Can anyone help?

[PaulandOla]

Hi everyone we are newbies, just bought our first Motorhome; a Fiat Ducato Eura Mobil Sport 2.5TID Diesel, on a 1998 plate, great little camper. We have only had her for about 2 months and so far we have been up North touring around the Lake District up to Carlisle and back down to Dover, and just got back from touring around Europe covering over 3500km without any problems - Apart from our 12v fridge doesn't work on 12v or gas, it was working on gas but now as problems igniting, smell gas but no flame.

I Took the outside panel off and cleaned the connections. It works fine on 240v. I've downloaded the instructions for the system Electroblock EBL 200-6 and it mentions about a relay that operates both the awning light and fridge, Stops the awning light from working while the engine is running and the fridgefrom running when the engine is not running. Well the awning light works while the engine is running and we are moving. (Only tried it for a minute). Could this be the problem? But also the leisure (Habitation) battery doesn't charge from the alternator while we are travelling, charges from the mains on 240v which is how we managed to get along. I think some body as messed around with the system at some point and added another mains charger. Turned out the only reason it wasn't charging from 240v was becaause of the glass fuse inside the Electroblock. Sorted that now and charges fine from mains, so turned off other added battery charger. Also the water tank gauge and battery level gauge do not work either.

So to all you experts out there, any ideas how whats going on and how to fix the problems? I can add pictures if need be if it helps.

 

[gjh]

The gas problem is the most serious. As gas is getting through it looks like one or more components might need replacing or a good service is required. Gas is dangerous stuff so I would strongly urge having it looked at by a qualified and competent motorhome engineer (see http://www.approvedworkshops.co.uk/approved-touring-caravan-motorhome-servicing to find one in your area).
I expect the awning light will be powered by the leisure battery so the relay would be to prevent the leisure battery from being run down by leaving the awning light on whilst travelling.
The 12v power to the fridge would normally come from the starter battery, which is recharged by the alternator when travelling. The relay is there to prevent the starter battery being run down when the engine isn't running.
It would appear that either the relay is broken (so may be fixed with a new one) or somebody has been messing about. If it is possible to find the relay you should be able to check.
I don't know why somebody should add another charger. Maybe they couldn't find the fuse problem.
The non-working gauges could be down to another broken fuse so trying to find that would be the first stage.
If you get stuck or are unsure about sorting out the electrics then the same engineer should be able to help you.
Graham

 

[PaulandOla]

Hi Graham

Thanks for your advice and taking the time to reply to my dilema, I know your right about the fridge it could do with a good service probably. I'm pretty good with auto electrics just not familiar with the motorhome 12v electrical systems. They are all vary so much depending on make and model of your vehicle. I think I will get my multi meter out and take the time to identify all the cables going into the electroblock and label them.

I have checked all the fuses that can be seen, side of electroblock, checked and changed the glass fuse inside, there must be some more fuses maybe in the engine compartment for the fridge etc.

Regards
Paul

 

[gjh]

I believe fridge relays are often mounted in the engine compartment so you may well find it there.