Grey Waste Level Indicator

[TheBows]

We have a Swift Escape Freestyle 684 (2017 model) and recently the grey waste indicator has been getting stuck on 4 bars. I know for a fact it is virtually empty. Does anyone know if and how I can reset whatever it is that gives the false reading?

Thanks.

 

[TerryL]

Lots of info on this well known problem if you search for Grey Waste. But basically the sensor system is rubbish, depends on usually a trio of rods in the tank and electrical current through them. These rods very quickly foul up making them useless so you get erroneous readings on the display. Incidentally Swift are too cheap to fit "resets".....................
Solution is to clean them, but that can be a nightmare unless you are lucky enough to be able to get into the tank (often a hatch in the bottom from under the van - but roll your sleeves up!!!). Some folk use tank cleaning liquids which vary from the (expensive) dedicated liquids from your local caravan accessory shop to 3 or 4 bottles of the cheapest cola you can find which is said to work just as well - just pour it in to your "empty" tank, drive around for a bit/leave it to soak overnight etc. etc then drain off the gunge that should come out.
Or if you know the tank is empty then ignore it. When you need to refill your freshwater tank (which could have the same problem eventually by the way) then it's also time to empty the waste.

As an aside for any newbies who might be reading this thread, it does help to watch what you actually allow into the waste tank. Obviously greasy oils and fats are a strict no-no but stuff like the starchy water after boiling rice isn't good (if nowhere else to put it, ours goes down the loo). It's really only meant for soapy washing and washing-up water which tends not to leave as much residue.

Or leave greasy surfaces on the road when you "accidentally" forget to close the waste tap properly leaving a site..................

 

[Gellyneck]

As TerryL says the sensors clog \ gunge up easily \ frequently and you'll end up cleaning them regularly.

At least one Funster has replaced the OEM sensors on his AT (Diabalo ) with these -

Horst Miracle Gauge

and says they work effectively.

You can get them in the UK from here -

The TankBlanket Shop!

The TankBlanket shop. View & Purchase the individual elements of the TankBlanket System at competitive prices!

www.tankblanket.co.uk

or might want to consider getting them from the US much cheaper -
eg Amazon product ASIN B0136USMXW
Of course the cheapest and easiest way is to just ignore the spurious readings!

 

[Stealaway]

Its a common problem with many motorhomes.
Best you can do is put some crushed dishwasher tablets in it and drive around for a day and hope for the best

 

[Reallyretired]

Waste level on my present Hymer seems fine at the moment. The previous Rapido only had a tank full warning, which operated at about the sane time as the overflow so useless. However you know if the fresh tank is empty the waste will be full so its not really a problem if it doesnt work.

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[Gellyneck]

However you know if the fresh tank is empty the waste will be full so its not really a problem if it doesnt work.

But the fresh is also used for flushing the toilet, etc and may be a different size (ours is) so maybe not that good an option?

 

[Reallyretired]

Yes not exact but if your fresh is low, your waste still needs emptying.

 

[TerryL]

But the fresh is also used for flushing the toilet, etc and may be a different size (ours is) so maybe not that good an option?

So you enter the waste a bit sooner than needed?

 

[599]

We have a Swift Escape Freestyle 684 (2017 model) and recently the grey waste indicator has been getting stuck on 4 bars. I know for a fact it is virtually empty. Does anyone know if and how I can reset whatever it is that gives the false reading?

Thanks.

we had the same problem with our 599 but with the fresh water sergeants told us how to recalibrate the panel
1/ switch on main panel above the habitation door
2/ then press the on/off button till the screen goes blank
3/ when a dot appears touch it the dot will move to another position the touch that then it will move for the third & time
the panel will say recalibrated

 

[599]

we had the same problem with our 599 but with the fresh water sergeants told us how to recalibrate the panel
1/ switch on main panel above the habitation door
2/ then press the on/off button till the screen goes blank
3/ when a dot appears touch it the dot will move to another position the touch that then it will move for the third & time
the panel will say recalibrated

my man said i have given you the wrong information as he thinks you have the older panel this only works with the ( ec800 ) best to ring sergeants at Beverly they will talk you through it
<Broken link removed> (this is ours )

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