Electrical Losing 12V circuits, but fuses OK...

[ROnEM]

We used the van (17.56-2 OB) over the weekend, and a number of 12v circuits have stopped working.

1st it manifested as no power to the Thetford C400 flush pump, then the lamp to the rear fold out bed, exterior lamp at rear of van over toilet cassette door, the oven won't light - no spark, HWS won't light when on gas, and two of the 12V outlets have no power - under the dinette table and at the front bed where the TV plugs in.

I have checked all the fuses and they are all OK - replaced them all to make sure and tested with a multi-meter.

All other 12v lights, range hood lights & fan and plugs are working.

Wiring to the Setec looks OK.

Have not tried the circuits without the Setec - direct connecting them to the 12V batteries to test.

Has the Setec crapped out? It is only 18 months old!

Any ideas?

Regards,

Ro

 

[Colsar]

not sure but plenty of experienced people on here.
have you got to the back of the sectec to make sure all connected, and a lug hasn't come off the rear connections dropping out a circuit?

 

[ROnEM]

@Colin&Sue,

Thanks for the reply - yes i have looked at the back of the Setec. It all looks OK.

Beginning to think either the Setec is playing up, or some rodents are dining on some cables!

 

[Colsar]

had any work done or anything fitted prior to the issue that just thinking maybe a screw through a wire, is it possible to voltage test the rear connections on setec unit to may be rule that out. just a thought , Hmmmm. Caution electrical work should be carried out by a professional, and the above is in my opinion only.
i maybe wrong but i thought setec's were pretty reliable, your vans not that old, mines 2010 and no issues (touch wood, yet)

 

[gwadir]

Hi @ROnEM,

just a thought, the 12V circuits are usually daisy chained from one point to the next, is it possible a joint in the daisy chain has come loose, if you can i.d. which circuit then progress through from fitting to fitting, check any crimp joints and screw terminals in light switches, 12V outlets etc. Are all these items in the same general vicinity in the van, they may infact be on the one circuit fed from the same fuse.

Dave

 

[AndrewC]

I would start by checking that you have 12v output from each of the terminals on the back of the setec. That then eliminates the unit as having a problem and you know then problem is in the van wiring some where. The only other thing is if something is breaking down under load, but I doubt it. Check you outputs first and go from there.

 

[ROnEM]

@Colin&Sue - Only work that has been done is the bathroom wall being delaminated to the van's. That was done 9 months ago and we have used the van since and there were no issues.

@gwadir - I have visions (and nightmares) of what I might find in terms of 12v wiring, plugs, screws and connectors. :faint:



Cheers,

Ro

 

[Heath74]

Have you checked the earth?

 

[hamish22]

@ROnEM
I had issues with some wires at the back of my van and found they had been twisted together and half wrapped in leco tape (not insulated properly)!
Those visions are there!

 

[relgate]

Good luck @ROnEM If anyone can sort it out, you can!

 

[ROnEM]

Thanks @relgate. Will report back with full details when I get a chance to ferret about and solve this little dilemma.

Thinking this might also be a good time to remove the Setek and put a Ctek Smartpass and the Ctek MXS 25 12V charger.

Cheers,

Ro

 

[gwadir]

Thanks @relgate. Will report back with full details when I get a chance to ferret about and solve this little dilemma.

Thinking this might also be a good time to remove the Setek and put a Ctek Smartpass and the Ctek MXS 25 12V charger.

Cheers,

Ro

Sounds like an idea but what to do with the hole.

 

[ROnEM]

Sounds like an idea but what to do with the hole.

Have been to the local hardware store and they have the Laminex stand with samples - found the one Jayco have used. Can order a sheet and then put in a new bit of ply and laminate over the top. Will be almost invisible!

 

[Colsar]

Have been to the local hardware store and they have the Laminex stand with samples - found the one Jayco have used. Can order a sheet and then put in a new bit of ply and laminate over the top. Will be almost invisible!

actually off to 'all board' in bayswater Vic today, to pick up a sheet i ordered last week ( they usually carry stock , just not when i go there ) $100 for 1200x2400mm, they sell all the edge strips as well.
i found one place that carries stock ( after searching every where ) very close in the laminex range, to do my cupboard shelves. with plenty left over for other mods. will add pics once i have done the cupboard to show the colour match.

 

[ROnEM]

Good luck @ROnEM If anyone can sort it out, you can!

Update - After a number of months of on-again, off-again frustrating searching for the problem, this afternoon, my auto electrician came around with all his circuit tracking and fault finding gear he had.

We traced the failed cabling/circuit to under the shower/toilet at the rear left side - if you are in the van.

Fortunately, under the toilet is a small white 4 inch "bowl" or sump, screwed to the floor. After removing it and feeling about with our fingers, we found a number of loose wire ends. Found that the bed lights, exterior show light, toilet flush, oven light, gas ignitor and rotisserie all came to this point, but as there was obviously been water getting to the connectors (which Jayco fixed), they had corroded and broken off.

There was just enough cable left to solder them all together - not using those screw together connectors again.

Everything is now fixed and ready for the trip, other than the toilet flush as the pump impeller has seized, but that will be replaced on Wednesday night.

 

[Drover]

I have been replacing the screw connectors in mine for the same reason, solder up and heat shrink.

 

[Middo]

If you can get it, use the heat shrink with the glue inside. Makes a good waterproof seal.

 

[ROnEM]

If you can get it, use the heat shrink with the glue inside. Makes a good waterproof seal.

@Middo,

Agreed, I would usually use the solder & heat shrink, but in this case, as the factory was clearly cutting costs and leaving only "just" enough electrical cable (read - pulled tight as Clarke's hammy), we were unable to get enough cable out to be able to get the heat shrink on this time.

 

[Drover]

Not just the electrical cable thats been a bit tight ,the odd water line has been cut a bit shy and I have extended or replaced sections of both. I don't like it when they are under a bit of tension can only lead to problems. The section where the cable from the draw bar joins up in a big bastard of joins under the floor with a bit of scrap tin for cover, I sorted out the connections and soon as I find an appropriate box will house them in that instead of out in the elements, they weren't looking great when I cleaned them up.