Electric problem

[Romanymarea]

Hi we are having an intermittent problem with the interior electrics...at times there is nothing working at all ,then maybe after a day it all comes back we have tried resetting the control panel but no joy.....we have a solar panel connected to both the engine and .measure batteries-.it seems to happen after a long journey..it is now at the garage with an electrical mechanic looking at it,he cant find anything g wrong because it was working when we took it to him...any ideas about what we can get him to try,its frustrating to say the least ..thanks in advance

 

[maingate]

It would help if you gave details of which van you have.

 

[Deleted member 80008]

As well as the suggestion of the vehicle in question, if possible the distribution unit (this typically is under a seat somewhere housing all of your 12v fuses for the different system in the motorhome).

 

[Fisherman]

Unfortunately you have an intermittent fault which can be very difficult to diagnose.
But from your description it appears to be a poor connection, and possibly after a long journey the connection loosens owing to your engine heating up, or it could be caused by the van moving. What an electrician should be looking for is a higher than normal resistance reading, this can lead to diagnosing were the fault lies, but unfortunately this does not always show up. Possibly the fault may go from intermittent to a permanent fault, in which case it will be simple to trace. I would suspect the fault lies within your control panel. Check that the main input fuse is secure. Hope you get it sorted.

 

[Tookey]

Do all the circuits go into fault at the same time? Is there any factor in common with the fault such as wet weather or short journeys? Is there any flickering of lights or do you lose all power in an instant?
When the fault clears have you driven your vehicle or are you still stationary from when the fault occurred or can both scenarios happen? I ask because with intermittents it might be easier to locate the fault by taking out as many variables as possible ie if all circuits fail at the same time you have immediately identified the fault is 'before' your fuses. A sucessful voltage check across your battery when in fault will then reduce the possibilities again as your fault is now between your leisure battery and fuse board.

Apologies if I am stating the obvious as I have been a member for a very short time and am not aware of your knowledge and background.

 

[Tookey]

Apologies, I have re read your post and you stated 'after long journeys'

 

[Tezza33]

If it is a British built motorhome it could have a relay that cuts off the interior electrics when you are driving, if your fault is after a long journey it could be sticking.
As others have said more information about the van would help

 

[Martin P]

Is there a switch on the interior electrics control panel that turns all the interior electrics on and off

 

[molly 2]

I have had my electrics go of when the solar panel has over voltage the system ,then the control system sencer shut down.

 

[Martin P]

I have had my electrics go of when the solar panel has over voltage the system ,then the control system sencer shut down.

Was it an original equipment solar panel. What is the distribution/ charging system make. What control system. Sorry to ask so many questions but all this info is really helpful for the site knowledge base