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Autocruise Starspirit problem


Barry1940

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I have a problem with the habitation electrics on my 2008 Autocruise Starspirit which has three modules for the electrics.

There is a control panel at the entrance door, a module labelled A behind the drivers seat and a module labelled B under the drivers seat.

When I connect the leisure battery fuse there is a click from I think Module A but nothing shows on the control panel when the button is pressed.

If I put a link between terminal 4 (the feed from the leisure battery) and terminal 2 (the feed to the habitation fuses) on Module A I get power to the habitation area except for the water pump. The control panel at the door comes on without pressing the button and doesn’t turn off when the button is pressed.

Pressing different buttons on the control panel gives different responses

The clock, the entrance light, the water and waste level indicators work and the indicator on the pump button shows but the pump doesn’t work. The voltage, amps, info, and solar panel all show Selection Not Available.

With 230volts hookup connected I still need the link to get power to the habitation area (the water pump still doesn’t work), the control panel is turned on and won’t turn off but all the buttons except the solar panel show responses.

With the link connected the lights and power in the habitation work except for the pump which needs another link

The circuit diagram shows the data cable to the control panel coming from Module A with a link to Module B, but in my van it is opposite with the control panel data cable feeding from Module B. Including the link between the two modules there are four data cables and power supply cables for the panel and water pump. One of the data cables feeds the control panel and I don’t know what the other two data cables feed.

I have had people to look at it and there has been no success, I would replace the modules if I knew where to obtain them, I have tried vehicle breakers but they were unable to help and Swift are not interested.

I have also been in touch with a company who said they originally built the units for Autocruise and asked me to send them details, but after sending them there has been no response.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

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Hi Francis and welcome,

 

First things first, do you have a multimeter? If yes then what is the voltage of the leisure battery measured directly at its terminals. If no then get one and measure as above! They cost less than ten pounds from the likes of Screwfix or Halfords.

 

https://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-mas830b-digital-multimeter-600v/75337

https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-tools/insulated-and-electrical-tools/rolson-digital-multimeter-710273.html

 

Keith.

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This link is to a 2008 Autocruise Owners Handbook covering the “Star” motorhome range.

 

https://orbit.brightbox.com/v1/acc-jqzwj/Swift-Group/handbooks/pdfs/000/000/046/original/2008_AC_Handbook.pdf?1472743494

 

The electrical system is described on Pages 48 to 76. The components comprising the “Power System” are shown on Page 52 and the section on the “Energy Management System” control-panel begins on Page 53.

 

This link to a 2008 Autocruise Specification, Wiring Diagrams & Bulb Chart for the “Star” range.

 

https://orbit.brightbox.com/v1/acc-jqzwj/Swift/handbooks/pdfs/000/000/087/original/4396_Star_Range_handbook_2008.pdf?1472743518

 

with the “Starspirit” wiring diagram on Page 12. (Copy of diagram attached below)

 

Some feedback from Francis would be useful

 

1: Does the control-panel have “Energy Management System” on it? (There’s no point in assuming that Francis’s Starspirit has that system if it actually has a different one.)

 

2: Francis has said "I have had people to look at it and there has been no success” - who were those people? If they were experienced motorhome/automotive electical technicians, the chances of the problem Francis has described being resolved through an on-line forum or by an optimistic DIYer are slim.

 

A GOOGLE-search on "autocruise energy management system” produces the followng results

 

https://tinyurl.com/y67p5qs7

 

and indicates that, when there are problems with that system nowadays, resolution can prove very difficult.

SSWD.png.f16c02a5ac3d3d3585c3e043b2b2896a.png

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Hi Derek

 

I have seen the circuit diagram that you show and it is slightly different from the one in the hand book that came with the van with I think the main differences are the link between Module A and Module B and the the wires on my drawing are easier to follow.

I have had to two auto electric companies and had a mobile auto electric technician that I have used previously look at it without success, I was an electrical contractor before retiring and still have all my instruments but I struggle with anything other than basic auto electrics.

I have photos of the units and the circuit diagram that I could post when I find out how, being new to the group I have things to learn.

Francis

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Francis

 

Please answer the following question

 

Does your Starspirit's control-panel have “Energy Management System” on it?

