Carthago step warning buzzer stopped

[cyberyacht]

2016 Carthago Compactline. Warning buzzer has stopped working and dashboard button for retracting step does not work. Control button adjacent to habitation door functions normally. Can't find any info about wiring/switches/fuses in any of my paperwork/handbook. Don't want to dismantle the whole interior trying to find the fault to solve the problem. Can anyone offer any guidance?

 

[EuroTrotters]

Find the buzzer, check for voltage. If there is voltage to the buzzer, that’s your issue.

If there are two switches to the step (trip/micro/sensor) switches. If there is no voltage to the buzzer, could be the switch.

 

[Pausim]

I would be looking for a fuse. I haven’t got access to my Carthago manual at present (motorhome in storage). On my Carthago there are some under the floor hatch near the step and some extra ones in the electrical cupboard as well as the standard ones in the DS unit.

 

[Lenny HB]

Could be the step relay.
This any help.

 

[Ditcha]

Could be the step relay.
This any help.
View attachment 679254

Can't be the relay it's working from the switch by the door

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[Lenny HB]

Can't be the relay it's working from the switch by the door

Depends how it's wired just realised that Thule circuit is for auto retraction Carthago's aren't wired for auto retraction.

 

[Ditcha]

Depends how it's wired just realised that Thule circuit is for auto retraction Carthago's aren't wired for auto retraction.

Yeah buzzer goes off and you can use the switch on the dash to retract but not extend.

 

[Lenny HB]

Yeah buzzer goes off and you can use the switch on the dash to retract but not extend.

With our zhymer you just a quick press of the switch and it retracts with a Carthago you have to hold the switch on until its retracted so simpler should be easier to sort.

 

[cyberyacht]

I'll start on all the fuses on Monday. Unfortunately none of the fuse box diagrams have any reference to the buzzer/switch circuit so, in the absence of more detailed instructions, it looks like it'll be a suck it and see session. Failing that, a reminder post-it note on the steering wheel and it'll have to wait for its visit to Southdowns in the Spring.

 

[AdrianChen]

Is there a limit switch or similar under the step mechanism that might be getting grubby?

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[cyberyacht]

When the weather dries up and I recover from my Covid & Flu jabs, I'll have a bit of a grovel underneath.

 

[Hammie]

Is there a limit switch or similar under the step mechanism that might be getting grubby?

Erm any ideas what the limit switch would look like? I have had the same problem for years. Wanted to sort it this year along with some upgrades I want to make. Mine is N&B Arto ‘04

 

[Chris356]

Is your fridge still working on 12v when the engine is on my mates had blown a 5 amp fuse in the cupboard where the aldi heating unit is

 

[Pausim]

Is there a limit switch or similar under the step mechanism that might be getting grubby?

I would have thought a fault with the limit switch would also affect the normal operation of the step from the switch adjacent to the habitation door. The OP reports this as working normally.

 

[2bob]

I would have thought a fault with the limit switch would also affect the normal operation of the step from the switch adjacent to the habitation door. The OP reports this as working normally.

it does not as i found out on mine from on mf its the rivet that got the wire on the inside of the case not making contact it like an earth wire

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[2bob]

copy this bit that i save from a post --

Removed motor cover which contains the switch and found that switch is held in by a pop rivet A similar fixing can be seen in your pic. This rivet goes through the switch body and fixes the switch to the cover. But the rivet head also makes the connection with the other terminal of the switch. The connection area of brass under the rivet head looks a bit questionable.

After cleaning the brass contact area I have rigged up a test wire to a spare battery and found when switch depressed the connection is made and when released it is broken (or vice versa).

So my conclusion is switch OK connection with wire which I believe is the one linking to the step buzzer may be faulty. This accords with other opinions.

I will remake all connections replace pop rivet with a brass nut n bolt. Keep fingers crossed.-----
Great news and thanks to all contributors - step now retracting,

The problem was the limit switch connections and although from my initial inspection the switch looked clean and seemed not to be stuck, it looks like the manufacturers decision to make a connection using a pop rivet head that is the weak link. That said its worked for 17 years !

Worth noting that whilst wire colours on the control rocker switch matched up with Clive Motts helpful diagram at the motor end the colours were different, I guess these will vary from converter to converter and even year to year.
Great news and thanks to all contributors - step now retracting,

The problem was the limit switch connections and although from my initial inspection the switch looked clean and seemed not to be stuck, it looks like the manufacturers decision to make a connection using a pop rivet head that is the weak link.

 

[cyberyacht]

After grovelling under the MH, I failed to remove the cover but was able to prise it up sufficiently to ascertain that the two connectors I could see were secure. Other wiring was, for me, inaccessible. I replaced a 3A fuse in the electrics box in the garage and the buzzer now sounds, albeit somewhat lacking in enthusiasm. The dash switch still has no effect. A job for the hab check appointment in the new year.

 

[Hammie]

Erm any ideas what the limit switch would look like? I have had the same problem for years. Wanted to sort it this year along with some upgrades I want to make. Mine is N&B Arto ‘04

Step all sorted now yippee. Turned out a previous mechanic had removed the switch on the step and not told me ???