Community Forums

mbprins · 12-26-2017, 07:26 PM

In my 2000 Newmar DP, the grey tank level system is haunted. The indicators typically jump from 2 bars to 5 bars, skipping the levels in between, and as soon as 5 bars are lit, any time you check the level, it turns on the water pump. Anyone else ever see this? I cannot understand how the pump and the tank level are electrically connected! I’ve had the tank cleaned twice, tried the dish soap treatment a few times, and no improvement.

daveandcarol · 12-27-2017, 12:24 AM

Almost sounds like the wire to the full sensor light and the water pump wire are shorted together in the control panel (printed circuit?) so when the full sensor light is energized, it shorts to the pump. Does the full sensor light illuminate when you turn the pump on? Electrician or exorcist, decisions, decisions...

Does anyone on this forum actually have a coach where all the tank sensors work perfectly? All I ever hear is that they are iffy at best. Some of my intermediate sensors don't work either.

G Schulz · 12-27-2017, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveandcarol

Does anyone on this forum actually have a coach where all the tank sensors work perfectly? All I ever hear is that they are iffy at best. Some of my intermediate sensors don't work either.

Mine do now, I installed the SeeLevel system, it works great.

Quincy · 12-27-2017, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G Schulz

Mine do now, I installed the SeeLevel system, it works great.

I was looking into Seelevel some years ago but did not buy it. Now our New to us 1999 Newmar needs something done to the monitor system since they do not work either I need to do something, I am familiar with it but would like any info personally you can provide.

Thanks

mbprins · 12-27-2017, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveandcarol

Almost sounds like the wire to the full sensor light and the water pump wire are shorted together in the control panel (printed circuit?) so when the full sensor light is energized, it shorts to the pump. Does the full sensor light illuminate when you turn the pump on? Electrician or exorcist, decisions, decisions...

Does anyone on this forum actually have a coach where all the tank sensors work perfectly? All I ever hear is that they are iffy at best. Some of my intermediate sensors don't work either.

That’s an excellent diagnostic question, but the answer is,”No.” Darn it.

mbprins · 12-27-2017, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G Schulz

Mine do now, I installed the SeeLevel system, it works great.

I’ve been coveting the SeeLevel system for a while now. Given the location of the tanks, it appears to be a difficult installation. I think I’d have to have it professionally installed ($).

MSHappyCampers · 12-27-2017, 09:21 AM

Hi !

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Call Ghost Busters! Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

G Schulz · 12-28-2017, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quincy

I was looking into Seelevel some years ago but did not buy it. Now our New to us 1999 Newmar needs something done to the monitor system since they do not work either I need to do something, I am familiar with it but would like any info personally you can provide.

Thanks

The SeeLevel system is not that difficult to install. You can use the existing wiring. You do have to have access to the side of all your holding tanks, so you can stick the flexible circuit board sensors to the side of the tanks. The sensors have to reach from the bottom to the top of each tank. They have a self adhesive on the back. I bought two monitors so I can read the tanks from inside the motorhome and the other in the wet bay. The system uses your existing sensor for the propane tank. I have two years of electronics training so it wasn’t a big deal for me but you do have to keep track of the wiring. The SeeLevel system uses less wires than the old system I took out. If you have a basic understanding of electrical, and can trace wires, installation shouldn’t be a problem. It was a little more work for me as I have two monitors.
It’s so much nicer reading tank levels in percentage, instead of by thirds. No more sensors to fail.

Quincy · 12-29-2017, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G Schulz

The SeeLevel system is not that difficult to install. You can use the existing wiring. You do have to have access to the side of all your holding tanks, so you can stick the flexible circuit board sensors to the side of the tanks. The sensors have to reach from the bottom to the top of each tank. They have a self adhesive on the back. I bought two monitors so I can read the tanks from inside the motorhome and the other in the wet bay. The system uses your existing sensor for the propane tank. I have two years of electronics training so it wasn’t a big deal for me but you do have to keep track of the wiring. The SeeLevel system uses less wires than the old system I took out. If you have a basic understanding of electrical, and can trace wires, installation shouldn’t be a problem. It was a little more work for me as I have two monitors.
It’s so much nicer reading tank levels in percentage, instead of by thirds. No more sensors to fail.

Thanks for the info GS I might give it a try.

Hit_the_Rhod · 12-29-2017, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveandcarol

Almost sounds like the wire to the full sensor light and the water pump wire are shorted together in the control panel (printed circuit?) so when the full sensor light is energized, it shorts to the pump. Does the full sensor light illuminate when you turn the pump on? Electrician or exorcist, decisions, decisions...

Does anyone on this forum actually have a coach where all the tank sensors work perfectly? All I ever hear is that they are iffy at best. Some of my intermediate sensors don't work either.

Yep, 2001 Dutch Star. 2nd owner, we've owned for almost three years and 24k miles. Grey, black, and fresh water sensors and display works perfectly. Original to the coach as far as I know.

GPWayne · 12-29-2017, 06:05 PM

Seems the tank level system and the water pump control system are using the same ground point. This ground may be loose or not clean. That will allow "level test" to turn the pump on etc. Bad grounds and loose connections will cause all kinds of problems.

mbprins · 12-30-2017, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GPWayne

Seems the tank level system and the water pump control system are using the same ground point. This ground may be loose or not clean. That will allow "level test" to turn the pump on etc. Bad grounds and loose connections will cause all kinds of problems.

I’ll have to see if I can find that point. The schematics that came with the coach aren’t the best. Thanks for the tip!