Help Macerator Pump not working

[Cobra1169]

I have a 2014 Interstate and after having dumped Black/Grey tanks 15+ times, today it decided not to work any longer. It appears that the the Macerator pump is not working. I do hear both the Black & Grey Valves open and close independently but when I flip the toggle switch for the pump nothing happens. Could the fuse be blown? Anyone have any idea where the fuse or reset button is? The 800 support could not help out at all. Thanks --- Jim

[joemikeb]

That happened to me and it was a blown fuse under the lounge in back.

[Protagonist]

The only fuses I've ever blown on my Interstate are for the macerator pump and the hose reel take-up.

If replacing the fuse doesn't work, there's a slot on the end of the pump that will take a screwdriver, that you can use to manually turn the pump. If the pump jammed on something, a manual assist (or hand-cranking it backwards) might free it up.

[Cobra1169]

On a 2014 Model does accessing fusebox in the lounge bench require unscrewing the cushions from the frame or is there an easier access point?

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Cobra1169

On a 2014 Model does accessing fusebox in the lounge bench require unscrewing the cushions from the frame or is there an easier access point?

Should be a gray or black plastic cover over the fuse panel, right in between the 12v disconnect and the 120v circuit breakers, when you open the door on the front of the seat base.

[Cobra1169]

Perfect!!! I know where that is!!! I'll go check now.

[SmokelessJoe]

Cobra,

If a fuse has blown it could be that the macerator is stuck or jammed.

If your macerator is like my RV Sani Con there is a slot at the end of the unit. Use a flat screw driver blade to gently turn the shaft counter-clockwise. This may "un-stick" it.

Things like tissue or human hair can cause jamming. Sometimes, in-activity can cause the shaft to seize up too. I always use a screw driver to turn the shaft a few times before using the macerator in such a case.

Here's an owner's manual should your unit be similar. See page 9, TROUBLE SHOOTING for illustration.

OM_SaniConTri_70337B_091809_EFS_P.pdf

[Cobra1169]

Thank you everyone one for your help!!!! One new 20Amp fuse and a few rotations of the macerator and I'm Back in Business (pardon the pun)!!! Ya'll just saved me a 3 hour trip to the Dealer!!!! I love this forum what a life saver!!!

Thanks --- Jim

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by Cobra1169

Thank you everyone one for your help!!!! One new 20Amp fuse and a few rotations of the macerator and I'm Back in Business (pardon the pun)!!! Ya'll just saved me a 3 hour trip to the Dealer!!!! I love this forum what a life saver!!!

Thanks --- Jim

Glad you solved this common problem. Keep extra fuses handy - you will need them again. I've had mine do same thing a few times. It's best to leave the stuff in black tank until it is nearly full and decomposed a bit. When a big chunk hits that macerator pump it will typically get stuck and blow a fuse. Don't ask how I know this.

[B.E.A.M]

where is the macerator pump located? I am on the road and pump keeps blowing 20 amp fuse. and tanks are full now.

[B.E.A.M]

Originally Posted by B.E.A.M

where is the macerator pump located? I am on the road and pump keeps blowing 20 amp fuse. and tanks are full now.

Sorry dumb question just needed to lay on my back and there it was staring at me. turned with a flat head screw driver and presto back to normal.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by B.E.A.M

Sorry dumb question

There are no dumb questions. Just dumb answers.

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by B.E.A.M

Sorry dumb question just needed to lay on my back and there it was staring at me. turned with a flat head screw driver and presto back to normal.

Yup! That solves about 99% of problems with macerators. I agree with Protagonist- no such thing as a dumb question here.

[stusuz]

the mascerator pump is located underneath the hose reel and valve panel on the underside of the coach?

and thank you for instructions on the fuse. the pump just froze yesterday so I need to check the fuse. I have not used the pump in some time

[Titus]

The macerator is beside the hose reel. 3" hose leading into the macerator from the center of the coach and small 1" hose going out of the macerator into the hose reel. Screwdriver slot is on the end of the macerator opposite where the 3" hose enters. Slotted shaft is probably covered by a rubber boot. Put a screwdriver in the slot and turn it back and forth a bit before replacing fuse (or you will probably blow another fuse).

[Kdselly]

I don’t think it’s stuck I finished emptying black turned it off- opened grey and the pump won’t turn on. Try same thing? Mine seems electrical. It happened last week and then worked. Hmmm

[Tonypaulr]

[thanks for the help .
Dirty job made easy with your instructions
QUOTE=SmokelessJoe;1466026]Cobra,

If a fuse has blown it could be that the macerator is stuck or jammed.

If your macerator is like my RV Sani Con there is a slot at the end of the unit. Use a flat screw driver blade to gently turn the shaft counter-clockwise. This may "un-stick" it.

Things like tissue or human hair can cause jamming. Sometimes, in-activity can cause the shaft to seize up too. I always use a screw driver to turn the shaft a few times before using the macerator in such a case.

Here's an owner's manual should your unit be similar. See page 9, TROUBLE SHOOTING for illustration.

Attachment 213749[/QUOTE]