Van bitz urgent assistance required.

[Albacore]

Had a Growler and Non starter fitted on Wednesday.... been OK until now... we're stuck in waitrose carpark in Cornwall and the van will not start even though the non starter is disabled. Ignition co.es on and is registered on app as son but nothing happens. What do I do or who can I call?

 

[Otter Spotter]

Phew cycling the block/unblock has sorted it! Thank you very much everyone... does anyone know if I should have a circular button or is the grey USB type key the same thing?

The grey is purely a reset key, like a reboot of software on a PC.

 

[RandallC]

If you had the system recently, you can reset the system using your phone. COMMANDS then SYSTEM RESTART

You live and learn.

Had mine over 2 years ago and low and behold the app has a system reset command.

Thanks Jim

 

[eddie]

Just seen this.

Give Van Bitz a call Monday and they’ll talk you through it.

Your system has the latest over ride as well, you can simply reset the ignition using Bluetooth in cases like this.

Matatrak can tell you if it was the Non Starter and why, or, whether it was another reason the engine wouldn’t start.

 

[sueandjohn]

Just a thought … if anyone needs convincing to part with the Fun membership fee … the reason is in this thread . 50 minutes from calling for help to being back on the road !

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[Langtoftlad]

There's obviously an issue, either a software glitch or hardware interference... as a few of us have had this problem.

I suppose, if there has to be a glitch, I'd rather the system randomly arms itself rather than disarm.

 

[thegronows]

Coincidentally, for the first time since having the Vanbitz Growler + Non Starter fitted to our new motorhome last April I had a problem Thursday evening unblocking the engine using the supplied MetaTrak Plus iOS app.

All set to travel to the NEC at 7pm Thursday and opened the app to unblock the engine immobiliser and remembering that a recent iOS app update had (for whatever unexplained and to me illogical reason) MetaTrak had moved the engine block/unblock function from the original Commands lozenge function to Device Modes one. I must have used the Engine Block / Unblock a 100 times without a glitch prior to the app update. On the driveway and ready to drive off I (new routine) press the Engine block/unblock “command” and thinking it had accepted my instruction proceeded to turn the ignition key…. to no avail! (mini panic as we needed to get CAMC pop up site for 9pm!). Tried again, and again and briefly saw a low (cab) battery alert from the app….strange. Thinking there might be a related comms (Bluetooth/frequency) issue I plugged may van Avtex wifi on and tried a couple more times. Suddenly the app accepted the instruction and the “slider” moved over to highlighted that the engine was now unblocked…..phew!

Preoccupied with getting to Birmingham by 9 deadline was the focus but I couldn’t fathom why I had this bother for the first time as my solar is linked to both van and leisure battery with no prior issues. On reflection I wonder if MetaTraks app amendment has changed the way the command is accepted or communicated as the app and engine block/unblock has been faultless to date.

I really do not want to have a repeat of this malfunction as I have been 100% impressed to date with the reliability and simplicity of the system, but I would be interested in others’ experiences to see if there is something common happening here. Appreciate if eddievanbitz was able to take further note of this as a temporarily (5mins) disabled vehicle is a squeaky-bum moment when you need ti get away. Thankfully we got to the pop up site by 9pm close (just) and had an enjoyable couple of days at the Show this weekend.

 

[dash300]

Coincidentally, for the first time since having the Vanbitz Growler + Non Starter fitted to our new motorhome last April I had a problem Thursday evening unblocking the engine using the supplied MetaTrak Plus iOS app.

All set to travel to the NEC at 7pm Thursday and opened the app to unblock the engine immobiliser and remembering that a recent iOS app update had (for whatever unexplained and to me illogical reason) MetaTrak had moved the engine block/unblock function from the original Commands lozenge function to Device Modes one. I must have used the Engine Block / Unblock a 100 times without a glitch prior to the app update. On the driveway and ready to drive off I (new routine) press the Engine block/unblock “command” and thinking it had accepted my instruction proceeded to turn the ignition key…. to no avail! (mini panic as we needed to get CAMC pop up site for 9pm!). Tried again, and again and briefly saw a low (cab) battery alert from the app….strange. Thinking there might be a related comms (Bluetooth/frequency) issue I plugged may van Avtex wifi on and tried a couple more times. Suddenly the app accepted the instruction and the “slider” moved over to highlighted that the engine was now unblocked…..phew!

Preoccupied with getting to Birmingham by 9 deadline was the focus but I couldn’t fathom why I had this bother for the first time as my solar is linked to both van and leisure battery with no prior issues. On reflection I wonder if MetaTraks app amendment has changed the way the command is accepted or communicated as the app and engine block/unblock has been faultless to date.

