Guess what I've done now!

Rosie Rabbit
Rosie Rabbit Forum Participant Posts: 85
edited August 2017 in New to Caravanning & Touring #1

I have blown the 12v plug thingy. I plugged in a 12v hairdryer into the cigarette lighter adaptor and I think I've blown a fuse. I'm on electric hook up and when I plugged in my tv into mains supply there was no signal and I found out that the red light on the Status pack was out.

Now I am hunting for the fuses for the 12v system. Am I looking for the right thing and does anyone have a clue where they might be - Abbey Freestyle 470SE 2001.

I won't go into what I did earlier in the week, will save that for another time!

 

Thanks again in advance, off now for another crawl around.

Comments

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited August 2017 #2

    Are the 12 volt fuses not somewhere near the power supply unit (main fuse/breaker box)?

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,374
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    edited August 2017 #3

    Our Abbey freestyle was 2005 and had the main breakers in the wardrobe. However, unlike our current Bailey the 12 volt ones were not directly below. I seem to recall they were under the seating at the front of the van.

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
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    edited August 2017 #4

    My Abbey fuses are front end under the bench - but there are trip switches in the long/tall/thin kitchen cupboard - where the aerial  and the table lives. 

  • Rosie Rabbit
    Rosie Rabbit Forum Participant Posts: 85
    edited August 2017 #5

    Right then - been for a photographic crawl around. The pic with 12v skt and ignitions is in the overhead cupboard beside the ESM unit. Would that be it, are they fuses? The rest are taken under the seat near the battery box.

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,374
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    edited August 2017 #6

    The pic with the 12 volt skt and ignitions looks favourite. Under the labels is a clear plastic cover. Are there blade type fuses below this. If so the 12 volt skt and ignitions would be the one to check. I assume your electric ignition on the cooker is also not working. I don't know if you carry any spare fuses but these can be sourced from Halfords or similar in the morning. 

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited August 2017 #7

    I'd have thought bottom left looked the most favourable  undecided

  • Rosie Rabbit
    Rosie Rabbit Forum Participant Posts: 85
    edited August 2017 #8

    SteveL you are right about the gas ignition - it isn't working either. This is a pic with the cover removed. The bottom blue one looks a bit out of kilter - do you think that's the culprit?

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited August 2017 #9

    Remove & check it. wink 

    There are slight variations, but this gives you the gist .... https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=checking+car+fuses&client=tablet-android-samsung&prmd=sivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiMuZ_Wo9_VAhXFKMAKHUhpDNMQ_AUIEigC&biw=1280&bih=800#imgrc=3O4ZrCASR9yjjM:

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,374
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    edited August 2017 #10

    Given the labelling I would have assumed it was the top red one. However, as you say the bottom one does not seem to be seated properly. Can you see if the thin wire through the top one is intact, or broken?

  • Rosie Rabbit
    Rosie Rabbit Forum Participant Posts: 85
    edited August 2017 #11
    Right again - I took the top one out and there was a break in the line across the bottom. So if I go to Halfords tomorrow and take that with me they should give me the correct replacement?

    What a way to spend a Thursday evening, still it keeps me off the streets ;-)

    Thanks again everyone for all your help, I feel I've ascended a bit more of "the learning curve"

    xxx
  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited August 2017 #12

    I'm sure Halfords will have them, but they are one of the most ecpensive places to buy stuff these days. Any motorfactor will sell them. If you look in the fuse box on your car, I'd expect there'll be some spare fuses in there somewhere.

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,374
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    edited August 2017 #13

    Glad you sorted it Rosie.

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited August 2017 #14

    I was mixing up my threads .... https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-together/discussions/ask-the-expert/ask-the-expert-live/12v-wiring-issues/ innocent

  • Rosie Rabbit
    Rosie Rabbit Forum Participant Posts: 85
    edited August 2017 #15

    Nooooo! Please don't tell me I've got to find more fuses laughing. That means I have to find out how to open the bonnet surprised

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited August 2017 #16

    Your car's fuse box could be under their bonnet, inside the car or both .... just go to Halfords  smile

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
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    edited August 2017 #17

    You could look up car fuses in the car manual to find where the little box is.   Most service/petrol stations will sell the fuses Halfords are pricey but convenient sometimes!

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited August 2017 #18

    Always worthwhile carrying several spare fuses. I have had three blow in the last 11 years. 

    1st one on previous van when one of the outside towing lights would not work when checking before leaving site. Car lights worked fine. I was surprised to find that it was one inside the caravan that had blown. Replaced it and all was fine.

    2nd one when I plugged a 12 volt tyre pump into the 'van. Fuse blew and I replaced it, tried again and it blew. Replaced and checked to find that the socket under the TV had a higher rated fuse and I used that socket no problem. So used 2 spare fuses.

    3rd one after the dealers workshop had done some work on the oven. Went away for Christmas break and the oven/hob igniter not working, No big deal but it also affected the fan for oven and grill. Couldn't do a leg of lamb in the oven with no fan to keep controls cool. Replaced fuse and next time I used the hob automatically pressed the igniter button despite having put a gas lighter to hand. After the second time I made the mistake I taped a bottle top over the button, smile So used 3 spare fuses.

    Moral of the story for me is carry plenty. 

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited August 2017 #19

    With modern cars finding the two fuse boxes is one thing. Finding the particular fuse not always so easy. When my central locking packed up the only door that could be opened by key (not remote) was the drivers door. Could not open any passenger door from inside or out. Spoke to an auto electrician on the phone who suggested that (as I suspected and hoped) it was likely to be a 'tired' fuse that had blown. He also said that it would not be marked or listed as that one rarely is in his experience. He was right. I could find no info. Spent an hour or more on the web and finally found a post saying that on the 12 month old X-Trail the fuse was under the dashboard and top left. As I lay on my back under the dashboard and pulled that fuse I was so glad that he was right! 

    Spare fuses not accessible as locked in boot! 

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited August 2017 #20

    Just the two fuse/relay boxes Easy? There are fuses all over the place on my car and when I recently replaced my battery (under the driver's seat .... real PITA) I found some more.

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited August 2017 #21

    Only two main fuse boxes that I know of. Not to say that there are not other Bs hidden away. smile

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
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    edited August 2017 #22

    My caravan fuse box is in the most inaccessible place in a front corner under the seat/bed and a bit behind the alarm box!  I never was a rubber person!  

    I hope you have fixed it Rosie smile

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,727
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    edited August 2017 #23

    Your caravan handbook should give a list of what size of fuse is used for what, it is a good idea to carry at least 2 spares for each size, and to remember to re-stock if you use any.

  • dmiller555
    dmiller555 Forum Participant Posts: 717
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    edited August 2017 #24

    May be a good idea to buy a box containing all sizes of fuses so that you have spares of each size. 

  • Rosie Rabbit
    Rosie Rabbit Forum Participant Posts: 85
    edited August 2017 #25

    I bought 4 x fuses from Halfords this morning. Note to self to get some blue ones as well.

    Anyway put the new fuse in and everything works!!

    Did the happy dance with slightly restricted movement due to being in a caravan.

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited August 2017 #26

    Well done wink

    Must admit I don't think I' ve ever bought a fuse. Over the years when I used to frequent local scrap yards, I've liberated many an automotive fuse & relay from scrap cars. innocent

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
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    edited August 2017 #27

    Well done Rosie - another skill acquired! 

  • Shuttleworths
    Shuttleworths Forum Participant Posts: 69
    edited August 2017 #28

    Isn't this discussion a really good example of all that is good about caravanning, mobile homing and the CMC??!!

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