I need HELP!!!: Water Pump

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Water Pump

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12633
Printed Date: 15 May 2025 at 2:44am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Water Pump

Posted By: GlibGuy
Subject: Water Pump
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2019 at 7:53am

Tried to de-winterize my 178 yesterday and discovered the water pump wouldn't work. Tried in on the battery and shore power. No sound whatsoever when you flip the switch.

Any ideas? Do pumps usually just "konk out" with no warning?

Also, the indicators lights (battery, fresh, gray, black) don't seem to be working but they do flicker in a random fashion when you press one of them.

Mick in Virginia

PS - it has been very cold so that might be a factor(?).

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MICK

Replies:

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2019 at 8:05am

Is it froze? Maybe you waited a bit to long to winterize. It is easy to remove and inspect.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2019 at 8:28am

The pump runs on 12V, and the flickering lights tell me there is a power problem. Check your 12V and or battery. When on shore power all the 12V systems should be working. Time to break out your DVM.

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

Posted By: Woodmiester
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2019 at 8:32am

Sure sounds like a loose electrical connection somewhere....

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Swampfox

Posted By: GlibGuy
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2019 at 10:37am

Originally posted by GlueGuy

The pump runs on 12V, and the flickering lights tell me there is a power problem. Check your 12V and or battery. When on shore power all the 12V systems should be working. Time to break out your DVM.

What's a DVM? I don't guess it's Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

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MICK

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2019 at 10:56am

Originally posted by GlibGuy

What's a DVM? I don't guess it's Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Whoops! DVM = Digital Volt Meter. Sometimes also (maybe more correctly) called a DMM or Digital Multi Meter, as most these days are the multi variety and not "just" volts. You can get a cheap one at Harbor Freight or most any hardware store, including the big box stores. I consider it an essential tool. You would use it to check the voltage are strategic points in the system.

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2019 at 6:02pm

The battery could be low. Hooking up shore power should recharge your battery but it may take a while. Until then 12v things may not work. I think some things will get 12v from the converter when on shore power but others may require 12v from battery. Of course your battery could be beyond the ability to recharge. I'd give it a while on shore power and see what happens pending checking things out with a volt meter.

I disagree with MCarter about it being easy to remove the pump. It may depend on how long it's been in and how corroded or gunked up the bolts are though. I replaced mine not long ago and it was a bit of effort. That was aside from having to do old guy contortions on the floor to get at it!

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2010 176
FJ Cruiser

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2019 at 6:11pm

You might wish to get the condition of your battery tested also. If it has been discharged, it may be in a condition where it might not be accepting a charge. Have you pulled the battery caps off to check electrolyte level? Do you see electrolyte above the plate level? If you see the plates and they are dry, you have a battery problem. This does not rule out a converter problem but check the battery first. Then go on the WFCO site to download the converter troubleshooting procedure.

It also does not rule out a pump problem. However, if you don't have good power, it is hard to determine if the pump is working or not.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: GlibGuy
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2019 at 5:43am

Thanks for all the posts on my matter. This is a great Owners Forum.

GlueGuy, I have a digital volt meter so I'll see what's going on with that.

And the battery is almost new and I keep it on a trickle charger. I suppose it could be a bad battery.

Anyway, I'm going to Florida next week and staying in a place with hookups so I can do without the water pump for this trip. I'll report in after I return.

Mick

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MICK

Posted By: GlibGuy
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2019 at 11:27am

Originally posted by GlibGuy

Thanks for all the posts on my matter. This is a great Owners Forum.

GlueGuy, I have a digital volt meter so I'll see what's going on with that.

And the battery is almost new and I keep it on a trickle charger. I suppose it could be a bad battery.

Anyway, I'm going to Florida next week and staying in a place with hookups so I can do without the water pump for this trip. I'll report in after I return.

Mick

Well, Mr. "Dummy" here; problem with the water pump (and the capacity lights that flickered) was a blown fuse! I'll carry some with me in the future.

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MICK

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2019 at 7:36pm

Glad you found the problem. It isn't as if we all havent't done something similar at one time or another. Having spare fuses on hand is always a good idea.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS