Autotrail fridge problem

[Chris63]

Good afternoon funsters ,
It would appear that my fridge will not stop drawing power from the engine battery even without the engine running consequently flattening the vehicle battery. I have just learned that when parked up the fridge can only run on gas or EHU
Any ideas why it is not switching of or choosing gas or EHU
Enjoy the sunshine
Totthedog

 

[Larby]

What Motorhome?
Which Fridge? Is it an AES type
Has anyone “played” around with it recently.

 

[bertiebasset]

Maybe the relay for the fridge is stuck in the on position.

 

[Toady]

My fridge runs on 12v constantly whether the engine is running or not. I manually change the setting when I don’t want it to run on 12v.

How long have you had the van? If not long, you may find the previous owner adapted the fridge to run constantly on 12v

 

[Landy Andy]

Someone may have altered the electrics to be on all the time as some vans stop the habitation working whilst on the move. I assume they just stop the relay that senses the engine start.

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[Chris63]

Thank you for all of your help , I will let you know the outcome

 

[Chris63]

Hi Funsters,
The bloke who lives around the corner from me is an auto electrician and he came round yesterday with various meters. Although must it I didn't understand the main points are that the relay should switch the fridge off when the engine stops , correct. The leisure batteries are sound and fully charged , they are less than a year old.The Sergeant EC 500 panel is still drawing power when it is switched off completely and that is where he thinks the problem lies. I will speak to Sergeant tomorrow to see is the have an online wiring diagram and ask if they would have come to the same conclusion. Its like a BBC thriller ??
Enjoy the sunshine
Totthedog

 

[GeoffnDee]

Chris63 If this is a Autotrail Motorhome the problem could be with the EM50 or EM40 interface fuse/relay unit that controls the fridge operation,(and other things) this unit is normally found behind the drivers seat . You could try looking for signs of overheating within or on the rear of the unit.

 

[Chris63]

Hi GeoffnDee,
That is also on the list of culprits , the "board" appears to have a slight moisture discolouration. Dave 'the electrician" checked it , although not totally innocent he thought that it was OK , however he priced the "board" at £80. A replacement EC 500 is £400 but sergeant also repair them for £100

 

[GeoffnDee]

If you have a EM50 unit there is information you can download regarding its wiring connections, functions etc that should assist your electrician check inputs/outputs /relay operation within the unit in the Resources section. (top blue line of this page).
When you checked the EC500 did you check it after using the total shut down button that is on it , if not you will see some power through it .