Error: fresh water pump. please visit workshop

[Blackbrogue1962]

I know this has been discussed in previous threads and I’ve followed most of the advice including the very helpful instructions from Maxi Mizer, but with no success. I’ve ruled out the micro switch, as well as opening the water tank and trying to manually turn the pump and checking the fuse. After unconnecting and reconnecting the motor, it runs for a second but cuts out again and the error message in the title appears. What I think is happening is that the T6.1 has a cut out that stops the pump a second after running dry. I think the root cause maybe an airlock, but I’m not sure how to clear it. I’d take it to the dealer, but I’m in France and here for another 2 weeks so it would be helpful if I can fix it myself as I haven’t time to take to a dealer for it to be investigated.

 

[WelshGas]

I know this has been discussed in previous threads and I’ve followed most of the advice including the very helpful instructions from Maxi Mizer, but with no success. I’ve ruled out the micro switch, as well as opening the water tank and trying to manually turn the pump and checking the fuse. After unconnecting and reconnecting the motor, it runs for a second but cuts out again and the error message in the title appears. What I think is happening is that the T6.1 has a cut out that stops the pump a second after running dry. I think the root cause maybe an airlock, but I’m not sure how to clear it. I’d take it to the dealer, but I’m in France and here for another 2 weeks so it would be helpful if I can fix it myself as I haven’t time to take to a dealer for it to be investigated.

If it’s an airlock then you could try the following.
Switch on at tap and open tap fully. Then blow/ suck through tap spout. Should hear gurgling from water tank when blowing.

After completing above. Close tap.
Reset Control Panel as in Post 1 below.

SOLUTION FOR Frozen camper control touchscreen T6.1

I'm updating this post with the solution to frozen Camper Control unit on a T6.1 - many thanks to forum member Yossarian for the solution - just so that it's easier for anyone looking with the same problem: Issue is that the touch screen freezes and won't reset. Ours froze when there was an...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[Kimbo]

I know this has been discussed in previous threads and I’ve followed most of the advice including the very helpful instructions from Maxi Mizer, but with no success. I’ve ruled out the micro switch, as well as opening the water tank and trying to manually turn the pump and checking the fuse. After unconnecting and reconnecting the motor, it runs for a second but cuts out again and the error message in the title appears. What I think is happening is that the T6.1 has a cut out that stops the pump a second after running dry. I think the root cause maybe an airlock, but I’m not sure how to clear it. I’d take it to the dealer, but I’m in France and here for another 2 weeks so it would be helpful if I can fix it myself as I haven’t time to take to a dealer for it to be investigated.

Mine did the same and it was the pump, impeller under the pump was in a bind, bought a new pump as advised on the forum and it didn’t fix it, exactly the same symptoms, turned out the pump was a higher output version and was registering a higher current in essence a stuck pump to the electronics. Bought an original VW pump and no issue. Problem with these pumps is they all look the same, have the same number printed on them but the internals are different

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

You need a 12v pump with a flow rate of 10 litres or less

 

[Uli_J]

I know this has been discussed in previous threads and I’ve followed most of the advice including the very helpful instructions from Maxi Mizer, but with no success. I’ve ruled out the micro switch, as well as opening the water tank and trying to manually turn the pump and checking the fuse. After unconnecting and reconnecting the motor, it runs for a second but cuts out again and the error message in the title appears. What I think is happening is that the T6.1 has a cut out that stops the pump a second after running dry. I think the root cause maybe an airlock, but I’m not sure how to clear it. I’d take it to the dealer, but I’m in France and here for another 2 weeks so it would be helpful if I can fix it myself as I haven’t time to take to a dealer for it to be investigated.

Hello all together,

I´m new to this British forum answering from Germany.

We have a T5.2 Cal. comfortline, I repaired the punp, i.e. changed the waterpump (it was broken in winter due to "low temperature", below freezing and not fully emtied fresh water tank.

I found that the supplier for VW is Comet, producing this pump.
You´ll find the label an datasheet ("Datenblatt" german/english) of the pump attached.

I assume, VW uses the same pump for the T6.1 and T5.2.

I bought the 1st one at Amazon (about 32 Euro), a second one (spare) at Camping Wagner, Germany (about 19 Euro !!!).

It was easy to change the pump using the original VW mounting/ dismounting tool for opening/ locking the fresh water tank (this tool is at little expensive, but it is cheap on Ebay when buying as used tool). The VW-Part number can be found in ErWin, were the procedure is described in detail (its no secret: if needed I may to look at my docu.) - I recommend to use this tool.

Well, we always have one on board as a spare ... yust in one of these cases when staying in wilderness ....

Best,
Uli

 

[Kimbo]

Hello all together,

I´m new to this British forum answering from Germany.

We have a T5.2 Cal. comfortline, I repaired the punp, i.e. changed the waterpump (it was broken in winter due to "low temperature", below freezing and not fully emtied fresh water tank.

I found that the supplier for VW is Comet, producing this pump.
You´ll find the label an datasheet ("Datenblatt" german/english) of the pump attached.

I assume, VW uses the same pump for the T6.1 and T5.2.

I bought the 1st one at Amazon (about 32 Euro), a second one (spare) at Camping Wagner, Germany (about 19 Euro !!!).

It was easy to change the pump using the original VW mounting/ dismounting tool for opening/ locking the fresh water tank (this tool is at little expensive, but it is cheap on Ebay when buying as used tool). The VW-Part number can be found in ErWin, were the procedure is described in detail (its no secret: if needed I may to look at my docu.) - I recommend to use this tool.

Well, we always have one on board as a spare ... yust in one of these cases when staying in wilderness ....

