Auto-Trail • Motorhome • Water System

Auto-Trail Water System

(Motorhome, 2005 Model Year)

View official manual on manufacturer's site ↗

Master Troubleshooting & Diagnostics Matrix

Error Code / IndicatorSymptom / MeaningPossible CauseStep-by-Step DIY FixSuggested 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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Check which filter housing is fitted (and compare it with your current cartridge) before choosing a replacement:

The handbook only says a Carver Crystal unit is fitted. The Filtapac cartridge suits Carver/Truma Crystal housings; the Truma Ultraflow filter suits Ultraflow housings and some older Crystal II housings. Match it to the housing you actually have.

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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.