Alde intermittently not working on AC, LP OK

klenger

I just picked up a 2019 320 S in Mesa AZ last week and spent the weekend with the T@Bazona group at Usery Park.  (Great group).  While I am new to the Alde system, I am an electronics engineer by trade (Avionics), so I know my way around electronic systems.  

On multiple occasions, I found that the Alde was not producing any heat (water or space heating).  With the thermostat set at 80° and the inside temperature at 70°, The Alde standby page shows that the pump is running, and I can hear when the pump cycles on and off.  When I view the service page on the Alde control panel, both the water and glycol temperatures are cold at 80° or somewhat higher somewhat higher but not climbing.  The control panel shows that AC power is available and that the pump is running.

If I fiddle with some of the temperature settings, the AC heaters will sometimes start working again, but then shut down later, possibly after the system has cycled off and back on.   I checked the nighttime and daytime settings, and both are turned off, so I don't think that is the issue (and the pump is running which should rule out a time-of-day override).

I don't believe that the problem is with the AC heating elements because they will work at times.  I'm thinking that there may be a bad relay, or a control board problem that is not commanding the relay to energize.  

Taking this back to the dealer is not a very desirable at this time due to the 140 mile one-way travel distance.  Does anyone know of a technical troubleshooting manual that I could refer to?  The owner's manual simply states to take it to the dealer for service with this issue.

Thanks for any assistance.

Sharon_is_SAM

Not to be smart, but is the plug inserted completely into the outlet under the bench?  If so, maybe hook up an extension cord and plug it into a different circuit?  Any error messages?  I wonder if removing the fuses and reinstalling (Alde reset) would help?

Sharon_is_SAM

Alde 3020 manual.

https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/dt/uk37upz26vbd.pdf

klenger

@Sharon_is_SAM: Thanks for your response.  Yes, the 120 vac power cord is plugged in and does have power.  The Alde control panel shows 120 VAC power connected and when I unplug the power cord, the AC power icon goes away, as one would expect.  

I already have that manual and it doesn't help.  My problem with so many consumer manuals is that the manual author assumes that ALL failures are the result of user error.  In my case, I don't think that is the case, unless the problem is caused by some very obscure setting that I have not found.  I did find an UK Alde 3020 Service Manual, which I will review, but don't have high expectations.  The UK model has some differences due to the 220 VAC power grid.

https://www.leisurespares.co.uk/files/ww/alde_3020_service.pdf

Verna

Electronically speaking, the hardest problem to troubleshoot is the intermittent trouble. 

Since this does seem to be an intermittent problem, you will either need to work with Alde USA on the phone, or let your dealer work with them. 

Sharon_is_SAM

Did you try the reset?  From a search:

“The Alde reset didn't work until I remembered to kill both AC (shore power podium switch) AND DC (battery switch). Then waiting 5 minutes. Shutting off AC only didn't reset the Alde. It may be coincidence but each time the Alde shut down on its own accord during a camp was when I had electric griddle plugged in cooking breakfast on a long cord @ picnic table. Not sure this is a direct coincidence or not. Probably not.”

klenger

Yes, I did try the reset.  I would say that the system fails much more often than it works properly.  I'll call Alde USA and see if they can help.  I have a feeling that the fix will require some parts replacement.