Auto-Trail Water System
(Motorhome, 2004 Model Year)
Master Troubleshooting & Diagnostics Matrix
| Error Code / Indicator | Symptom / Meaning | Possible Cause | Step-by-Step DIY Fix | Suggested Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A | No water comes out of any tap when it's turned on, even though the pump is running. | The fresh water tank has run dry. | Check, fill. | DIY Safe |
N/A | No water comes out of any tap when it's turned on, even though the pump is running. | Pump not primed | Refer to manufacturer's instructions | DIY Safe |
N/A | No water comes out of any tap when it's turned on, even though the pump is running. | The pump wired in reverse | Check the wiring is correct, following the pump manufacturer's own instructions. | DIY Safe |
N/A | No water comes out of any tap when it's turned on, even though the pump is running. | A pipe has come loose at the pump's inlet or outlet. | Check connections | DIY Safe |
N/A | No water comes out of any tap when it's turned on, even though the pump is running. | Pipes restricted by kinks | Check pipe runs | DIY Safe |
N/A | No water comes out of any tap when it's turned on, even though the pump is running. | The pump's inlet or outlet pipe is blocked. | Check for the blockage, starting with the fresh water tank itself. | DIY Safe |
N/A | No water comes out of any tap when it's turned on, even though the pump is running. | An in-line filter or the pump's own filter is blocked. | Dismantle and clean | DIY Safe |
N/A | No water comes out of any tap when it's turned on, even though the pump is running. | There's an air leak in the pipe feeding into the pump. | Look for air bubbles in the pipe and fit a clip to seal the joint. | DIY Safe |
N/A | Pump does not run | Pump or tap wired incorrectly | Refer to pump/tap manufacturer's instruction | DIY Safe |
N/A | Pump does not run | Pump fuse blown | Check the wiring connections are sound, then fit a fresh fuse of the correct rating. | DIY Safe |
N/A | Pump does not run | Battery disconnected | Check connections | DIY Safe |
N/A | Pump does not run | Pump seized or overheated | Refer to manufacturer's servicing instructions | DIY Safe |
N/A | Pump does not run | On a pressure-controlled pump, the pressure-sensing switch itself may have failed. | Refer to manufacturer's servicing instructions | DIY Safe |
N/A | Pump does not run | On a switched-tap system, the tap's own switch may have failed. | Refer to manufacturer's servicing instructions | DIY Safe |
N/A | The cold tap runs normally, but the hot tap's flow is weaker. | The feed pipe into the water heater has been connected to its outlet by mistake. | Refer to installation instructions | DIY Safe |
N/A | The cold tap runs normally, but the hot tap's flow is weaker. | Blockage in hot pipeline | Disconnect pipes and inspect | DIY Safe |
N/A | The cold tap runs normally, but the hot tap's flow is weaker. | A kink in the heater's inlet or outlet pipe is restricting the flow. | Check for kinks and re-route the pipe if needed, making sure the hose fitted is the recommended type. | DIY Safe |
N/A | The cold tap runs normally, but the hot tap's flow is weaker. | Hot tap is not connected | Refer to installation instructions | DIY Safe |
N/A | The cold tap runs normally, but the hot tap's flow is weaker. | Hot tap failed or blocked | Disconnect and inspect | DIY Safe |
N/A | The cold tap runs normally, but the hot tap's flow is weaker. | Heater non-return valve jammed | Seek service attention | Professional Intervention Required |
N/A | Both the hot and cold taps have reduced flow. | A kink in the cold water pipe is restricting the flow. | Check and re-route if necessary | DIY Safe |
N/A | Both the hot and cold taps have reduced flow. | Blockage in cold pipe line | Disconnect the pipework just after the first Y-connector and trace it through to the tap, checking as you go. | DIY Safe |
N/A | Both the hot and cold taps have reduced flow. | Cold tap not connected | Refer to installation instructions | DIY Safe |
N/A | Both the hot and cold taps have reduced flow. | Cold tap failed or blocked | Disconnect and inspect | DIY Safe |
N/A | Both the hot and cold taps have reduced flow. | On a Carver Crystal unit, the cartridge may have reached the end of its life. | Replace cartridge | DIY Safe |
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N/A | Both the hot and cold taps have reduced flow. | A low battery is making the pump run more slowly than normal. | Check how much charge is left in the battery - see the electrical supply section for guidance. | DIY Safe |
N/A | Water flows from the hot tap but the cold tap's flow is reduced. | Newly-fitted taps may themselves be restricting the flow. | Disconnect them and confirm their bore is at least 6.3mm. | DIY Safe |
N/A | Water flows from the hot tap but the cold tap's flow is reduced. | Pump needs servicing | Refer to pump servicing instructions | DIY Safe |
N/A | Water flows from the hot tap but the cold tap's flow is reduced. | The pump's own filter, or an in-line filter if one is fitted, may be partly blocked. | Dismantle and clean if necessary | DIY Safe |
N/A | Water flows from the hot tap but the cold tap's flow is reduced. | A kink at the pump's outlet is restricting the flow. | Check and re-route if necessary. | DIY Safe |
N/A | Water flows from the hot tap but the cold tap's flow is reduced. | Water leak | Check all water connections | DIY Safe |
N/A | Water difficult to drain | 'Y' connectors fitted incorrectly | Refer to installation instructions | DIY Safe |
N/A | Water difficult to drain | Kinked pipework is restricting the flow. | Check and re-route if necessary | DIY Safe |
N/A | Water difficult to drain | Bore size difference in taps | Fit taps that share the same bore size. | DIY Safe |
N/A | Water difficult to drain | Drain plug partially blocked | Remove plug entirely | DIY Safe |
N/A | Water difficult to drain | With the hot taps shut, air can't get into the hot water system to let it drain. | Open taps | DIY Safe |
N/A | Water difficult to drain | Loops hanging in pipe runs | Refer to installation instructions. | DIY Safe |
N/A | Reduced flow from either tap | Hot water is feeding back into the cold line - usually because a mixer tap or a single combined hot/cold outlet is in use. | Fit a non-return valve into the cold supply, close to the tap. | DIY Safe |
N/A | The cold tap runs warm instead of cold. | On a pressurised system, the pump's switching pressure is set too high. | Refer to water supply note | DIY Safe |
N/A | The cold tap runs warm instead of cold. | On a switched-tap system, the pump is delivering more flow than the tap itself can pass. | Refer to water supply note | DIY Safe |
N/A | Water pump runs on for more than 5-10 seconds after closing all taps | Possible leak in the system | Check the whole water system for leaks without delay, and make a habit of powering the pump down from its control panel every time you leave the vehicle. | DIY Safe |
N/A | Aerated water from a tap | There may be a leak on the pump's suction side. | Look for a leak where the pump draws water in and repair as needed. | DIY Safe |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I drain down the water system for winter or storage?
Open the drain cock on the main tank, drain the heater, and open any drain cocks in the pipework. Leave all the taps open too, then wait around five minutes for everything to clear.
