Help please Hab door and step problem.

[pelican]

I have a 2009 apache 634.
When using the remote control the habitation door will not lock and step will not retract.
All other operations of remote locking and unlocking and step operation work correctly.
I cannot hear anything at the solenoid when listening for operation of locking.
The step also opens and retracts on the internal manual button.
I have removed the door trim and lubricated all of the mechanisms.
I was unable to test for voltage as the wires into the solenoid are sealed there is no break in the sheathing of the wires.
I have trawled the internet to but cannot find an identical problem solved.
The system does not have the external electrical contacts on the door and frame.
I do not understand that there are only 2 wires to the solenoid as it needs to work in 2 direction.
Any guidance greatly appreciated

 

[tonka]

2 things to check.

1. Door contacts, made of steel so they rust and the electrical connection is not made. Clean with some wire wool or sandpaper etc.

2. Check settings in the control panel. You may need to access advance menu. There are several setting for the step. It's been a year since I had my Autotrail so can't recall the access or settings. Another cause for the step can also be low leisure battery or that it's got full of dirt underneath.

 

[Gellyneck]

2. Check settings in the control panel. You may need to access advance menu. There are several setting for the step. It's been a year since I had my Autotrail so can't recall the access or settings.

If it's an EC480 control panel -

• turn off 12v power
• scroll to Autotrail screen
• press and hold up and down arrows until advanced menu appears
• use up and down arrows to scroll through
• left and right arrows to select \ change settings

 

[pelican]

2 things to check.

1. Door contacts, made of steel so they rust and the electrical connection is not made. Clean with some wire wool or sandpaper etc.

2. Check settings in the control panel. You may need to access advance menu. There are several setting for the step. It's been a year since I had my Autotrail so can't recall the access or settings. Another cause for the step can also be low leisure battery or that it's got full of dirt underneath.

Tonka
Thankyou for the reply.
I do not have the door contacts it is a solid (I hope) wire.
I have not altered the pin setting in the control box it use to work OK.
Battery level good.
Have not inspected connections on step yet but the step works ok on the manual button.

 

[Familymarmite]

Check the fuses in the em50 control panel on the floor behind the driver's seat

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[pelican]

If it's an EC480 control panel -

• turn off 12v power
• scroll to Autotrail screen
• press and hold up and down arrows until advanced menu appears
• use up and down arrows to scroll through
• left and right arrows to select \ change settings

Thankyou for reply Gellyneck.
I do not have the more modern EC480.

 

[pelican]

Check the fuses in the em50 control panel on the floor behind the driver's seat

Thankyou will do.

 

[Familymarmite]

Thankyou will do.

Check the jumpers in there too

 

[pelican]

Thankyou will do.

Fuses ok and jumpers

 

[Diabalo]

I would trace the solenoid wires back to source and start testing there. At some point you may have to breach the insulation at the solenoid end to see if you have juice that end.

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[suavecarve]

long shot but if the relay for the step (so that it automatically returns) is buggered would that stop the lock on the door aswell?

 

[pelican]

long shot but if the relay for the step (so that it automatically returns) is buggered would that stop the lock on the door aswell?

 

[pelican]

Thankyou.
#I will try and find the relay.

 

[pelican]

I would trace the solenoid wires back to source and start testing there. At some point you may have to breach the insulation at the solenoid end to see if you have juice that end.

Yes that's going to be fun!
What I don't understand is only 2 wires on solenoid.

 

[suavecarve]

Thankyou.
#I will try and find the relay.

if its anything like my last van then its behind the vents of the fridge and after a load of rain blows in then it blows.
replacement is about a ton or 2 bottles of wine to phd engineering student !

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[Diabalo]

Yes that's going to be fun!
What I don't understand is only 2 wires on solenoid.

It's an electromagnetic coil and only needs 2 wires a + & - to energise it, so that would be correct.

 

[pelican]

It's an electromagnetic coil and only needs 2 wires a + & - to energise it, so that would be correct.
[/QUOTE
Yes but it needs to move in 2 different directions to lock and unlock.
Please could you explain further. I dont think it is spring loaded.

 

[Diabalo]

I would assume there is a spring somewhere either built into the Solenoid or the door mechanism

 

[pelican]

New tow bar arrived pm so now making that fit.
Designed for a later model so have to move floor supports and cut and shit rear locker door,Enjoying the challenge!

 

[pelican]

Oops should be shut

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[Ian Bosman]

I have a 2009 apache 634.
When using the remote control the habitation door will not lock and step will not retract.
All other operations of remote locking and unlocking and step operation work correctly.
I cannot hear anything at the solenoid when listening for operation of locking.
The step also opens and retracts on the internal manual button.
I have removed the door trim and lubricated all of the mechanisms.
I was unable to test for voltage as the wires into the solenoid are sealed there is no break in the sheathing of the wires.
I have trawled the internet to but cannot find an identical problem solved.
The system does not have the external electrical contacts on the door and frame.
I do not understand that there are only 2 wires to the solenoid as it needs to work in 2 direction.
Any guidance greatly appreciated

1. When doing any electrical work you really need a multimeter as you can then see the voltage or test the continuity of wiring, etc. 2. Some solenoids have a spring so only moved under power one way and may be internal to the sealed unit so do not need three wires. 3. Relays come in two guises, mechanical or electronic, the latter being totally silent and far more reliable whereas the contacts on an mechanical one do wear from "arcing".
So my advice it get sorted under number 1 preferably with a digital display before you go any further.

 

[jockaneezer]

The solenoid may or may not have a spring fitted to it, the two wires supplying the power to it could have their polarity reversed by the remote solenoid, allowing a springless solenoid to travel in either direction ?

 

[pelican]

The solenoid may or may not have a spring fitted to it, the two wires supplying the power to it could have their polarity reversed by the remote solenoid, allowing a springless solenoid to travel in either direction ?

Thankyou for the reply.
So I assume that as the solenoid does work in one direction there must be a solenoid/relay hidden somewhere?

 

[pelican]

1. When doing any electrical work you really need a multimeter as you can then see the voltage or test the continuity of wiring, etc. 2. Some solenoids have a spring so only moved under power one way and may be internal to the sealed unit so do not need three wires. 3. Relays come in two guises, mechanical or electronic, the latter being totally silent and far more reliable whereas the contacts on an mechanical one do wear from "arcing".
So my advice it get sorted under number 1 preferably with a digital display before you go any further.

Thank you for the reply.
I will attempt to find the source of the wiring and work along it.

 

[jockaneezer]

pelican, I would have expected there to be a relay (I mistakingly said "remote solenoid") that activated the door solenoid. No idea where it would be located though.

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[Squirepete]

My lock was off for a year or more. Local garage fixed it during MOT. The cable leading into the door was crimped, as it moves during door open/close. Loads of tape protect it now. Been OK for a couple of years now.
Bessacarr E435.

 

[Diabalo]

I had a Bessie E435 nice van.

 

[pelican]

Tow bar fitted instructions quoted 45 mins should say 4 days and 45 mins.
Slight modifications needed to the side plates and rear storage locker door.as kit was for 2011 model not 2009.
Very pleased with end result kit included very comprehensive 13 pin electrics so I can now tow a caravan!