If you would like a Big Van Small World Sticker your support is really appreciated www.buymeacoffee.com/BigVanSmalWorld MY Amazon storefront full of some great off-grid living products www.amazon.co.uk/shop/melsvanworld I use this scanner to keep my sprinter running and on the road ICarsoft Professional Multi-System Auto Diagnostic Tool MB V2.0 Compatible for Mercedes-Benz/Sprinter/Smart, UK amzn.to/3d3s5m6 USA amzn.to/32IPAPj Kärcher Window Vac UK amzn.to/3n7LyaO USA amzn.to/3JSACr9
Yes, an extra ground should do you just fine. Just add some black tape to it to not mess with anyone's head and so you will not have to explain yourself. PS: This is what I have done to ALL my cars.
Condensation hack. Hello Mel, I live in the Czech Republic and at the moment it's below zero. I was told by a chap here to put an open box of kat litter sand in the front of my van to stop the condensation which in turn stops the ice on the inside of my window screen. I have done this and my god it works. I did use a small box on my dash and stuck a small cactus is there for aesthetic purposes. give it a go, what you got to lose. Carl😁
One thing to try out might be to disconnect the b2b charger and other living space equipment and test it out to see that you do not have ”leaks” in your electric system which cause anomalies which your van computer see as faults.
Relays and redo the earth between battery and chassis and/or check the connections to whatever is monitoring the voltage to give you that warning, who's saying it's correct?
Amazes me how somebody can call a product if they never used it, I bought mine on your recommendation when you first got it and have to say I'm glad I bought mine too, lifetime updates too. Top machine.
Mel, these days the ecu controls alternator output so check the continuity of the thinner wires connecting the to alternator back to the ecu. After that I would look for a 2nd hand original alternator just to check that your replacement is fully compatible.
Hi Mel, electrical contact cleaner works wonders along with dialectric grease. I have to say that I am a floorlayer by trade so I am only an expert in that, everything else is from experience.
There could be an internal fault in the battery. A long shot but It’s not unheard of. Simply try swapping your battery for a known good one. If it doesn’t work, you’ve lost nothing and if it does, saved yourself some time in diagnosing the problem. Good luck Mel.
Hi Mel, the fun never stops at your gaff!!!! my guess would be relay and fuses to make sure they are all clean, also battery terminals just a thought pal, enjoy and remember say stafe!!! lol
I noticed your Glowplug Warning light was on?? If those Relays are corroded I suggest replacing those! If the sockets they fit into are corroded (green) try cleaning with Brake Cleaner and use some Electrical Grease to try stop it returning. Disconnect the Leisure Battery to see if that has an effect?
High Mel on your problem of condensation I fill a couple of socks with cat litter the type that soakes up liquid and tie þhe top of the sock. I have a vw lt van and use them in that.
Hi Mel. Great vid. Shame it didn’t sort the problem. I was thinking of the b2b confusing the computer into thinking it was low voltage. But I’ve got the victron b2b with no issues (yet!)
I really wish I could help. but you've done everything I would have done so super interested to find out in next vid to see how you get on.. I pick up my van this week so you are my sprinter yoda..cheers
Hi Mel, I've got an icarsoft CR Pro too and works perfectly on my Vivaro and on my Koleos. Get your battery load tested, could be a weak cell that fails under load. Keep up the excellent work!
Hi Mel check the connections on your leisure batteries and check your auxiliary charge relay it could be on its way out and draw a bit to much current when opening causing a slight spike in reading pinging a code ,also have your leisure batteries for dead cells all the best Andy
Check plugs and pins on main ECU, You really need a wiring diagram of sorts to check feeds etc and grounds are correct. The ECU will put up warnings when it doesn't see what it should be recieving as an input.
Try disconnect the b2b charger. Check the starter battery is okay and getting current for the alternator. Could even be a sensor that's gone on the alternator wiring. Hope you sort Mel, will wait for next update 👍👍👍
Hi Mel, first get a load test on the van battery, do a parasitic draw test on the van battery. Check split charge fuse, disconnect positive then go back to test on machine. Check parasitic draw if any on leisure battery... Last Test machine in another van.. Usually something simple mate. 🍻✌️🇬🇧
Hi. This is just a suggestion you might have this get a multi meter to check the voltage on the battery cold, then check the alternator, new parts have been known dead on arrival. Also check relays, also have you tried pairing the battery with the vehicle.shiuld be able to do it with your scanner.
hi mel i will agree with similar thought and disconnect auxiliary battery relay by disconnecting the feed or trigger to the auxiliary battery charging relay at least you could eliminate the possibility that the aux batt is low and taking a maximum charge from alternator triggering a low voltage fault on main battery . i've had similar problems on older vans with one battery draining power from good battery
Mel, if you think that internal condensation on the widscreen is causing a problem why not put insulation on the inside held in place by magnets? Hopefully this will solve your problems.
