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Topic: Tank Levels Readout Panel not working (Read 489 times) previous topic - next topic
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Tank Levels Readout Panel not working
My normally reliable 2003 RK left me stranded on an offramp in Mesa AZ. Had to be towed and have the fuel pump replaced.

Now the tank level readout panel on the hood over the stove doesn't work. First, all the lights lit up when I pressed the switch so I knew there was problem because all the tanks were not full! Then the lights wouldn't come on at all. We reset all the circuit breakers on the panel (under the stove in the RK) and checked all the fuses. Fuses all good. Now all the lights are on again so the original problem has returned. The hood fan and light do not work either.

On the same panel, the water pump switch turns on the water pump and the water heater switch turns on the water heater.

Adult grandson found an interesting outlet/plug underneath the rig -- interesting because 1) it's clean and everything around it isn't, and 2) there was nothing obvious to plug into it.

He fixed the backup camera which had also stopped working by plugging it back in and securing the plug with electrical tape.

Ideas?

Judy Dewey
2003 26' RK
Re: Tank Levels Readout Panel not working
Reply #1 –
Hi Judy;  My idea is that when your mechanic replaced your fuel pump, that person didn't plug the wires back together. The fuel pump is inside the fuel tank, so the whole assembly has to be removed.  That might have involved disconnecting other cables that might have been in the way. As for the hood fan and light, there has to be 12vdc power at the fan switch and light switch under the vent hood at the cook top. Tank sensor wires for the black, gray, and fresh water tanks have to make their way up to the indicator panel. One propane tank sensor wire also. The lights light up for levels, but the sensor wires may be damaged, or just unplugged.
   Was this an RV place? Regular mechanics may not have much of a working knowledge about motorhome wiring. Does your gas gauge on the dash work properly?   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Tank Levels Readout Panel not working
Reply #2 –
Hi, Ron,

Thank you for your reply!

Arizona RV in Mesa replaced the fuel pump, but I'm thinking your idea about their not having plugged everything back in may be the problem. We know they didn't plug the backup camera back in because it was working before the tow and fuel pump and not afterwards. Dropping the drive line for the tow might also have been the culprit, although AAA sent their RV tow guy so he should have known better. Both outfits should have known better.

The gas gauge works fine, as do all the other gauges in the cab, but thanks for asking about that.

I'll have my grandson go looking for the missing plug. Btw, he volunteered -- has a degree in electrical engineering so the problems intrigued him. After crawling around under the rig and seeing how tight things are inside, he's decided not to become an RV repair guy!  ;)

Thanks again!
Judy Dewey
2003 26' RK
Re: Tank Levels Readout Panel not working
Reply #3 –
Judy,
FYI, that plug for the backup camera under the RV looks like the older style extension cord (not an outdoor protected socket) - it is in conduit that will help, but be aware that is not up to code for what should be under your RV and might cause problems in the future.

I agree with others the mechanics didn't put things back together right.
If the original mechanics can't figure it out, I know of a very good RV repair shop in west Phoenix area that is the best one in the Phoenix area I have found so far (yup, looked wide and far including NE side).

Jane
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: Tank Levels Readout Panel not working
Reply #4 –
Jane,

Thank you for your reply!

I have an appointment on January 20th with a shop here in Tucson that has done excellent work for me in the past. The tank level readout problem is being added to the list.

In addition to the Mesa shop not hooking everything back up, I think towing really did a number on my LD. The thermostat for the heater also quit, but my grandson installed the replacement today. I now have heat in addition to a little space heater!

Progress! :-)
Judy Dewey
2003 26' RK
Re: Tank Levels Readout Panel not working
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Judy Dewey  - 
Jane,

Thank you for your reply!

I have an appointment on January 20th with a shop here in Tucson that has done excellent work for me in the past. The tank level readout problem is being added to the list.

In addition to the Mesa shop not hooking everything back up, I think towing really did a number on my LD. The thermostat for the heater also quit, but my grandson installed the replacement today. I now have heat in addition to a little space heater!

Progress! :-)
" I think towing really did a number on my LD"

How so, Judy?

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
 
Re: Tank Levels Readout Panel not working
Reply #6 –
Update:

Despite several lengthy trips under the RV, my electrical engineer grandson did not find anything unplugged. I called the Mothership about the plug that looked like it had been unhooked. Todd said it's a Ford plug and probably had a cover over it at some point.

I also asked Todd about the readout panel. He said it might be the circuit board and referred me to Mary at JRV Products. Mary needed pictures of the old board to make a new one. I sent pictures, but the new board didn't match the old one. I'm returning it when I get home where I have a printer to send a letter requesting a refund. The new board also acted the same way the old one did: all the lights come on when one presses the switch to check levels. I plugged in the old board again and it lights up. If I keep checking, though, eventually the lights go dim and then no lights come on. Waiting a couple of days, they all come on again. So it's not the circuit board. Something is disconnected somewhere. I'm headed home to Idaho after 4 months in Tucson. I have a repair guy at home I'm going to talk to.

I have a couple other issues, but I'll start new threads for those if I can't find the info here on the forum.

Thanks for all the responses.

-Judy
Judy Dewey
2003 26' RK