Help with Thetford Tecma macerator toilet problem

[BVThunder]

Brought the 2016 Winnebago Journey home to get ready to leave in two weeks. Thetford Tecma is dead. Not responsive to pressing buttons on wall. No lights, sounds, etc. I did a reset on the 12V system and the blue panel light did light on the wall switch, but still dead.

I verified 13V on main power coming into the controller. Voltage on the wall switch line was 10.9V. The wall switch only has two wires. So not sure how all the switch functions work on just two wires except that perhaps it may be a canbus logic system like the Firefly switch system.

My problem has to be either the wall switch or the controller. I did order a wall switch from Amazon which will be here today. I can send it back it that doesn’t solve my problem. That leaves the controller since there is not anything else that could go wrong.

Since it is Memorial Day weekend I can’t call Thetford. Any comments on their tech support? Are they one of those companies who offer not support except to call an authorized factory dealer?

Suggestions comments please. Don’t want to try to get in line at the local RV shop.

[BVThunder]

Updated information. I did a 12V reset and got a red light (tank full). Did another reset and got a green light, but still wouldn't fill or flush. Did a third reset and got a red light. Really starting to think it is the controller.

[Dean n Mike]

My controller died 15-18 months ago in the middle of the Covid shortages (12+ month lead times). I pulled out the controller and built myself a temporary replacement for it.

One switch (power) feeding two others (flush and fill). Put the power switch in to avoid a catastrophe if one of the others fails. Switches are in a small hobby electronics box on the back of the toilet.

Have to watch the black tank level a bit more carefully, as the safety of the “tank full” light and flush disable is defeated with this workaround.

[hypoxia]

If the tank sensor falls off of the tank I think it will show full. Others have had that happen.

[BVThunder]

THETFOR TECMA MACERATOR NOT FLUSHING PROBLEM SOLVED! I’m posting this resolution for those experiencing similar issues. The wife and I continued to troubleshoot the problem first by searching the internet over the Memorial Day weekend since Thetford support wasn’t available. Found a couple of references to heat related issues with the controller and take sensors but nothing definitive.

Wife went out Monday morning and pushed the flush button and it worked. Thinking it had somehow magically fixed itself, we periodically went out to test it. About noon wife told me it failed. She said it sounded like might be temperature related since temps were well over 90 with temps inside temps matching that. Tuesday morning the toilet was once again working. I turned on the A/C and set the thermostat to 79. Toilet continued to function into the heat of the day. Cut off the A/C late afternoon and temp inside climbed to 90 and the toilet failed.

Called Thetford the next morning and went through the problem and troubleshooting with them. The tech admitted that there was a known heat related issue with controllers delivered 2015-2016. Ordered a new controller from RV & Boat Accessories for $240 including second day ground. Also available on Amazon and other RV and marine parts suppliers. Install is simple plug and play.

Inside temp at 97 and it’s still flushing!

[jlax60]

Confirmed I had this same issue with my rear toilet manufactured 2016. Toilet would not flush when temperature was elevated. I removed the toilet controller and placed it in our freezer for 1 hour. Then reinstalled and was able to flush the toilet. This helped out on our trip until I was able to return home and install a new controller. Hopefully this helps someone having the same issue.

2017 American Coach Eagle Heritage Edition
2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

[hypoxia]

Originally Posted by jlax60

Toilet would not flush when temperature was elevated.

I guess it would work if you were freezing your butt off

Good info. I just fixed a friends Tecma. There were two car keys with fobs in the macerator from the guy he bought it from 10 years ago. I always wondered why he had a bad opinion of Tecma. He likes it now.

[Elevensdad]

What number did you call to reach a live body @ Thetford?

[rh2669]

Do you have a partner number please