Hi Mel seems to be a very common problem with sprinters according to Google, some saying check the starter motor is equal output both sides, over my head I’m afraid also the battery frame earth. Hope you have better luck soon….
A after market alternator could cause issues plus on some cars if you change the alternator or battery it would need to be reset on the ECU as a new part been installed I seen it on savage garage on his BMW he changed the both and had to reset it love the videos and waffle on a Wednesday thanks Andy
RE the Aux belt, i made a diagram on paper then laminated it and left it the glovebox 👍 Get A terminal cleaner and clean the battery terminals also check they are tight ! I see a lot of loose terminals in the winter, believe it or not the lead posts can shrink in the cold 👍
Was that your glow plug light on the dash when you'd started your van Mel? That shouldn't remain on once its started. Scan those with your scanner. Also, as many others have suggested, remove all DC to DC equipment and charging systems for your habitation and retest.
Hi Mel, Check where the wiring harness goes into the body of the van by the ECU and break pump for damaged cables down to earth, Ive seen it on other merc fault videos that was showing the same problems. Hope this helps.
To stop your condensation inside your van mel you need external thermal blinds we have had them for years and they do work , hope this helps your decision
Hi Mel I love all your vids thanks .i had exactly the same fault and when hot my van wouldn't crank. It was the ecu relay .you can't clean it because it's the contacts inside that burn out. You can open it up and see. Good luck 👍
Hi Mel, we're still on the linbus route which may be a faulty alternator problem. Check out how many wires are leaving the alternator, there are two on the replacement but three on the original so maybe the ECU is not receiving the presence of a replacement. Keep us informed.
@@BigVanSmallWorld Hi Mel, my Sprinter has been sorted. Went through the continuity wires from the alternator to the ECU from the alternator to the ECU starts as a red and blue which actually has a blue and white spliced into it, but you can get continuity to the ECU. However, I replaced the original alternator from the Valeo OE with a make called Holst boxed as if it from Germany black yellow and red box but these are made in China, it did charge properly but the battery light kept coming on, so after the wiring traces I decided to order a replacement which again was a Holst, this was fitted and the same problem came back. I am fortunate that I have an identical van that I was able to use the alternator to varify, and it was the problem after all, there must be something in the Holst units that doesn't communicate with the ECU properly so use a good quality unit like Valeo or Bosch. Hope yours is sorted too.
Nice video Mel :) Just to give you total peace of mind I would personally disconnect the leisure electrics, including the split charge system. At least then you will know what half the fault is in :) Good luck mate
Hi. Make sure voltage regulator,alternator are oem. Quote Mercedes TSB...the motor is very voltage fussy....third party alarm,OEM no alarm. This could also go back to the ground issue I mention....voltage,current fussy....
Sorry to hear you are still having problems. If it isnt the relays, then it might be a faulty component in your leisure battery circuitry or other issues? I would disconnect everything off your battery that isnt factory standard and try running it like that for a while to see if it works. A faulty Victron or other component could be drawing too much current causing it to fault. Disconnect everything! I would then use a process of ilimination by reconnecting items one by one until you find the fault. Also Wilco Motorsave will do you a free battery check should you wish to do one. Best of luck Mel!
Afternoon Mel. Sorry I can’t help you with the electrics. I would put a warning label on your new earth cable just in case some else works on your van and thinks it’s a positive. As for the moisture here’s a trick that may work. Buy a bag of cat litter, fill a sock with cat litter. Hey presto a moisture trap. You can make them as big or as small as you want and place them in awkward places. Fingers crossed for you fixing the van. Stay warm 👍
I would agree with you and check the relays because as you said the condensation might be part of the problem but I think a relay has gone bad.when I had a vw transporter one of mine went.great vids as usual.
Hi Mel we had this on are work van ,it turned out to be we was charging to much stuff in the back the van could not handle it we disconnected the stuff in the back no more lite on dash put them back and back come the light ,,,it took the garage 4 days to find this out hope it helps
Great vid again. If you have an amp clamp so you can read current, It would be interesting to read the current flow on the original earth lead vs the new one, see how well they are sharing the load ?
I can't ever imagine myself doing this, but that didn't stop me watching and enjoying (if not fully understanding) the content! Keep up the good work Mel :)
Hi Mel did you clear all your settings on your device as it may need to be reset? Keep making your video’s they have helped me so much with my van build.
