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Fresh water auto supply valve

July 19, 2014, 10:14:33 pm

I noticed today that the fresh water auto valve open LED light was on.
I went to check the valve and found it very hot (surprised a breaker didn't trip). I cut the electrical lines to the valve and removed the center portion that is held on with a clip. The LED lights did not go out in neither the switch by the bathroom sink or in the water/electric/sewer bay. I removed the wires from the outdoor bay switch but the LED light stays on.

Two questions,

I have a feeling a replacement for the electric solenoid valve will be expensive and not needed as a manual valve will work for me. Can this auto valve be replaced by a manual valve?

Why can't I get the LED lights to go out? Any clues as to where the breaker is for the valve?

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Re: Fresh water auto supply valve

Reply #1 – July 19, 2014, 11:51:07 pm

Sounds like it might be a problem with the water fill relay. On the driver's side in the large compartment ahead of the wetbay there's a fiberglass cover over a 12v distribution panel. Among the wires are two latching relays, one for the water fill valve and the other for the water pump. Could be the water fill relay. When it fails the light will stay on but the relay won't switch between fill and internal tank. Here's a photo of mine. Your relay will likely look different. Could be black and be labeled "radio relay something or other." Anyhow, if that's the problem, you just need to replace the relay and you're good to go. There are several threads that address replacement and their cost.

Also, might be a good time to consider installing a direct fill into the tank. Much faster fill rate.
jor

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Re: Fresh water auto supply valve

Reply #2 – July 20, 2014, 08:48:35 am

Howdy Lon and Cheryl,
 On our coach, we have two Auto Fill switches.  I wonder if you may have two switches and one of them is switched on?  One switch in the service bay and the other under the galley sink mounted on cabinet wall.  The one under the sink is hard to see. 
Good Luck,  Dave A

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Re: Fresh water auto supply valve

Reply #3 – July 20, 2014, 05:22:11 pm

I do have the 2 switches. I removed the one in the water/electric/sewer bay,and cut the wires to the auto fill valve.
I think JOR has been down this road and is correct in suggesting the relay is a goner.
Monday I will go to NAPA and try and find the replacement relay. I will also call Foretravel and find out about a replacement auto valve.
I may just dump all the auto stuff and go with manual fill valves. I'm getting tired of checking and wondering about auto functions on a old coach. Wondering if they are working correct and when they will eventually fail. Somethings seem to be better with a throw of a valve. You KNOW its working and will not fail. Between the water system and the Primus heat system I have MANY auto valves. ALL OLD!

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Re: Fresh water auto supply valve

Reply #4 – July 20, 2014, 06:19:12 pm

NAPA does have the relay.  It is a headlight relay.  I've change both of mine (fill and pump) this year.  Bring the old one and they can match it.
No problems.

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