Webasto fault

[PabloPicasso]

Now we have cooler weather I tgought I'd run my webasto heater

Turn the dial and nothing happens. The dial quick flashes 5 then slow flashes 9.

I've not used the heater for many months, it was working fine in the spring.

Whats the issue, and how do i fix it?

 

[Sticky Fingers]

This any help?

Webasto fault code 5 9 (5 flashes followed by 9 flashes)
indicates a break or short circuit to +Ub in the flame sensor circuit. To troubleshoot, you must first identify the number of slow red flashes for the specific fault code on your heater's control panel, as "5 fast green flashes" are only a precursor to the actual error code. For code 9 in the flame sensor circuit, you should check the flame sensor for damage and replace it if necessary.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Source:

https://www.butlertechnik.com/downl...op-2000-st-heater-fault-error-code-manual.pdf

 

[PabloPicasso]

This any help?

Webasto fault code 5 9 (5 flashes followed by 9 flashes)
indicates a break or short circuit to +Ub in the flame sensor circuit. To troubleshoot, you must first identify the number of slow red flashes for the specific fault code on your heater's control panel, as "5 fast green flashes" are only a precursor to the actual error code. For code 9 in the flame sensor circuit, you should check the flame sensor for damage and replace it if necessary.

How did that happen? And how do you change that?

 

[Sticky Fingers]

That I don’t know I’m afraid, I just read the guide and copied a potentially useful bit. You may need a service agent.

 

[snowbird30ds]

How many times did you try it? If fuel has backed down the pipe it may need a few attempts to prime it, the flame failure may just be because it isn't starting.

 

[PaulRainbow]

This any help?

Webasto fault code 5 9 (5 flashes followed by 9 flashes)
indicates a break or short circuit to +Ub in the flame sensor circuit. To troubleshoot, you must first identify the number of slow red flashes for the specific fault code on your heater's control panel, as "5 fast green flashes" are only a precursor to the actual error code. For code 9 in the flame sensor circuit, you should check the flame sensor for damage and replace it if necessary.

Sorry Graham, but that's not correct, it isn't how the codes are read.

The first, quick flashes, indicate a fault. The second, slow flashes, indicate the fault. The "sub code" you mentioned can only be accessed with a PC and diagnostic software.

In the case of the OP the fault code is 9, a defective glowpin.

 

[xyachtdave]

A new burner tray and glow pin sounds like it’ll get you warm again. Easy to do yourself, there’s loads of pattern kits on EBay for the smaller heater (2000?) for under £50. I think this is because they’re also the size heater used in trucks.

The 3500/3900 are about £325 for the genuine part.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Sorry Graham, but that's not correct, it isn't how the codes are read.

The first, quick flashes, indicate a fault. The second, slow flashes, indicate the fault. The "sub code" you mentioned can only be accessed with a PC and diagnostic software.

In the case of the OP the fault code is 9, a defective glowpin.

Thanks, that's the problem with my being an armchair expert, I've gotten it wrong! Apologies to the OP!

 

[PabloPicasso]

It was working fine earlier in the year. We had a good summer so not used it for many months.

How can it have developed a glowplug fault sitting there idle?

Are there any other things to try before taking it all apart?

It has a simple dial control with a green light that flashes in the middle

 

[PaulRainbow]

It was working fine earlier in the year. We had a good summer so not used it for many months.

How can it have developed a glowplug fault sitting there idle?

Are there any other things to try before taking it all apart?

It has a simple dial control with a green light that flashes in the middle

You can try any number of other things, but they won't fix the glowplug

 

[xyachtdave]

The glow plug and tray won’t be in great shape if they’ve not been changed for years, your heater is trying its best to tell you the same!

 

[PabloPicasso]

I couldn't tell you about the history of the heater plug. I only got thw boat this year.

 

[NormanS]

When I started to have problems with my heater, which was a very similar Eberspacher, I ripped it out and fitted a Chinese equivalent, at a cost of less than £50. I had to alter the control wiring, but everything else just dropped into place. I actually bought two, to have a complete spare, but all the spare parts seem to be readily available and very cheap.
I like the fact that it has a "remote" switch, so that I can switch it on before I get up.

 

[Graham_Wright]

Bin it and buy Chinese.
Hurts but cheaper in the end.

 

[PabloPicasso]

I'll take another look at it, then consider my options.

 

[Laminar Flow]

When I started to have problems with my heater, which was a very similar Eberspacher, I ripped it out and fitted a Chinese equivalent, at a cost of less than £50. I had to alter the control wiring, but everything else just dropped into place. I actually bought two, to have a complete spare, but all the spare parts seem to be readily available and very cheap.
I like the fact that it has a "remote" switch, so that I can switch it on before I get up.

Agree. This is what we did when our Webasto, in spite of ridiculously expensive resuscitation attempts, died. For the price of a new "Webasto" glow plug, you can buy a complete, new Chinese one. It is a simple take out and drop in process.
The Webasto pump, however, did not work with the Chinese one, unless you are intending to lay a smoke screen. Retain the Webasto rubber harness, however, it is much superior in quieting the pump.
Also, keep the Webasto fuel line and exhaust and bin the Chinese ones.

As Norman points out, the Chinese spare parts are as cheap as chips: you can get a new glow plug for 10 quid, its 125.- for the genuine Webasto.

We are now in our second year with it and it performs faultlessly. Furthermore, is not really any noisier than the deluxe competition and at 5% of the former's cost we figure we are now living rent free.

And yes, with the remote key fob you can start it up in the morning, without having to leave your cozy bunk.

 

[PabloPicasso]

Any details on the chinese heater that'll fit the webasto accessories?

 

[Laminar Flow]

The Vevor 5 kw fits straight into a Webasto EVO 3900. Bracket and all. Most Chinese heaters appear to be pretty much identical, apart from the different housing colours and the control unit.

Some of the chinese control units can be programmed in their operating parametres, such as pump frequency, fan speed, etc. Mine does not do this and it has not been needed. The access code, if your controller happens to have this feature, is 1688.
The newer controls may have an App function that allows you to operate the heater from your phone. I really have no idea why I would need that.


I tried adapting/using the Webasto cabel as well - it works for communication lines, but the power supply requires a heavier gauge.

All in all, it took me 30 min to do the switch while at anchor up some wet and cold Scottish loch in the highlands. It started at first try, still does, and after ran, pretty much, for two months straight. After an almost 12 month hiatus, it started up again at the first attempt. Out of interest and to see if the original Webasto pump was any quieter, I looked inside and there wasn't even a speck of soot. As stated, it doesn't work with the Webasto pump, but the Web's rubber harness made a remarkable difference to the ticking sound.

Here in Brittany, the local suppliers want 2800 Euro for a new 4 kw Webasto ... a 5 kw Vevor can currently be had for 84.- Euro.
As I am writing this from the comfort of my v-berth, I can barely hear the chinese replacement humming away to take the morning chill out of the cabin.

Best, A.

 

[oldgit]

Chum has just bought a boat with 8 kw Eber probably installed from new in 2000.
Suprise suprise, survey revealed the perishing thing does not fire up, price negociated down for new Web/Eber.. Yup ....£2000.00
Will have a quick look to ensure not silly 5 min fix otherwise its £100- £150 for the biggest Chinaspacher.
Do recall the doom mongers forecasting tales of future woe with these units,lost count of the numbers fitted to craft on our moorings over last decade or so, as yet all appear to still be afloat despite some less than perfect installations.
Observations regards fitting new pump and ensuring good quality exhaust pipe vital.
Welcome suprise was just how effective the installation of a silencer proved to be.