Mel. I noticed that your glow plug light was still on after starting. If power is still going to them could it possibly be confusing the ECU voltage sensors? Although the alternator is giving good volts, the glow plugs continue to draw loads of amps. Just a thought.
Seeing as you have the luxury of having a Crafter parked next to you - why not swipe the battery out of that and swap them round just in case? Think there were also comments in the other video about taking the Ring B2B charger out of the equation. The key to resolving this sort of problem is to do one thing at a time otherwise you might fix the problem without knowing why. I would start by disconnecting the Ring. If that doesn't work then leave it disconnected and try a known working battery. If that fixes it then try connecting the Ring again. Also see how your battery behaves in the Crafter. No warnings would indicate that the battery is OK but if you get warnings then it points to a dying battery. If your battery is dying and your alternator is putting out the right volts and amps (worth investing in a clamp meter that can measure your amps) then my suspicion would point back to the Ring. Has it got the right charging profile for your vehicle battery? You get the idea. Be methodical. Take your time. You'll get there in the end. It's really helpful that you have a second van which works as it means you can do things like swap the alternators over etc to rule things out one at a time. That's assuming you get permission of course!
Hi Mel, Hi Becky, Hi Monty, hope you are well and Happy New Year. Get some old towels and cram them down at the bottom of the windscreen to stop any condensation getting down further. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe and keep up the good work.
Awww no buddy I hoped Mary would be ok sending big hugs 🤗 hopefully it’s those relays I never knew they was there :( amazing vlog buddy tho ;) Scanner brill at bit of kit 🤗🚐
Great video Mel you explain things in a understandable way ( maybe VoiceOver for audiobooks) now there’s a thought 😀 Go have a Morgan’s and chill ! 👍👍😎
Nice work with the cable. Id suggest putting one of those black cable guards on it and tape the ends so it dont move..... This is also to "disguise" it as a black cable so that if your van does go to the repair shop... It wont confuse the techs. (yes some lack common sense). I mean to me its obvious thats a chassis ground/earth lead 😊. - 2C 😂 its - 1 to - 16C here in Ontario🇨🇦
When you showed the fault message at the end i saw the glow plug light on could it be related? I had it on a leased 2012 sprinter which had 500 miles on the clock and the coil light came on then started flashing which turned out to be a faulty injector
Different subject Mel. I would check your exhaust is secured properly, I fetched mine off last week in standing water. The 4 star type washer that holds the bracket in the rubber's had rusted/broke. It ripped the Flexi hose of the DPF filter which is welded on. It could have been avoided. Great video's.
Always a sickener when things don't work after such effort. I would disconnect the camper battery charger, have your van battery checked and, as you suggest, clean those relays. Chargeing a camper battery can be quite severe on an alternator, (depends a lot on what type of DC to DC charger you use) so don't rule that out yet. Trial and error is your course of action from here on.
Just a thought, i wonder if the leisure battery is drawing power from the battery, and draining it enough to show a fault,..A fellow self build camper vanner, warned me about B2B set ups, i'm not saying they are not a good thing, but for me i've gone full Solar, just in case, hope you get it sorted buddy,...🙏
Hi Mel, my last 2 comments where deleted maybe cos I put links in so will leave them out this time, anyway after watching this video again I had an idea , when you next go to one of those cheap shops try picking up some of those cheap disposable mini dehumidifier and put them on your dashboard see if they help to clear your windscreen hope this helps
Ive seen that with plant equipment if a new battery fitted it disappeared you would think it would go out if its running13,5 volt are above but it don't take your battery out and charge it over night and then connect it back up fullycharged see if light goes out but mind who says the new alternator isn't faulty?
Xxx### In Australia we don’t have the option to Hit The BELL also can you comment on why so many life vaners decide on not purchasing coach build vans is it spare parts is it vehicle crash repairs easier is it the inside of a van is quieter when driving long distance especially here in Australia where 200 miles a day is normal thanks Roland
Oh no that’s a shame about the bell 🔔 most people I know that self build do it for the pure joy of doing it plus you get to use your creative side and build it how you want it 👍🍻
Is there anything you have done that needs a relearning of the values?you put in new part and there is procedure for computer to learn new part values? I have seen this done in American trucks don't know about Merc.??keep warm.
Hi Mel it could be your alternator there's a diode inside and when it's dodgy it puts light on it still charges but has light on might be worth mentioning it to whoever you got the new alternator from good luck I notice your better half's crafter still not sold
Hi Mel nice video again I run a VW 4x4 and had some starting issues which was diagnosed as low voltage even with a new battery and when the battery was tested it was found to be faulty, but I am wondering with your issues whether the alternator is having to work too hard charging multiple batteries especially when the weather is cold. Peter
had a similar problem with a smart charge alternator and split charge system maybe not the same on a merc though. I have had batteries on the way out after just a couple of years throwing up random dash lights/warnings and just exchanged the battery under warranty and sorted it. 👍
Hi Mel, ref. your battery/alternator warning, have you tried to disconnect your Ring DC charger to test if it makes any difference, in case the B2B charger would switch too fast to your leisure, be defective, changed settings? Just a thought… Cold doesn’t help neither, batteries don’t like cold…. good luck!
