Beginning to think it might be the controller gizmo

Sargent have a very good technical support team, I’d be surprised if they couldn’t help you with this problem, you can get them on 01482 678981.

 

[RichardP]

Well that's certainly worth a whirl Thanks

 

[Herman]

I cannot remember fully the symptom of the problem we had, but in our last motorhome, an 2004 Autotrail Cheyenne and the Sargent control unit above the door failed and we lost the certain 12v services, I bought another controller from Sargent, and that cure the problem, as it wasn't to badly priced I bought a spare to carry because we were stuffed when it went and the thought of it failing again when we was aboard wasn't worth thinking about.

 

[RichardP]

Thanks - I'm going to need a trailer for all the spares

 

[1 Cup]

Nòooooooo Not multi a clamp meter is better.

 

[Costers]

Hi thanks that would have been great but we're now back on the mainland at Brora. Wish I'd been in touch earlier as we were at Kirkwall

There is a place at Edderton near Tain. They may be able to help. Sutherlands it is a goldmine of stuff. Call in a week ago so will be open.

 

[AllanD]

Well that's certainly worth a whirl Thanks

Did you get anywhere with Sargent? If you haven’t phoned yet just so you know they finish early on Fridays, 12:30 I think.

 

[RichardP]

Thanks - it looks like the unit needs sending back for repair

 

[RichardP]

Repair update:
My local mobile repair man came today and sorted it out. A simple fix - remove the control unit from the panel (2 screws) unplug the connection, leave it for 2 minutes and reconnect. Hey presto all working again - and I know what to do now, so £50 well spent (as opposed to the £180 I shelled out for the replacement leisure battery in Lerwick).