Devon lockout!

Back door locks and unlocks with the key (though the handle travel is reduced); front doors locked and unlocked yesterday, but not at every attempt, using the electronic fob. It’s as though something has gone out of sequence and immobilised the locking and ignition system. Engine won’t turn over, but I’m sure the battery is healthy. I will, of course be checking the battery, but if someone has encountered this before, your help could save me a lot of time and/or a call out charge for a mechanic who won’t necessarily be familiar with motorhome electrics. Any ideas? Cheers, Geebs

Hi Geebs
No idea ,sorry welcome to the forum from Bridington 
Boaby

Sorry if it's obvious but have you changed the battery in the fob?

A flat engine battery is likely to stop the electronic door mechanism working properly as well as preventing the engine starting.

If the engine doesn't even grunt and all you hear is a click, suspect the starter relays need replacing. (We had that on our 2011 Sprinter.) Obviously, that wouldn't affect the auto locking system though but you may be looking at 2 separate issues.

Thanks, Roger. This did occur to me, but both fobs running out of battery at the same time on the same didn’t seem very likely. I will test them, though. Cheers, Geebs

Hi, Tinwheeler, thanks. Ignition won’t turn, so not even getting to the point where it would induce the classic dodgy starter click! This is what made me wonder if we had somehow tripped an immobilisation mechanism. Your response is much appreciated. Cheers, G

Cheers, Boaby. Thanks for the welcome! Cheers, G

There’s a drop down panel in the passenger side footwell which hides a circuit board with fuses and relays. Check relays 7 & 8, the bottom two if my memory serves. I had a similar starting problem all the dash lights came on when the key was turned but then no clicks and no turnover. New relays sorted it. Also check out Sprinter forums, lots of info on there.

Thanks, Willy. I wondered about fuses, but had no idea which ones I was looking for. Cheers, G

willy eckerslike wrote:There’s a drop down panel in the passenger side footwell which hides a circuit board with fuses and relays. Check relays 7 & 8, the bottom two if my memory serves. I had a similar starting problem all the dash lights came on when the key was turned but then no clicks and no turnover. New relays sorted it. Also check out Sprinter forums, lots of info on there.

Today I had exactly the same problem, except central locking is OK. Put key in, all lights light but not click or start attempt. Remove key and it won't turn, no lights on dash. All outside lights work.

Does the fuse/relay panel release to give access to those relays you mention? Can see them but not reach.

Above the drop down cover is another small panel held on by a single torx screw. If you open both of these you can access the relays and see what you’re doing.
 I wouldn’t say easily but it’s awkward at worst. I haven’t had the board out.

willy eckerslike wrote:Above the drop down cover is another small panel held on by a single torx screw. If you open both of these you can access the relays and see what you’re doing.
 I wouldn’t say easily but it’s awkward at worst. I haven’t had the board out.

Thanks that would be a help, except I called breakdown and the mechanic accessed the relays with difficulty and they are OK. Check a few thing and tried OBD reader but it needed ignition to be on, difficult with a locked key. Whilst I was inside arranging a garage to accept a tow in, he turned key and it started, switch of, remove key, key back in, locked again. He reckons it is the ignition key reader module faulty. It is now off on a loader to the MB garage (contributions gratefully accepted ) Again luckily it started so was able to drive it on.

Thanks for your help. I will remember the second panel for next time I need to access the fuse panel.

I would like to commend Comfort Insurance breakdown cover, speedy dispatch of mechanic, brave attempts at solving, followed by speedy arrival of a Manchetts recovery loaded.