Hi Mel, no way should that extra earth lead be a RED colour; good idea to install one, and have it noticeable, but please Mel, make it GREEN or YELLOW colour, ie wrap some earth electrical tape round it. As for the main woes, check 1) the Inter-rossitor 2) the Disk-encabulator 3) the main Flange-ulator or, at a pinch, it could even be 4) the Flux Capacitor! Hope this helps, well, the mood anyway! Best wishes and good luck, Alan, in Norfolk.
i have the Autel Maxicom MK808 scanner i no you have to pay for the updates but i like the unit has its own battery and connects to the internet so i can get help while using it but they are worth the money
Hi Mel put on/off switch between engine battery and leisure battery , I had battery light on my dash when I turn switch off light went off hope this helps
@@BigVanSmallWorld i use , fuse isolator switch when battery light comes on i press button and it turns power off between battery and leisure battery which I put in hands reach on drivers seat
Hi Mel, don't know if your van is new enough to have an intelligent battery system. If so, you have to learn it what battery and the new alternator you have. And like others said test with genuine MB alternator third party ones can give problems. Greetings from the Netherlands
Did you try Rebecca's battery off her van it could be a bad cell I recently just replaced my ford focus battery all tests come back normal 12.9 volt when. Off and 14.4volt went engine on but if left standing for a while the car wouldn't start I tested the battery and the middle cell was bad giving me false output when. Under load the battery would dump all it power
Hi Mel, was it a genuine Merc alternator? Have had loads of problems on Jaguar's with aftermarket ones from factors . Never got to the bottom of why, but gen one cured them. Only thing I came up with is the after market alternators put out slightly noisy dc signal that upsets the brains
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Yes, an extra ground should do you just fine. Just add some black tape to it to not mess with anyone's head and so you will not have to explain yourself.
PS: This is what I have done to ALL my cars.
Broke and on a pension I've been stressed to the max over this EXACT problem. You are a lifesaver, ty so much for the vid mate.... Saved My Sanity...
You’re absolutely welcome thanks for letting me know it’s helping people 👍🤓👍
Condensation hack. Hello Mel, I live in the Czech Republic and at the moment it's below zero. I was told by a chap here to put an open box of kat litter sand in the front of my van to stop the condensation which in turn stops the ice on the inside of my window screen. I have done this and my god it works. I did use a small box on my dash and stuck a small cactus is there for aesthetic purposes. give it a go, what you got to lose. Carl😁
Thank you Carl 🍻👍
One thing to try out might be to disconnect the b2b charger and other living space equipment and test it out to see that you do not have ”leaks” in your electric system which cause anomalies which your van computer see as faults.
Thank you 🍻👍
one thing, is the alternator amp out put to low with the b2b, may need a higher amp out put alternator ?
Relays and redo the earth between battery and chassis and/or check the connections to whatever is monitoring the voltage to give you that warning, who's saying it's correct?
Amazes me how somebody can call a product if they never used it, I bought mine on your recommendation when you first got it and have to say I'm glad I bought mine too, lifetime updates too. Top machine.
Thank you glad to hear you are happy with the scanner 🍻👍
Mel, these days the ecu controls alternator output so check the continuity of the thinner wires connecting the to alternator back to the ecu. After that I would look for a 2nd hand original alternator just to check that your replacement is fully compatible.
I've got the same scanner and across an E Class, S Class, Vito and Sprinter it's never been wrong. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for the positive feedback really appreciated 👍🍻👍
Hi Mel,
electrical contact cleaner works wonders along with dialectric grease.
I have to say that I am a floorlayer by trade so I am only an expert in that, everything else is from experience.
There could be an internal fault in the battery. A long shot but It’s not unheard of. Simply try swapping your battery for a known good one. If it doesn’t work, you’ve lost nothing and if it does, saved yourself some time in diagnosing the problem. Good luck Mel.
I’ll have a word with Bex see if she will let me borrow hers thanks for the great idea 👍🍻👍
Hi Mel, the fun never stops at your gaff!!!! my guess would be relay and fuses to make sure they are all clean, also battery terminals just a thought pal, enjoy and remember say stafe!!! lol
Thank you buddy that’s my next move once it stops raining I’ll clean and inspect as many fuses and relays as I can find 😂🍻👍
I noticed your Glowplug Warning light was on?? If those Relays are corroded I suggest replacing those! If the sockets they fit into are corroded (green) try cleaning with Brake Cleaner and use some Electrical Grease to try stop it returning. Disconnect the Leisure Battery to see if that has an effect?
High Mel on your problem of condensation I fill a couple of socks with cat litter the type that soakes up liquid and tie þhe top of the sock.
I have a vw lt van and use them in that.
Hi Mel. Great vid. Shame it didn’t sort the problem. I was thinking of the b2b confusing the computer into thinking it was low voltage. But I’ve got the victron b2b with no issues (yet!)
I really wish I could help. but you've done everything I would have done so super interested to find out in next vid to see how you get on.. I pick up my van this week so you are my sprinter yoda..cheers
Hi Mel, I've got an icarsoft CR Pro too and works perfectly on my Vivaro and on my Koleos. Get your battery load tested, could be a weak cell that fails under load. Keep up the excellent work!
Hi Mel check the connections on your leisure batteries and check your auxiliary charge relay it could be on its way out and draw a bit to much current when opening causing a slight spike in reading pinging a code ,also have your leisure batteries for dead cells all the best Andy
Check plugs and pins on main ECU,
You really need a wiring diagram of sorts to check feeds etc and grounds are correct.
The ECU will put up warnings when it doesn't see what it should be recieving as an input.
Maybe plug in the OBD2 scanner and clear the fault codes and see if it comes back (if you haven't already 🙂)
Just a thought Mel disconnect your DC to DC charger and start the van to see if the DC/DC charger is drawing to much power to the leisure battery.
Try disconnect the b2b charger. Check the starter battery is okay and getting current for the alternator. Could even be a sensor that's gone on the alternator wiring. Hope you sort Mel, will wait for next update 👍👍👍
Hi Mel, first get a load test on the van battery, do a parasitic draw test on the van battery. Check split charge fuse, disconnect positive then go back to test on machine. Check parasitic draw if any on leisure battery... Last Test machine in another van..
Usually something simple mate.
🍻✌️🇬🇧
Thank you 😊
Hi.
This is just a suggestion you might have this get a multi meter to check the voltage on the battery cold, then check the alternator, new parts have been known dead on arrival.
Also check relays, also have you tried pairing the battery with the vehicle.shiuld be able to do it with your scanner.
hi mel i will agree with similar thought and disconnect auxiliary battery relay by disconnecting the feed or trigger to the auxiliary battery charging relay at least you could eliminate the possibility that the aux batt is low and taking a maximum charge from alternator triggering a low voltage fault on main battery . i've had similar problems on older vans with one battery draining power from good battery
Mel, if you think that internal condensation on the widscreen is causing a problem why not put insulation on the inside held in place by magnets? Hopefully this will solve your problems.
Hi Mel seems to be a very common problem with sprinters according to Google, some saying check the starter motor is equal output both sides, over my head I’m afraid also the battery frame earth. Hope you have better luck soon….
Thank you buddy 👍
A after market alternator could cause issues plus on some cars if you change the alternator or battery it would need to be reset on the ECU as a new part been installed I seen it on savage garage on his BMW he changed the both and had to reset it love the videos and waffle on a Wednesday thanks Andy
Mel clear the fault from the memory then start the van then try the relays,easy thing first.
Loving your ‘can do’ attitude Mel. That icarsoft looks the business. Must put it on my list 👍 Keep up great work 😊
RE the Aux belt, i made a diagram on paper then laminated it and left it the glovebox 👍
Get A terminal cleaner and clean the battery terminals also check they are tight ! I see a lot of loose terminals in the winter, believe it or not the lead posts can shrink in the cold 👍
Thank you buddy that’s good idea 👍
Mel love the videos - However you might consider changing that earth cable colour in case someone else works on the van or you sell it on.
Was that your glow plug light on the dash when you'd started your van Mel? That shouldn't remain on once its started. Scan those with your scanner. Also, as many others have suggested, remove all DC to DC equipment and charging systems for your habitation and retest.
It's a problem with your ABS ESP pump Fault very common fault with all sprinters Hydraulic pump ABS problem bro hope this helps 👍
Great job Mel 👍🏻 thanks for showing us these problems.
Hi Mel, Check where the wiring harness goes into the body of the van by the ECU and break pump for damaged cables down to earth, Ive seen it on other merc fault videos that was showing the same problems. Hope this helps.
