12v socket dilemma!

[Mr Perplexed]

So, to the uninitiated electrical novice, my Autotrail Scout (2009) has presented me with a problem! The rear lounge area has a 12v socket to power the TV etc and it doesn’t seem to be working. I have tested it with an volt meter and it seems to show 12v volts and also when I plug in a phone charging socket, it lights up the indicator light on it, but won’t enable charging of the phone and when the TV cable is plugged in, the TV power light does not come on. Where have I gone wrong here and how can I fix this please!! I really hope someone can shed some light for me…

 

[Landy Andy]

I would check the electrical connections to the socket. It sounds like it’s getting a bit of power but not enough to do what is required.

 

[Phill D]

I agree sounds like you have a poor connection on the supply that can carry basic voltage but not much power.

 

[Jonno1103]

The EC 325 power unit is no longer repaired by Sargent as it has many parts within it that became faulty quite easily and some parts which are now defunct and replacements are unavailable. This could be the core issue.

The replacement is the EC 328 but lead times are long and the unit is in excess of £400.

My suggestion would be to have a chat with Apuljack Engineering who specialise in upgrading and repairing the Power units of both British and European motorhomes. If it is worst case scenario they produce an upgraded EC325 without any of the original issues for around £300.

If you no longer have the AT handbook for your Scout which includes the wiring diagrams it can be found here:

Auto-Trail

www.auto-trail.co.uk

 

[Stealaway]

Is the polarity correct? Positive + on your meter should be to the centre

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[Jev88]

I had a TV before that wouldn't work in 12v socket. Changed plug as factory fitted was poor quality.

 

[Phill D]

Before parting with shed loads of cash you need to do basic fault finding to rule out any minor faults that can contribute to this type of fault.

 

[Tombola]

Plug your telly in another socket to ensure it isn't the telly plug ?

 

[Burgo]

There two types of plugs and sockets which can catch you out. Using a cigarette lighter plug in a Hella socket can be an issue. Have you checked you're using a Hella plug into a Hella socket / cigarette lighter plug into a cigarette lighter style socket?

 

[Mr Perplexed]

Many thanks for all your suggestions and advise.
A bit more info -
So the voltage was read from the socket itself at 12v with the positive in the centre.
This socket has worked fine in the past for the TV and phone chargers now being tried.
so can the 12 volts being read not have enough power to power these?
The EC325 seems to be working well in every other aspect.

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[Phill D]

I have had a situation where I was getting 12v at a point but each time I switched the pump on it would not work.
It turned out to be a loose negative connection which was touching sufficient to show a base voltage but could not carry the current required.

 

[Mr Perplexed]

I’ll double check the connections and report back!

 

[Mr Perplexed]

So over the weekend I took the socket apart again and cleaned up all the surfaces within it and tightened up the connectors and bingo! It now works again, both powering the phone and the TV!
Thanks again for all your help with this!