Dethleffs transformer query

Keelo51 · 09-08-2014 8:04pm #1

I have a recent problem with the transformer/electrical supply box fitted under the dashboard on the front passenger side. (This is a left hand drive)
When I plug into mains supply there is a rapid clicking sound from the box in question which I assume is a relay acting up.
This may have given rise to other problems but maybe they are not associated with it.
such as
- lights going off when another light is switched on.
- Toilet flush not working (pump is ok) etc.
- green charging light flick's on & off constantly when plugged in.
Battery seems fine. I suspect I may need to replace the supply box.
Just wondering if any of you have come across the same or similar problem?

09-08-2014 9:55pm

Just to hazard a wild guess here I'd suspect bad conductivity to your relay coil or a shorted coil creating a weakened magnetic field and resulting in the relay switch suffering from a case of it's own EMI.

If you bypass the relay and things return to normal then just replace the relay or look for corrosion on the coil terminals/connections.

09-08-2014 10:06pm

That or it's not a relay it's a resettable fuse and you have an electrical fault in the unit.

Keelo51 · 09-08-2014 11:15pm

Thanks for that,
Problem is getting replacement parts for same, been looking online and there's not a whole lot of parts info out there.

09-08-2014 11:41pm

If you come across a wiring diagram or tech manual (please post) and are minded and equipped to have a go at it we may be able to give to a few pointers on repairing it.
Probably need a few more diagnostics too.

I take it this is the mains control/charger unit not just a transformer?
Most of the time these problems are just frayed/broken wires or corrosion.

Keelo51 · 09-08-2014 11:49pm

Cool, that's right, it's the charger transformer unit. I'll get on it.

JonMac · 15-08-2014 6:50am

Any luck? I've got the same system but no info.
The Dethleffs dealers are:
http://www.donagheymotorhomes.ie
and
http://www.caramotorhomes.ie

Aidan_M_M · 15-08-2014 10:45pm

sounds like a bunch of bad connections or bad earths?

moodrater · 15-08-2014 11:25pm

+1 for bad connection

lights going off when you turn another on would have me lookng for an earth problem.

Keelo51 · 18-08-2014 10:40pm

I'v had no luck coming up with a drawing for Calira transformer/charger and the consensus of opinion here and elsewhere seem's to be an earthing problem, be it dirty contact's or oxidisation on the earth and/or fuse contact's.
Thank's for your help people, any more tip's or advice with this problem will be greatly appreciated.

Right.......... time to get to work.

nmacc · 20-08-2014 10:09am

You could try here:

http://www.motorhomecraic.com/forum/topic.php?t=5230

Or here:

http://www.knausowners.com/4.html

It seems that Calira circuit diagrams are hard to come by, but I would expect that there's someone local who has been through this before and knows his way around the innards. Unfortunately I can't suggest anyone.

22-08-2014 11:11am

+2 on possible bad ground. First port of call anyways.
Check all grounds for resistance between device and battery negative (with the positive disconnected) anything above double digit Ωs thereabouts needs a cleaning of contacts/terminations.

If you don't have a multimeter you can just eyeball them for crustiness and tug them for good connection. Battery neg. to chassis would be the obvious start of inspection. Sand-paper or little screw-gun stone grinders work quite well I find. Shiney connections is what yer after.

Dethleffs transformer query

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