Diagnosing and repairing motorhome and van Dashboards
Motorhome Dashboard and van: tests, breakdowns and parts repair
As with all vehicles, the instrument panel is essential for driving a motorhome, van or camper van. However, Dashboards can malfunction, whether in terms of display, power supply or signals received. When they stop working properly, this can prevent the vehicle from being used and, in some cases, have an impact on the safety of its users.
In this article, we'll review the most common faults we receive on these Dashboards. Then, we'll guide you towards repair solutions tailored to your motorhome customer's dashboard problem.
How a motorhome and van Dashboard works
The Dashboard on a motorhome or van functions as a central interface that collects and displays essential driving-related data: speed, mileage, engine power, fuel level, warning lights, and so on.
As with a car, the Dashboard comprises a set of sensors, electronic control units and analog, needle or digital displays. Sensors located in the vehicle transmit information to the Control unit or directly to the instrument cluster. The Dashboard can then read information from the vehicle's speed sensor, fuel level sensor or pressure sensor. This data is then processed by internal electronic components. These elements process the information received and communicate it to the driver via the dashboard's displays, warning lights or needles.
The special features of a motorhome dashboard
In motorhomes, the Dashboard's power supply is different from that of a light vehicle. As leisure vehicles are equipped with auxiliary batteries, an external socket or solar panels, the dashboard is subject to variable loads.
Frequent failures of camper van Dashboards and vans
Dashboard no longer lights up?
A Motorhome or van Dashboard no longer lights up can be affected by several types of malfunction. The most common cause is a power supply problem. If the power supply is cut, the motorhome Dashboard can no longer wake up: no sound, display or indicator lights up. In this case, it is often possible to repair or restore the power supply to the module. It also happens that a blown fuse prevents the handset from operating properly. It is therefore essential to first check the external fuses, usually located in the vehicle's fuse box or BSM. If you find that they are intact, it may be due to an internal component in the dashboard. In this case, you'll need to have it serviced by a specialist electronics engineer.
Your fault may also be due to a defective internal electronic component. It provoque, in this case, unstable power supplyThis prevents the instrument panel from lighting up properly. When this happens, you'll notice dimly lit or flashing LEDsor randomly falling hands or an display that jumps while driving. Finally, it's not uncommon for the problem to stem from a false contact in the electrical circuit, causing intermittent or permanent power cuts. A thorough diagnosis is then necessary, often saving the need to replace the entire instrument cluster.
Screen or backlight problem
Some motorhome Dashboards are experiencing screen lighting problems or lack of brightness on dashboard indicator lights such as the Ford Transit Connect Dashboard or the RENAULT MASTER II motorhome Dashboard. Sometimes, the Dashboard gives the impression of no longer working. In this case, the information is still displayed, but becomes invisible or difficult to read in the absence of light. You may see a very weak display, dark areas, dead pixels, loss of contrast, or even a completely black screen.
Sometimes only part of the screen is affected, in other cases the whole dashboard dashboard appears to be switched off. This type of failure is generally caused by burnt-out LEDs and/or a contact on the circuit board. Repeated exposure to extreme temperatures, heat, cold or humidity can accelerate component wear.
Blocked needles and gauges on motorhome dashboard
In many motorhomes, the fuel, temperature or battery gauges freeze or display inconsistent data on the dashboard. This type of failure is common on older recreational vehicles, whose mechanical and electronic components are more susceptible to wear and tear.
Usually, it's the internal mechanisms that control the Dashboard needles that wear out or go haywire over time, and can fail, causing blockages or erratic movements on the instrument panel. But there are other causes: a lack of communication on the bus-can networknetwork oxidized connectionfaulty defective speed sensora corrupted corrupted EEPROMor poorly connected harnesses due to frequent vibration or humidity. Moreover, leisure vehicles are particularly exposed to climatic variations.
These symptoms should give you cause for concern. A targeted repair of the instrument cluster can often avoid the need to replace the entire dashboard.
False information displayed on motorhome Dashboard?
When a Dashboard displays inconsistent data, such as incorrect speed or fuel level, there are several possible causes. The most common is a defective sensor (speed sensorThis transmits erroneous measurements to the on-board computer and distorts the display. From damaged connections or weakened connections between these sensors and the handset can also disrupt the signal. It is also possible for a part (sensor, Control unit, etc.) to be incorrectly calibrated after replacement. This may explain the display discrepancies. In all cases, a thorough diagnosis is essential to pinpoint the cause of the fault and restore measurement reliability. The electronics technician in charge of this diagnosis will, for example, check the sensors, check the wiring harnesses and note the error codes on the motorhome Dashboard.