 

.................................................................................................................

 

The basic procedure for attaching a file to a forum posting is as follows:

 

1: Type the posting’s text into the Message box.

2: Tick the box titled "Attach a file after posting”.

3: Click the posting’s SUBMIT button.

 

An “Attach a file” box should now appear, When it does

 

4: Click on the “Choose File” button.

 

The response to clicking on the “Choose File” button will depend on the device you are using - I use an Apple iMac desk-top computer and an Apple iPad and the response of the former differs from that of the latter as their file management systems differ. But however your device (PC, Mac, tablet, phone) responds, you’ll need to identify and choose the file you want to attach. The file-name should now appear alongside the “Choose File” button. When it does

 

5: Click on the “Submit” button.

 

If the file you are trying to attach has a format that the forum’s software can handle, a message (in red) “Upload successful” should appear, plus information showing the name of the file and its size.

 

6: Now click on "Return to the thread” in the “Actions” box to complete the process. (If you want to attach several files, repeat actions 4 and 5 as necessary, and then click on "Return to the thread”.)

 

......................................................................................................................................

 

If I attempt to attach a fairly large file I may get the following error message

 

Request object error 'ASP 0104 : 80004005'

 

Operation not Allowed

 

/forums/includes/include-upload.asp, line 51

 

However, if the file is really large, the attachment process sometimes seems to fail with no error message and with “no file selected” appearing alongside the “Choose File” button.

 

The critical thing is to ensure that the size of the file being attached does not exceed 100KB.

 

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It's a few years ago now but when we had spurious electrical problems with a Starspirit it turned out to be the control panel by the door that was at fault.

I seem to recall that disconnecting it by pulling the plug at the back of it out and leaving it for a few minutes might reset it and temporarily cure the problems. It did for us but we eventually got an exchange reconditioned unit from Sargent Electrical which was not overly expensive and their people were very helpful.

Either take it out from the front or remove the inner overhead locker wall panel to access it as I recall?

Then again it might not be the panel!!

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Barry1940 - 2020-09-19 5:55 PM

 

Mine is not a Sargent system, I have spoken to them about converting mine but the conversion seems too complex. Thanks anyway

 

Sorry didn't know that!!

 

Disconnecting, leaving, then reconnecting is a well known reset method that sometimes works on anything electronic?

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We have been using the van as normal on non hook up sites, using the links I have everything working and the solar panel must be maintaining the leisure battery although it doesn't show on the door panel.

We have been thinking of replacing the van next year but I would prefer to have the system working correctly.

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Barry1940 - 2020-09-19 6:05 PM

 

We have been using the van as normal on non hook up sites, using the links I have everything working and the solar panel must be maintaining the leisure battery although it doesn't show on the door panel.

You didn't mention the solar panel before!

 

Disconnect or cover the solar panel then let the leisure battery rest for at least two hours but ideally overnight then measure its voltage please.

 

Keith.

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Barry1940 - 2020-09-19 5:51 PM

 

Yes it has Energy management on it.

I was going to send photo's but they are all jpeg and more than 100k

 

If you email me your photos to

 

(deleted)

 

I’ll deal with them and post them to the forum.

 

The “Power System” that included the “Energy Management System” control-panel was a great idea at the time and provided a lot of information to the motorhome owner. However - like a lot of old electonic equipment - when problems develop years later, critical spare parts are no longer available and there’s nobody with the necessary expertise to troubleshoot.

 

If the system wasn’t working at all, the best bet would probably be to junk the lot and have a CBE-branded modular ‘kit’ fitted instead. But that would cost £300-£400 for the parts alone and there’d be a hefty labour charge for the installation.

 

 

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I have had everything disconnected and the panels out for a few weeks while one of the auto electric companies were investigating the fault, I have also had the units on my bench while I looked inside to see if there was anything obvious.

While the units were out of the van everything was disconnected and the battery had kept its charge when they were refitted.

There is a supply into Module B and as the pump which is fed from Module B doesn't work without being disconnected from the module and given a separate supply I am thinking that the problem may be in that module's electronics.