Thank you buddy that’s really appreciated 🍻👍
Just checking, but I’m guessing you’ve already checked the battery terminals are clean and tight,
To stop your condensation inside your van mel you need external thermal blinds we have had them for years and they do work , hope this helps your decision
Thank you 😊 👍
I fitted a spinning disk in the roof and no more condensation, the sort of thing work vans have
Hi Mel I love all your vids thanks .i had exactly the same fault and when hot my van wouldn't crank. It was the ecu relay .you can't clean it because it's the contacts inside that burn out. You can open it up and see. Good luck 👍
Thank you buddy 🍻👍
Hi Mel, we're still on the linbus route which may be a faulty alternator problem. Check out how many wires are leaving the alternator, there are two on the replacement but three on the original so maybe the ECU is not receiving the presence of a replacement. Keep us informed.
Thank you buddy stay safe 🍻👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld Hi Mel, my Sprinter has been sorted. Went through the continuity wires from the alternator to the ECU from the alternator to the ECU starts as a red and blue which actually has a blue and white spliced into it, but you can get continuity to the ECU. However, I replaced the original alternator from the Valeo OE with a make called Holst boxed as if it from Germany black yellow and red box but these are made in China, it did charge properly but the battery light kept coming on, so after the wiring traces I decided to order a replacement which again was a Holst, this was fitted and the same problem came back. I am fortunate that I have an identical van that I was able to use the alternator to varify, and it was the problem after all, there must be something in the Holst units that doesn't communicate with the ECU properly so use a good quality unit like Valeo or Bosch. Hope yours is sorted too.
Have you tried battery to body earth, try measuring resistance thro earth cables themselves.
Good luck Mel, I’d be pulling mine out as well. Roly
Hi Mel invest in a external screen cover that should eliminate the internal moisture on your windscreen !!
Nice video Mel :) Just to give you total peace of mind I would personally disconnect the leisure electrics, including the split charge system. At least then you will know what half the fault is in :) Good luck mate
Thank you buddy that’s good idea 👍
Hi. Make sure voltage regulator,alternator are oem. Quote Mercedes TSB...the motor is very voltage fussy....third party alarm,OEM no alarm. This could also go back to the ground issue I mention....voltage,current fussy....
Sorry to hear you are still having problems. If it isnt the relays, then it might be a faulty component in your leisure battery circuitry or other issues? I would disconnect everything off your battery that isnt factory standard and try running it like that for a while to see if it works. A faulty Victron or other component could be drawing too much current causing it to fault. Disconnect everything! I would then use a process of ilimination by reconnecting items one by one until you find the fault.
Also Wilco Motorsave will do you a free battery check should you wish to do one.
Best of luck Mel!
Thank you buddy that’s really good advice 🍻👍
Mel i feel your pain m8 I hope you get it sorted 🙏
A nightmare ...modern vehicles, great when they are new, to many bloody sensors! Hopefully cleaning the relays will sort it?? 🙏 Mick
I would fully charge the battery just to rule it out, great vid thank you.
Clear the present and pending fault codes.
Try resetting your van computer. When you do job always need resetting. Hope this helps.
Thank you that’s really good advice 👍🤓👍
Afternoon Mel. Sorry I can’t help you with the electrics. I would put a warning label on your new earth cable just in case some else works on your van and thinks it’s a positive. As for the moisture here’s a trick that may work. Buy a bag of cat litter, fill a sock with cat litter. Hey presto a moisture trap. You can make them as big or as small as you want and place them in awkward places. Fingers crossed for you fixing the van. Stay warm 👍
Thank you buddy I’m going to wrap black tape round the red and I don’t have any socks without holes lol 😂
I would agree with you and check the relays because as you said the condensation might be part of the problem but I think a relay has gone bad.when I had a vw transporter one of mine went.great vids as usual.
Thank you 🙏
Another informative vid Mel, hope you get to the route cause of the problem 🤞
Hi Mel we had this on are work van ,it turned out to be we was charging to much stuff in the back the van could not handle it we disconnected the stuff in the back no more lite on dash put them back and back come the light ,,,it took the garage 4 days to find this out hope it helps
Brilliant thank you 🙏
Great vid again. If you have an amp clamp so you can read current, It would be interesting to read the current flow on the original earth lead vs the new one, see how well they are sharing the load ?
Thank you I’ll have to invest in one just to see 👍🍻👍
Hi Mel great vlog as always. Your new glasses really suit you, very smart. Well done xx
Awww thank you Sue xx
I can't ever imagine myself doing this, but that didn't stop me watching and enjoying (if not fully understanding) the content!
Keep up the good work Mel :)
Thank you very much for your reply 👍
Hi Mel did you clear all your settings on your device as it may need to be reset? Keep making your video’s they have helped me so much with my van build.