Light stays on or flashes
On motorhome dashboards, it's not uncommon to find that a warning light no longer lights up or starts flashing for no apparent reason. These malfunctions can occur at random, particularly under changing climatic conditions. Heat, cold or humidity can disrupt on-board electronics.
Generally, a blinking or steady light indicates a short-circuit. short circuitunstable unstable power supplyor a defective fusewhich generate erratic signals. From false contactsFragile solder joints or oxidized cables can also disrupt electrical transmission, leading to intermittent failures that are more difficult to diagnose. When repairing the dashboard, a qualified electronics technician will be able to replace the components in question and overhaul all the soldering on the electronic board.
Buzzer problem on a handset?
On some dashboard models fitted to motorhomes, converted vans or utility vehicles, the buzzer may stop working. This loudspeaker is responsible for emitting a warning sound, for example, to signal the sound of an active blinker, an unbuckled seatbelt or lights left on. When this sound doesn't work, it may indicate a buzzer failure. There are several possible causes: natural wear and tear on the electronic components, a break in the buzzer's power supply, or a connection problem on the handset's circuit board. Faulty soldering, false contact or oxidation can also prevent the buzzer from sounding. Sometimes, the buzzer is still functional, but it's the motherboard that no longer transmits the sound signal correctly. These malfunctions are often invisible to the naked eye, and require disassembly and precise inspection by a technician to identify their origin. The good news is that a sound failure on a Dashboard handset is usually repairable, avoiding the need to replace the entire dashboard.
Repairing or replacing your motorhome Dashboard: what's the best choice?
Repair or replace the part: comparison chart
|
Dashboard repair |
Replacement with a new part |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Average cost |
Up to 70% cheaper than a new Dashboard |
From €800 |
|
Deadlines |
On average 72 h |
Sometimes several weeks (depending on supplier's stock) |
|
Ecology |
Reuse original parts, repair or replace HS components only, reduce electronic waste |
New manufacture, transport, production of new materials and components |
|
Parts availability |
Possible even for older models |
Some parts are no longer produced new |
When a motorhome Dashboard breaks down, you have two options: carry out a targeted repair the handset or replace it completely. Repair, when possible, offers several advantages: lower cost (generally between €180 and €350 excluding VAT), shorter lead times (with Repturn, on average 72 h) and reduced environmental impact, since the original part is given a second life instead of being discarded.
Conversely, replacement often involves the purchase of a new or reconditioned Dashboard, which can cost up to €800 or more. Supply lead times are vary greatly depending on the model and age of your customer's motorhome. Some references are no longer manufactured, especially for motorhomes over 10 years old.
Repair is an integral part of a sustainable sustainable approach Less production of electronic waste, less transport than with new parts, and less consumption of materials, since we repair or change only what's necessary.
How do I repair a motorhome dashboard?
Having a faulty Dashboard repaired is a solution that is both economical and fastThis extends the life of the equipment, while avoiding the cost of a new replacement. At RepturnWe offer a repair service dedicated to leisure vehicle maintenance professionals, with a fast, simple process. Pricing-wise, the repair costs up to 70% less than a new Dashboard. What's more, a French repair service means you can reduce vehicle downtime.
How do I repair a motorhome dashboard?
- Log in to your customer area and make a repair request. Fill in the vehicle information, the symptoms observed and the Dashboard model.
- Once the request has been validated, you will receive a transport label to stick on your parcel, in which you'll pack the part. A carrier will collect it directly from your workshop.
- On receipt of the part, our technicians carry out a complete complete diagnosis and send you a personalized quotation via your pro area.
- Once the estimate has been repair begins immediately recalibration, cleaning, repair of welds, replacement of damaged components, preventive maintenance... Everything is done to ensure that your customer's Dashboard is in good working order for a long time to come!
- We return the dashboard to your workshop for reassembly on your customer's motorhome.
Each Dashboard undergoes a final test to guarantee its reliability. All our repairs are 1-year warranties. In the event of a new breakdown during this period, transportation and repairs are coveredat no extra charge.
The most common RV Dashboards we repair:
