Alko ATC Sequence problem

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Fozzie
Fozzie Club Member Posts: 599
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in Caravans #1

Normally when I plug my caravan into the car the ATC starts to whirl say for 15 seconds and then LED initiates green.

But on my last trip out,when I plugged my caravan into my car,the ATC started to whirl,only for about 5 seconds,stops ,and no green LED on fairing.

Has anyone had similar,and anything obvious to check,before I start to get under the van.The Van will have to be put on ramps, due to the motor mover and spare wheel carrier being in the way.

Pins 9 and 13 have voltage present from the car,but haven't measured where they come iinto th- to van.

I have contacted Alko twice now via their technical e-mail facility,but alas no reply yet apart from an standard reply,aknowledging my request.

Answers

  • Freddy55
    Freddy55 Club Member Posts: 1,971
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    #2

    I assume that instead of a green light you have red? I know once or twice this has happened to me. Up and down on the handbrake sorted it. Might be worth a try.

  • Fozzie
    Fozzie Club Member Posts: 599
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    #3

    Freddy55

    There is no red either ,but when connecting the van to the car I was able to pull the van by hand,so no locking of brakes either.

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,463
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    #4

    When ours was doing similar I suspected a poor connection on the 13 pin plug. Rather than mess about trying to improve things I bought a new one and rewired it. No problems after that.

  • Freddy55
    Freddy55 Club Member Posts: 1,971
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    #5
    https://clubtogether.caravanclub.co.uk/discussion/comment/878929#Comment_878929

    It wasn’t so much the thought of locking brakes, but rather resetting the system, something my dealer put me on to. It does sound like there could be something wrong with the wiring, the plugs do get quite corroded over time, ime. As @SteveL suggests, might be worth just replacing it.

  • Fozzie
    Fozzie Club Member Posts: 599
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    #6

    Thanks everyone,I have already unscrewed the 13 pin plug and pins 9 and 13,are tight,and clean,the van is only 18 months old,if the sequence lasted the normal 15 second whirling I would replace the LED. At the moment unable to find the wiring connector inside the van,as it looks such a mess,which has enough wiring to resemble a lamp post in Hong Kong.

    Thanks again all.

  • RogerP1956
    RogerP1956 Club Member Posts: 68
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    #7

    I had a problem with corrosion in the LED connector under the fairing, it could be trying to show green but LED not working.

  • RogerP1956
    RogerP1956 Club Member Posts: 68
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    #8

    I have just had a quick look for replacement LEDs £45!!!!

    What a ridiculous price for a £3 LED & cable

  • Fozzie
    Fozzie Club Member Posts: 599
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    #9

    @RogerP1956 Yes this is why I wanted to prove or try to prove what the fault was.I suppose I will have to contact the dealer now,and see what they say.

    Some looms incorporating the whole assembly are over £50 on Alko websites,wow

  • RogerP1956
    RogerP1956 Club Member Posts: 68
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    #10

    Would love to know the final outcome!

  • Fozzie
    Fozzie Club Member Posts: 599
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    #11

    @RogerP1956 Just to update,Aklo technical dept have replied,with some electrical info,and because of the Alko price of this LED (see above),I have purchased 5 LED's for £3.74 but unfortunately due to time demand I will not be able to get to my van for a week or so.If and when I find the fault ,I'll post it on here.

  • RogerP1956
    RogerP1956 Club Member Posts: 68
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    #12

    Just be aware that standard LEDs are about 2V and need a dropper resistor to limit the current when used on 12V (13.8V). The dropper resistor may be built in to the ALKO unit but from memory I don't think that it is.

    I think that you need to find a Bi colour (Red/Green) 12v 5mm LED to use as a direct replacement. If you let me have a link to what you have bought, I can comment on their suitablitiy.

    I have had a browse for 12V Bi colour LEDs and, annoyingly, have drawn a blank.

    If you go down the dropper resistor route you will need about 600ohm (nearest normal value is 680ohm which would be fine) the power in these resistors would be about 1/4 watt so specify 1 watt devices to keep them cool.

    Bi colour LED.jpg

    Photo is a sketch of the wiring for the Bi colour LEDs.

    I am on holiday until 12th July but I would be happy to assemble these when I return if it helps.

  • Fozzie
    Fozzie Club Member Posts: 599
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    #13

    @RogerP1956 Thanks for the info,I have gone in to the spec sheet for the led's and yes they are 2v.I have ordered a pack of 680 ohm resistors and will make up a test led / resistor to see if it is an led fault on van.

    Technically the van is still under warranty,but I did not want to take it there if it was an easy fix.

    I'll let you know how I get on.

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