I really do not want to have a repeat of this malfunction as I have been 100% impressed to date with the reliability and simplicity of the system, but I would be interested in others’ experiences to see if there is something common happening here. Appreciate if eddievanbitz was able to take further note of this as a temporarily (5mins) disabled vehicle is a squeaky-bum moment when you need ti get away. Thankfully we got to the pop up site by 9pm close (just) and had an enjoyable couple of days at the Show this weekend.

Hmmm! Starting to have second thoughts about this non starter being fitted. These are the sort of glitches I could do without when travelling. So watching with interest.

 

[pappajohn]

Have you considered it may not be the system that's at fault
You say it shows it sets and unsets but won't start.
Very possibly it's a mechanical fault .....wiring or starter motor.

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Have you considered it may not be the system that's at fault
You say it shows it sets and unsets but won't start.
Very possibly it's a mechanical fault .....wiring or starter motor.

Or human error?
Just saying like

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[Jim]

Hmmm! Starting to have second thoughts about this non starter being fitted. These are the sort of glitches I could do without when travelling. So watching with interest.

When you had to rely on a phone signal it was a pain, but that was sorted a while ago now, with foolproof ways of disarming it.

But again, why do people set it when they have their keys with them? They can never be sure if they are in a bad signal area or something might jam it. The non starter was designed to stop someone nicking your van with your own keys. When the keys are in your pocket why are you arming it?

 

[Steve and Denise]

When you had to rely on a phone signal it was a pain, but that was sorted a while ago now, with foolproof ways of disarming it.

But again, why do people set it when they have their keys with them? They can never be sure if they are in a bad signal area or something might jam it. The non starter was designed to stop someone nicking your van with your own keys. When the keys are in your pocket why are you arming it?

Yep seems quite Foolproof to me

 

[Googlebot]

When you had to rely on a phone signal it was a pain, but that was sorted a while ago now, with foolproof ways of disarming it.

But again, why do people set it when they have their keys with them? They can never be sure if they are in a bad signal area or something might jam it. The non starter was designed to stop someone nicking your van with your own keys. When the keys are in your pocket why are you arming it?

Easy to be robbed of those keys though Jim, seen it myself when the punter refused to hand them over and promptly took a bullet to the leg which thankfully didn’t kill him.

Or am I missing something with the system?

 

[Jim]

Easy to be robbed of those keys though Jim, seen it myself when the punter refused to hand them over and promptly took a bullet to the leg which thankfully didn’t kill him.

So someone on the street robs you, looks at your keys and says where's your motorhome parked? they point the gun at your head and you sit there smug because you've armed the non starter, yeah thats going to happen.

If my van is left at home with the keys in the house, I'll arm the non starter. If the keys are with me. or when I'm on site, I don't see the point.

 

[dash300]

Easy to be robbed of those keys though Jim, seen it myself when the punter refused to hand them over and promptly took a bullet to the leg which thankfully didn’t kill him.

Or am I missing something with the system?

I think you are getting into the realms of fantasy there Jones! Just hand over the keys the phone and wallet and let them try and get on with it.

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[eddie]

Hmmm! Starting to have second thoughts about this non starter being fitted. These are the sort of glitches I could do without when travelling. So watching with interest.

There are literally tens of thousands of units being used daily.

There is a totally secure emergency Bluetooth override in case of blocking jamming or signal complications with your smart phone

 

[A S R]

Hmmm! Starting to have second thoughts about this non starter being fitted. These are the sort of glitches I could do without when travelling. So watching with interest.

I certainly WOULDNT have second thoughts about getting this system fitted! If there was a loss of phone signal resulting in the inability to “ unblock “ the engine kill there was a small round fob, coded to your system, ( hidden discreetly in your van ) with a button you could press to get it to start. It sounds like there’s a Bluetooth work around now instead.

 

[Albacore]

Just seen this.

Give Van Bitz a call Monday and they’ll talk you through it.

Your system has the latest over ride as well, you can simply reset the ignition using Bluetooth in cases like this.

Matatrak can tell you if it was the Non Starter and why, or, whether it was another reason the engine wouldn’t start.

Thanks eddievanbitz, sorry I only just saw your reply. I've set the Non starter multiple times since that time on saturday without an issue... and being a new owner I had forgotten about the Bluetooth option! I now understand much better through use, and am very satisfied with the system. Good to know meta trak can provide detailed info if required. Once again, thanks to all, its a great group for a MH novice like me . Just hope Peugeot don't wreck the install in their attempt to fix the speedo problem.