Have you checked the earth strap from the body to battery, I think you've done the positive but I cant remember you mentioning the earth one.
Mel. I noticed that your glow plug light was still on after starting. If power is still going to them could it possibly be confusing the ECU voltage sensors? Although the alternator is giving good volts, the glow plugs continue to draw loads of amps. Just a thought.
Seeing as you have the luxury of having a Crafter parked next to you - why not swipe the battery out of that and swap them round just in case? Think there were also comments in the other video about taking the Ring B2B charger out of the equation.
The key to resolving this sort of problem is to do one thing at a time otherwise you might fix the problem without knowing why. I would start by disconnecting the Ring. If that doesn't work then leave it disconnected and try a known working battery.
If that fixes it then try connecting the Ring again. Also see how your battery behaves in the Crafter. No warnings would indicate that the battery is OK but if you get warnings then it points to a dying battery.
If your battery is dying and your alternator is putting out the right volts and amps (worth investing in a clamp meter that can measure your amps) then my suspicion would point back to the Ring. Has it got the right charging profile for your vehicle battery?
You get the idea. Be methodical. Take your time. You'll get there in the end.
It's really helpful that you have a second van which works as it means you can do things like swap the alternators over etc to rule things out one at a time. That's assuming you get permission of course!
Hi Mel, Hi Becky, Hi Monty, hope you are well and Happy New Year. Get some old towels and cram them down at the bottom of the windscreen to stop any condensation getting down further. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe and keep up the good work.
That’s really good idea thank you and happy new year to you too 🍻👍😊
Disappointing Mel, thought you had that one in the bag. Hope someone can suggest a fix.
Awww no buddy I hoped Mary would be ok sending big hugs 🤗 hopefully it’s those relays I never knew they was there :( amazing vlog buddy tho ;)
Scanner brill at bit of kit 🤗🚐
Thank you buddy keep them fingers crossed for me 🤞👍🍻👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🙏🙏🤗🤗wonder is this where my siren fuse etc live 🤔
Hope Mary be ok buddy
Yes, try cleaning those RELAYS and put in a DISCONNECT switch or plug on the batteries in the back.
DANG, So sorry it didn't work.
Great video Mel you explain things in a understandable way ( maybe VoiceOver for audiobooks) now there’s a thought 😀
Go have a Morgan’s and chill ! 👍👍😎
Haha that’s a great idea 🍻👍🤓
Brilliant bit off kit mel got one for my rangerover you can even code injectors the money you save mine was 132 quid on ebay all the best donny
Nice work with the cable. Id suggest putting one of those black cable guards on it and tape the ends so it dont move..... This is also to "disguise" it as a black cable so that if your van does go to the repair shop... It wont confuse the techs. (yes some lack common sense). I mean to me its obvious thats a chassis ground/earth lead 😊. - 2C 😂 its - 1 to - 16C here in Ontario🇨🇦
When you showed the fault message at the end i saw the glow plug light on could it be related? I had it on a leased 2012 sprinter which had 500 miles on the clock and the coil light came on then started flashing which turned out to be a faulty injector
Different subject Mel. I would check your exhaust is secured properly, I fetched mine off last week in standing water. The 4 star type washer that holds the bracket in the rubber's had rusted/broke. It ripped the Flexi hose of the DPF filter which is welded on. It could have been avoided. Great video's.
Thank you buddy 🍻👍
Always a sickener when things don't work after such effort. I would disconnect the camper battery charger, have your van battery checked and, as you suggest, clean those relays. Chargeing a camper battery can be quite severe on an alternator, (depends a lot on what type of DC to DC charger you use) so don't rule that out yet. Trial and error is your course of action from here on.
Thank you buddy 🍻👍
Hi Mel, left a comment a couple of days ago on your previous video. Don't know if you read it, but I think it's worth a look.
Just a thought, i wonder if the leisure battery is drawing power from the battery, and draining it enough to show a fault,..A fellow self build camper vanner, warned me about B2B set ups, i'm not saying they are not a good thing, but for me i've gone full Solar, just in case, hope you get it sorted buddy,...🙏
Thank you 🙏
Hi Mel, my last 2 comments where deleted maybe cos I put links in so will leave them out this time, anyway after watching this video again I had an idea , when you next go to one of those cheap shops try picking up some of those cheap disposable mini dehumidifier and put them on your dashboard see if they help to clear your windscreen hope this helps
Thank you 😊
Ive seen that with plant equipment if a new battery fitted it disappeared you would think it would go out if its running13,5 volt are above but it don't take your battery out and charge it over night and then connect it back up fullycharged see if light goes out but mind who says the new alternator isn't faulty?
