Technical Assorted errors

[PabloAntonio]

Hi there,
I have a 2003 Ducato motorhome. When I got it the radio worked, the wing mirrors adjusted from the cab and the omnistep retracted automatically when the engine started. Now, none of those things happen. I've checked every fuse I can find but none are broken. I've been trawling the forum and I'm beginning to suspect corrosion near the starter battery. Does that sound like a good place to start?

 

[Communicator]

Hi there,
I have a 2003 Ducato motorhome. When I got it the radio worked, the wing mirrors adjusted from the cab and the omnistep retracted automatically when the engine started. Now, none of those things happen. I've checked every fuse I can find but none are broken. I've been trawling the forum and I'm beginning to suspect corrosion near the starter battery. Does that sound like a good place to start?

Hi,
Can we start by confirming the Ducato model, by checking the first three numbers of the VIN? Should be either ZFA230.........., or ZFA244....... 2002 was the changeover year, but both are possible on a 2003 registered MH. Electrical diagrams are model specific.

The step is part of the MH conversion, so the make of the habitation 12V electrical system would help there, but perhaps not essential. The make of the step also affects its wiring colours, but in general there is a limit switch either inside or attached to the step. This switch is closed unless the step is fully retracted. It connects to the earth to the negative side of a relay coil. The positive side of the relay coil is either directly connected to or controlled by the D+ signal which only becomes live when the engine is started. Both connections to the step motor are normally connected to earth. When the engine is started the relay operates, and connects the appropriate side of the step motor to +12V. The step winds in until the limit switch opens and disconnects the relay coil.

If the limit switch is exposed at the back of the step it may be suffering from corrosion. Alternatively you may have lost the D+ connection. Does the fridge still work on 12V?

Attached is an annoted copy of basic Omnistep Insallation Instructions. It features ignition switch rather than D+ control of step retraction.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Assorted errors is almost certianly a battery condition or poor earthing. Look to these before anything else. A vehicle wont wakw iup feeling ill with multiple conditions!

 

[PabloAntonio]

Hi,
Can we start by confirming the Ducato model, by checking the first three numbers of the VIN? Should be either ZFA230.........., or ZFA244....... 2002 was the changeover year, but both are possible on a 2003 registered MH. Electrical diagrams are model specific.

The step is part of the MH conversion, so the make of the habitation 12V electrical system would help there, but perhaps not essential. The make of the step also affects its wiring colours, but in general there is a limit switch either inside or attached to the step. This switch is closed unless the step is fully retracted. It connects to the earth to the negative side of a relay coil. The positive side of the relay coil is either directly connected to or controlled by the D+ signal which only becomes live when the engine is started. Both connections to the step motor are normally connected to earth. When the engine is started the relay operates, and connects the appropriate side of the step motor to +12V. The step winds in until the limit switch opens and disconnects the relay coil.

If the limit switch is exposed at the back of the step it may be suffering from corrosion. Alternatively you may have lost the D+ connection. Does the fridge still work on 12V?

Attached is an annoted copy of basic Omnistep Insallation Instructions. It features ignition switch rather than D+ control of step retraction.

Thanks. I shall have a grovel around the step and see what I can find.
Where would I find the VIN?

 

[Communicator]

Thanks. I shall have a grovel around the step and see what I can find.
Where would I find the VIN?

Either on the VIN plate, or in registration document V5C. VIN plate is normally under bonnet over radiator, but on an A class conversion may be elsewhere.