Auto-Trail Tracker RB, 2013 has an EC500 Issue.

[PeterV]

On battery only, if the water pump (high power) is used the voltage on the EC300 display panel drops to between 11.8V and 12.2V unless it’s daylight and the solar is working or the vehicle is connected to electric hook up. When the error occurs the battery voltage remains at 12.7V when measured across the two brand new leisure batteries.​

When on EHU or good Solar the voltage across the leisure batteries is 13.4V to 13.6V and this matches the EC300 display. On high power the EC300 display shows 13.2V on solar and EHU. There is a momentary peak on EHU of 14V when pump is shut off.​

The voltage measured across the Aux 12V power socket with a voltmeter at the rear of the motor home matches the EC300 display panel readings at all times. The low power drain reading is 12.6V and high power draw (water pump) reading is 11.8V +/- 0.4.​

So far, in attempts to resolve the issue I have fitted 2 new leisure batteries cabled in correctly using the main and auxiliary power connectors to the EC500.
I have also fitted new Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 75V 15 amp 12/24-Volt Solar Charge Controller (Bluetooth). Readings on the Victron App for this unit match the readings on the EC300 display panel for charge rate.

All clues and sugestions welcome...

 

[PhilandMena]

Autotrail water sensors are legendary in being useless. You will soon be able to jedge your water usage without them and re-fill before running dry. If wilding, carry a ten litre water can that will get you out of trouble untill you find more water.

 

[GeoffnDee]

While you are looking at things It would be worth checking the connections on the rear of the EM40 interface unit fitted behind the drivers seat for signs of any problems.

 

[Barti Ddu]

Water sensors are still as bizarre as ever even after a good scrub of connections. Freshwater guess-o-meter says empty or 50% full depending on when the EC500 is switched on. Waste water guess-o-meter says 0% or 100% again depending on EC500 reset. But I can live with those issues. Will report back in a day or two once fully tested.

My fresh and grey water sensors are also hopeless, which in itself isn't an issue as you get used to when you need to fill and empty respectively. What was annoying though was the alarm that sounded when the grey was allegedly full and the fresh allegedly empty. However, Sargent have hidden menus on their display panels that allow these alarms to be disabled.

 

[Diabalo]

PeterV I have never had an issue with the readings with the fresh tank but the waste was a bit hit and miss so I changed the sensors to Horst miracle probes and it's been ok ever since. It's worth looking underneath at the loom that goes to the waste tank as there is a multi-plug that on mine was just taped up and water can get in there and give erroneous readings.

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[PeterV]

PeterV I have never had an issue with the readings with the fresh tank but the waste was a bit hit and miss so I changed the sensors to Horst miracle probes and it's been ok ever since. It's worth looking underneath at the loom that goes to the waste tank as there is a multi-plug that on mine was just taped up and water can get in there and give erroneous readings.

will take a look see

 

[Lenny HB]

If its stays working I would replaced those way undersized cables just for peace of mind.
The battery to distribution unit cables on my German van are 16 mm sq.

 

[Diabalo]

PeterV I'm Sitting in my garden in this glorious sunshine thinking about your problem, do you get the same problem if you run of the vehicle battery? If not the other item to look at is the relay on the EC500 PCB that controls the switching between vehicle and hab 12v side of things.
Also I just remembered the wiring for the tank sensors is taped to the side of the tank so worth investigating for the other problem.

 

[PeterV]

PeterV I'm Sitting in my garden in this glorious sunshine thinking about your problem, do you get the same problem if you run of the vehicle battery? If not the other item to look at is the relay on the EC500 PCB that controls the switching between vehicle and hab 12v side of things.
Also I just remembered the wiring for the tank sensors is taped to the side of the tank so worth investigating for the other problem.

Voltage drops on Vehicle battery as well, never goes as low as the Hab battery, drops down to 12.1V not 11.8V. But still a big drop from starting point according to the display. Exactly the same as Hab when solar or EHU used, voltage holds up far far better. Not actually checked Vehicle battery at the terminals though coz it’s kinda hard to see multimeter under the bonnet and run pumps and watch the display all at the same time

PS Sunshine, garden... hope there's beer involved