caravan indicator buzzer

tristar
tristar Forum Participant Posts: 30
edited August 2017 in Caravans #1

Hi

I have recently changed my caravan for a new swift Conqueror 530 (2016 model).

The new caravan has LED  light clusters which all work but I no longer get the Indicator buzzer warning to let me know the indicators are working.  All was fine with our 2013 Challenger SE 530 with normal light clusters.  I also have a trailer board in the garage that I can test my electrics with and every thing works fine with that.

Any help will be gratefully received.

Thanks in anticipation

Raymond

Comments

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2017 #2

    It seems that the latest systems on cars and 'vans indicate a fail situation and not a working situation!

    My own car doesn't indicate by sound or flashing light...but I am assured it will tell me when the indicators (for example) don't work!

    I don't tow a 'van but tow trailers on a regular basissmile 

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2017 #3

    I'm just glad I've not got or ever had a buzzer. surprised

    Not sure what you can do tristar if the leds don't draw enough for your buzzer's box of electrickery. LEDs aside, the buzzer in your car isn't a requirement, you just need your car to tell you a trailer indicator has failed .... and there are various ways it can do that without a buzzer.

    If the caravan's led indicator failed while out & about, what would you be able to do with it? They'll be a sealed unit that you've to replace  .... not something that you'd easily be able to do at tbe road side.

  • Tigi
    Tigi Forum Participant Posts: 1,038
    500 Comments
    edited August 2017 #4

    I would`nt worry about it who is going to check if you have a buzzer that works with you caravan model. As per MollysMummy a lot modern cars e.g. Mercedes let alone caravans do not have replaceable lights anymore and can only be done by a technician, if your LED indicator fails on a weekend there is not a lot you can do except keep going. I guess it is actually better to at least know its not working but the idea of LED is to have a reduced failure rate anyway.

  • Vicmallows
    Vicmallows Forum Participant Posts: 580
    500 Comments
    edited August 2017 #5

    Disagree.  The beeping when I turn on an indicator tells me with absolute certainty that the caravan indicator (conventional filament bulb) is actually flashing (the beeper detects that current is actually flowing in the light circuit).  This is vital information when maneuvering. I would not be so confident of noticing a warning symbol on an LCD display at the critical moment when pulling out on a motorway.

     

  • tristar
    tristar Forum Participant Posts: 30
    edited August 2017 #6

    Thanks to everybody.  I know the indicators work on the van but its just peace of mind that you hear it buzzing when doing a maneuvering.

    Will get it checked out

    Thanks again

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2017 #7

    But you don't get a warning symbol on a display. The indicators would likely rapid flash as they would on you car when solo. Failing that,  my previous Vauxhalls had a repeater tell tale.

  • IanBHawkes
    IanBHawkes Forum Participant Posts: 212
    100 Comments
    edited August 2017 #8

    It is still a legal requirement to have a warning in the car that informs you of failed trailer lights! As I undersand it some for of resistoris required in the flasher circuits to enable the warning device to work.

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2017 #9

    And as above, even if you did make the warning work inside the car, what are you going to do at the road side with a failed led light unit? 

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2017 #10

    The important thing is to know that indicators have failed. Although you may not be able to stop there and then at least you can make allowance with your driving for the fact that any following vehicle may not know that you intend to turn.

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2017 #11

    Like using hand signals .... innocent

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2017 #12

    Hand signals are fine except with a caravan on the back not always very clear for following vehicles unless the driver has very long arms. smile

  • IanBHawkes
    IanBHawkes Forum Participant Posts: 212
    100 Comments
    edited August 2017 #13

    The law states that a warning of some sort must be in the car being that a buzzer or warning light, fixing the problem is something different!

  • kibosh
    kibosh Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited September 2017 #14

    I had same problem when collecting our new Sterling ( Swift ) Elite with all LED lights.  Dealer and Swift said a different circuit board was required and these are specific to the towing vehicle ,in our case a Disco 4 with an indicator light as apposed to a buzzer but the same applies. The dealer obtained a circuit board from Sargent and problem solved. the board is a plug in which is fitted in minutes to the box in the front of the bedding locker. Swift said dealer should always as what vehicle you are towing with before collecting caravan so correct circuit board can be fitted in caravan.   

  • tristar
    tristar Forum Participant Posts: 30
    edited September 2017 #15

    Hi kibosh

    Thanks for info.  I did find out about the circuit board from elsewhere and duly contacted Sargent. When I informed them of my car details they dispatched it and I received it next day so excellent service from Sargent.

    I haven't been able to install it yet as recovering from knee replacement so not able to drive until next week. I wish I informed the dealer as I had to purchase my board at a reduced price as Swift contributes towards it.

    Thanks again

  • tristar
    tristar Forum Participant Posts: 30
    edited September 2017 #16

    Hi

    Just an update regarding the indicator failure warning buzzer.

    I purchased the circuit board from Sargent but have only just been able to fit it today as I couldn't drive for six weeks.  It has cured the problem as failure buzzer is now working. Only problem is that the wiring could have been a bit longer as securing the circuit board to the caravan is a little challenging as it can only be fitted behind the board that the fuse box is located and the heating fins and water pipes are also located there . I'm sure I'll come up with something.

    If kibosh has any suggestions how he fitted his I again would be grateful.

    The board I purchased from Sargent is a VLM4.

    In hindsight I should have reported it to the dealer as think that it should have been Swift that rectified the problem at their cost by fitting the circuit board as the car is wired correctly. The led lights don't draw enough power to activate the warning.

Categories