This unit also has the data cables feeding out as mentioned in my first post

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Photos attached below:

 

1 - Module A

2 - Module A side view

3 - Module A end view

4 - Module B

5 - Module B side view

6 - Control panel

7 - Wiring diagram

 

I’ve rotated the wiring diagram photo through 90 degrees, enhanced it to maximise readability, and compressed it to get the size down to below 200KB (which is my ‘moderator’ limit) - best I can do...

 

When it comes to trobleshooting, it’s plain from the wiring diagram that the electrical system is based on 3 electronic units - Energy Manager, Expansion Unit and Control Panel - (8th file attached). If any of these units develop a problem and unit-replacement is impossible curing the fault may prove very hard.

181862041_ModuleA.thumb.jpg.eb92e6eda6efea62e5f94641a7340af4.jpg

2036942557_ModuleAsideview.thumb.jpg.4ea2aed341927ce82ca8f410f3e176e7.jpg

716573355_ModuleAendview.thumb.jpg.fa41fc9f6368406bb5cd3753819622a9.jpg

1202972550_ModuleB.thumb.jpg.d61e8f903593cf02b7c072bce4cd34af.jpg

2116799969_ModuleBsideview.thumb.jpg.7404bef5d67431fc6b0d1110a3bcad12.jpg

623622133_Controlpanel.thumb.jpg.119a770eb95943d5b95aa982d5c58f9c.jpg

2038616215_Wiringdiagram.thumb.jpg.868b0dd1b7b2d3bb351359618870a9c2.jpg

system.png.85408c2ca4a8a9cb3306fc7111456dc4.png

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Not sure if this will be relevant.

I had a 2009 Autocruise Sportstar which was fitted with the Nordelectronica control panel.(which looked nothing like the images Derek has posted)

There were numerous threads relating to problems with the units & the company went into liquidation around 2010. Although they re-emerged there were difficulties obtaining spares for old units.

However, all was not lost as there was a UK specialist who was able to repair/renovate them at reasonable cost (at the time)

A search using "Nordelectronica" should help locating the company.

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flicka - 2020-09-24 12:16 PM

 

Not sure if this will be relevant.

I had a 2009 Autocruise Sportstar which was fitted with the Nordelectronica control panel.(which looked nothing like the images Derek has posted)

 

The electrical system in Francis’s 2008 Autocruise Staspirit motorhome has no connection with Nordelettronica.

 

Apparently the Starspirit’s system components were produced/marketed originally by a company called "Kigass Electronics Ltd” (mentioned in this 2008 forum thread)

 

https://forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Hints-and-Tips/Autocruise-Kigass/13709/

 

and were used in a few UK motorhomes (Autocruise, Bentey, Murvi).

 

Kigass Electronics Ltd was wound up in 2009 and support nowadays appears to be confined to this firm.

 

http://www.nrgmp.com/repair

 

In his original posting Francis sad

 

...I have also been in touch with a company who said they originally built the units for Autocruise and asked me to send them details, but after sending them there has been no response.

 

so I’m guessing he has tried that company without success.

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Derek, as I said, I wasn't sure if Nordelectronica was relevant, but posted as my Sportstar was built on 2008 vehicle & delivered March 2009.

However, as an above post has identified the repair/refurb company, it may be worth Francis contacting them to see if they can help.?

 

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Barry1940 - 2020-09-26 3:37 PM

 

nrgmp was the company who asked me to send information and although I sent a number of further emails didn't respond. Their phone number went to an an answerphone but they didn't respond to that either.

 

This mid-2019 forum thread discussed problems with the dreaded Energy Management System.

 

https://forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Motorhome-Matters/Lazy-control-panel/52225/

 

Within that thread Colin Weston (whose 2007 Autocruise Starburst motorhome’s panel had problems that eventually self-corrected) said

 

I got a response from Energy Management Products Ltd, http://www.nrgmp.com/repair, and they quoted me £105 to test and repair my existing panel which should it have been necessary was not excessive. Apparently they have the original tooling and drawings for Autocruise and Bentley control panels which is worth knowing. I hope finally to put this thread to bed.

 

What the ENP company’s situation is nowadays is anybody’s guess...

 

 

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