Xxx### In Australia we don’t have the option to Hit The BELL also can you comment on why so many life vaners decide on not purchasing coach build vans is it spare parts is it vehicle crash repairs easier is it the inside of a van is quieter when driving long distance especially here in Australia where 200 miles a day is normal thanks Roland
Oh no that’s a shame about the bell 🔔 most people I know that self build do it for the pure joy of doing it plus you get to use your creative side and build it how you want it 👍🍻
Another informative vlog Mel but why did the icar computer not tell you what the issue was regarding the voltage issue ..
I don’t know 🤷♂️
What model & how many ks has your van done? You can get a small heater blower to put under your dash to dry things out!
Is there anything you have done that needs a relearning of the values?you put in new part and there is procedure for computer to learn new part values? I have seen this done in American trucks don't know about Merc.??keep warm.
Hi Mel it could be your alternator there's a diode inside and when it's dodgy it puts light on it still charges but has light on might be worth mentioning it to whoever you got the new alternator from good luck I notice your better half's crafter still not sold
Thank you I’m actually thinking of doing a recon of my alternator 🍻👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld I used to work in a garage years ago and most parts are great but once in a while you get a duff one
Hi Mel nice video again I run a VW 4x4 and had some starting issues which was diagnosed as low voltage even with a new battery and when the battery was tested it was found to be faulty, but I am wondering with your issues whether the alternator is having to work too hard charging multiple batteries especially when the weather is cold.
Peter
had a similar problem with a smart charge alternator and split charge system maybe not the same on a merc though. I have had batteries on the way out after just a couple of years throwing up random dash lights/warnings and just exchanged the battery under warranty and sorted it. 👍
Hi Mel, ref. your battery/alternator warning, have you tried to disconnect your Ring DC charger to test if it makes any difference, in case the B2B charger would switch too fast to your leisure, be defective, changed settings? Just a thought… Cold doesn’t help neither, batteries don’t like cold…. good luck!
Yes I have thank you for the suggestion
Good job Mel 👊👊
Thank you 🙏
Hi Mel, no way should that extra earth lead be a RED colour; good idea to install one, and have it noticeable, but please Mel, make it GREEN or YELLOW colour, ie wrap some earth electrical tape round it. As for the main woes, check 1) the Inter-rossitor 2) the Disk-encabulator 3) the main Flange-ulator or, at a pinch, it could even be 4) the Flux Capacitor! Hope this helps, well, the mood anyway! Best wishes and good luck, Alan, in Norfolk.
Next step disconnect the aux battery if it clears the fault then it must be the aux battery/solar circuitry
i have the Autel Maxicom MK808 scanner i no you have to pay for the updates but i like the unit has its own battery and connects to the internet so i can get help while using it but they are worth the money
Hi mate.
Further to my last comment check the voltage regulator, worth a look to discount it
Hi Mel, knowing you have checked the earth's at the alternator,have you checked the earth's on the battery side.
Hi Mel put on/off switch between engine battery and leisure battery , I had battery light on my dash when I turn switch off light went off hope this helps
That’s a great idea and would be a good experiment too thank you 🍻👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld i use , fuse isolator switch when battery light comes on i press button and it turns power off between battery and leisure battery which I put in hands reach on drivers seat
Hi Mel, don't know if your van is new enough to have an intelligent battery system. If so, you have to learn it what battery and the new alternator you have. And like others said test with genuine MB alternator third party ones can give problems. Greetings from the Netherlands
Soak the relay pins in white vinegar overnight to remove corrosion then spray with WD40
In comparison sprinter vs transit which one cost less to maintain?
Thank you this is helpful!!!
@@igorpolovinkin8755 you’re welcome hope it helps
Get a set of silverscreens mate game changer
Did you try Rebecca's battery off her van it could be a bad cell I recently just replaced my ford focus battery all tests come back normal 12.9 volt when. Off and 14.4volt went engine on but if left standing for a while the car wouldn't start I tested the battery and the middle cell was bad giving me false output when. Under load the battery would dump all it power
Hi Mel, was it a genuine Merc alternator? Have had loads of problems on Jaguar's with aftermarket ones from factors . Never got to the bottom of why, but gen one cured them. Only thing I came up with is the after market alternators put out slightly noisy dc signal that upsets the brains
Oh buddy that’s a good point yes it’s from motor factors I wonder if that’s what it could be thank you 🍻👍
When u changed your alternator was it one from merc its self or somewhere else because there is different types ?
Good point thank you 🙏
Mel had the same problem with mine put a new battery in problem resolved battery was breaking down under load
Thank you 😊
WAS THAT WARNING LIGHT ON BEFORE YOU CHANGED ALTERNATOR, 🤔
Yes 👍