Not the typical tank level indicator question

[oh355mbqs]

My tank level indicators don't work. Not the normal problem of them not being accurate, I got over that years ago. Even for the battery and fresh tank level the lights don't work. Every now and then if you push the button just right you can get the lights to work. I contacted Jayco, they want $140 for the little circuit board that has the buttons and lights. This is picture of what my control panel looks like, anyone have any suggestions for a cheaper fix?

[Jeffur]

Yep, that’s as cheap as they come.

[Grumpy]

Not nearly as pretty, but it would do the job. You would just have to figure out if you want to cover part of the Bird and do a little creative rewiring job.

You may want to buy a can of contact cleaner and spray the switches to see if that is part of the problem.

https://www.amazon.com/KIB-M21VW-Mic...14564288&psc=1

OR

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009WQPHJM...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

[CAG]

I have not looked at my board to see how it is attached and it is a ways away for me to do that right now but if those are screws holding the board on I would be removing them and checking/cleaning all of the contacts at the rear. Engage your battery disconnect before you do that if you do.

[Jagiven]

Have you verified that you have a good wire connections, behind the unit.

[norty1]

Before ordering anything, I would inspect for loose connections, cold solder joints or a bad switch. Any would be less expensive.

[oh355mbqs]

This is a circuit board, see the picture, no contacts or anything. I don't think it's a switch problem because it it all of the buttons, not just 1. Could be a solder joint, but it would be circuit board level, and I'm not qualified for that. It's like this problem... https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...ter-56512.html maybe I will try the contact cleaner before spending the $140.

[Grumpy]

Go directly to the manufacturer. Their name is on the board.

Positron Corporation – Dash Panels and Decorated Plastic Experts

[Springhook]

I am experiencing the same problem. How did you eventually rosolve your problem?

[Rustynuts]

Well personally I would spend the extra money and for around $200 change it out to a SeeLevel monitor system, then work great and are accurate giving you a tank percentage. You can use the existing wiring and the new sensors stick to the outside of the tank and never get fouled. I was able to cut out the monitor section on my existing panel and fit the new SeeLevel monitor in its place....looks like you could do the same.

[JimD]

X2 on the SeeLevel gauges. I installed mine and love their accuracy.

If you want to experiment with the current board, pull it loose from the mounting but leave the cable connected. First off I would reseat the connector to eliminate a poor connection there. Then while holding down a button, tug on the wires to see if the lights start working.

If not, hold down a button and press on different areas of the board with something non-conductive such as a small piece of wood or the erasure on the end of a pencil. Doing this often uncovers a poor connection. If poking a particular area makes the light work, look very closely in that area for a possible bad solder connection or a crack in the circuit trace.

If you see something you may be able to fix it by simply heating it with a soldering iron. I've done this many times but then again, I am an electronic tech and it is in my blood. I have the solder burns to prove it. Unplug from the cable before soldering.

This is a 12 volt device and there is no danger of hurting yourself by holding it and poking.

[Springhook]

OK, I purchased a can of contact spray and sprayed the little push switches while pushing and twisting the buttons. I removed the board first. I also took note of the part number. (Positron 507-1) You will also need the part number of the panel which is on a piece of tape on the back of the panel. Spraying did the trick. I suspect this will have to be done on a regular basis. I also ordered the circuit board as a backup. $24.00 plus shipping from Positron. Thank you all.

[norty1]

Thanks for posting the rest of the story. I am sure it will help some one in the future.

[smt0954]

Update - tried spray and it did improve, but not quite there. Ordered 5 button circuit board 507-1 from Positron. $32.50 for board and $22.20 for standard shipping. Times have changed since original post. ALL indicator lights are now working. Levels look appropriate for what I know should / should NOT be in tanks. ALL, except the black tank. It says it is FULL. Not so. Just discharged ALL tanks. Did NOT have an option to 'TANK FLUSH' at the dump site. Will do so later. Just FYI folks.