Best,
Uli

If you buy this Comet vip plus pump for a t6.1, I guarantee it will not work, been there got the t shirt. It needs to be a Comet vip standard lower flow rate pump or better still, to stop you having sleepless nights or an anxiety attack Buy the thing from VW, my dealer was not much dearer. As I said, they look identical, part number on the front is the same, it's just the actual description that changes, look at the comet website, don't mess about looking at flow rates etc, a t5 or t6 might be ok but NOT a t6.1. As for the expensive tool to get the tank open, just get a pair of pliers or side cutters with the rubber grips, open them up and stick the two handles down into the holes in the top of the tank cover and then use an adjustable spanner to turn the metal end. No special tool. No expensive tool, probably tools you already have. Once you crack the initial seal you will be able to turn it by hand.

 

[Kimbo]

I know this has been discussed in previous threads and I’ve followed most of the advice including the very helpful instructions from Maxi Mizer, but with no success. I’ve ruled out the micro switch, as well as opening the water tank and trying to manually turn the pump and checking the fuse. After unconnecting and reconnecting the motor, it runs for a second but cuts out again and the error message in the title appears. What I think is happening is that the T6.1 has a cut out that stops the pump a second after running dry. I think the root cause maybe an airlock, but I’m not sure how to clear it. I’d take it to the dealer, but I’m in France and here for another 2 weeks so it would be helpful if I can fix it myself as I haven’t time to take to a dealer for it to be investigated.

If you can get the pump out as described earlier, just check that the impeller on the bottom of the pump is free to move, if it isn't, just press slightly on the end of the shiny visible metal impeller shaft. It should now turn a lot easier and will hopefully get you out of a hole, good luck.

 

[Blackbrogue1962]

Mine did the same and it was the pump, impeller under the pump was in a bind, bought a new pump as advised on the forum and it didn’t fix it, exactly the same symptoms, turned out the pump was a higher output version and was registering a higher current in essence a stuck pump to the electronics. Bought an original VW pump and no issue. Problem with these pumps is they all look the same, have the same number printed on them but the internals are different

That’s helpful advice, looks as though I’ll have to wait z

If you can get the pump out as described earlier, just check that the impeller on the bottom of the pump is free to move, if it isn't, just press slightly on the end of the shiny visible metal impeller shaft. It should now turn a lot easier and will hopefully get you out of a hole, good luck.

 

[Blackbrogue1962]

Success!! Removed the pump for the third time, pressed in the shiny bottom of the impeller shaft, re-assembled with little confidence, but turned on the tap and to my surprise and delight water flowed as normal! Given we’ve another 2 weeks in France this is most welcome and my wife delighted too. On top of everything, the sun looks as though it’s about to reappear after 3 days of nearly constant rain. Should also add that my Aquatexed 04S bellows have been totally watertight, despite the heavy rain.

 

[leovdd]

Hello all together,

I´m new to this British forum answering from Germany.

We have a T5.2 Cal. comfortline, I repaired the punp, i.e. changed the waterpump (it was broken in winter due to "low temperature", below freezing and not fully emtied fresh water tank.

I found that the supplier for VW is Comet, producing this pump.
You´ll find the label an datasheet ("Datenblatt" german/english) of the pump attached.

I assume, VW uses the same pump for the T6.1 and T5.2.

I bought the 1st one at Amazon (about 32 Euro), a second one (spare) at Camping Wagner, Germany (about 19 Euro !!!).

It was easy to change the pump using the original VW mounting/ dismounting tool for opening/ locking the fresh water tank (this tool is at little expensive, but it is cheap on Ebay when buying as used tool). The VW-Part number can be found in ErWin, were the procedure is described in detail (its no secret: if needed I may to look at my docu.) - I recommend to use this tool.

Well, we always have one on board as a spare ... yust in one of these cases when staying in wilderness ....

Best,
Uli

Hi Uli,

Thank you for the information. The Datenblatt is very interesting. It says " trockenlaufsicher bis 0,5 Stunden". I was worried I left it running mine a bit too long (minutes), but this says it can run dry for up to half an hour ?
If that's correct, I'll push for warranty, as my T6.1 California is only 5 months old.

Could you please confirm ?

Thanks a lot !
Leo from Belgium

 

[Uli_J]

Hi Uli,

Thank you for the information. The Datenblatt is very interesting. It says " trockenlaufsicher bis 0,5 Stunden". I was worried I left it running mine a bit too long (minutes), but this says it can run dry for up to half an hour ?
If that's correct, I'll push for warranty, as my T6.1 California is only 5 months old.

Could you please confirm ?

Thanks a lot !
Leo from Belgium

Hello Leo,
thanks for your response.
Well, to be honest, I also only know the data from the "Datenblatt".
My spare pump has worked for years, the reason for exchanging the pump in the first place is that temperatures below zero made it break, which made it break (unfortunately there were 100 - 500 ml water left in the tank, which "broke" the pump).
Best,
Uli

 

[Califan61]

I agree that type of pump can run dry no issue, Dont know why VW set the cutout so short. they are used on caravans and motorhome toilets for flush water pumping. I assume you drained down and left the drain tap open for a while so any left could run out the next time you drove the van.

Can anyone share the link to hacks for making sure tap and water pump are empty of water. Does anyone have any other advice to get the last bit of water out?

 

[Uli_J]

Now, I make it relatively easy for me. I just open the valves again (after I have "emptied" the tanks - e.g. on a campsite - where I could drain grey water) and drive 1/2 mile.
The main problem for me was to drain the rest of the fresh water, because the car is normally parked on a ramp.