More D&S Super 5000 help please

[Louise]

On all wash packages the gantry will wash the front of the car correctly but then when it moves to the back of the vehicle the gantry will not go all the way down in the back (18 inches from the bottom). This happens on all the passes. The number 4 light - rear gantry prox failure appears. We can do a home reset and it fixes the problem for a couple of washes, but then it reappears.

We have changed the yellow limit switch at the bottom of the arch, changed the little hose that goes to the gantry encoder and now have changed the encoder. It hasn't fixed the problem.

Please help.

Thank you.

 

[Waxman]

I had a bad cable end on a prox (different machine than you have) last week. Prox was good but sending a false input. Mine has l.e.d.'s on a display I can read to see what prox is fouling up. In my case, even with the prox disconnected, the input was on! I replaced the cable end with a Turck "field wireable connection" part # B8141-0 and fixed my problem. If it says prox error and you know the prox is good, cable is next thing to check.

 

[Louise]

Hi Waxman,

Today we replaced the cable and it still malfunctions. We have replaced everything now and it faults after one, two or three (maybe more) cars. Thing we noticed today is that on the down pass that causes the fault, the gantry remains down for several seconds longer than on a normal pass.

Any more ideas??

Tks,
Louise

 

[DaveC]

I was having a similar problem, except in the front.

If you have another Super, try swapping the amps from the electrical box on top. Vehicles with rounded front profiles was causing my amplifier to tell the sensor something was in the way. Vehicle with a more squared off front end would cause no errors and it would work fine. I was able to transfer the problem to my other Super when I swapped the amps. I replaced the amp and have not had anymore problems like that.

If you do need to change the amp be sure to call D&S for the correct switch settings.

The power cable from the top electrical box to the sensors is also prone to failure. The area where the cable bends as the gantry moves will eventually start breaking down and cause odd machine behavior.

When my cable went bad, I was able to test it. I first put the gantry in manual. Then slowly wiggled the cable where it bends about a foot down from where it enters the gantry. The gantry would then start moving or jerking.

The new replacement encoders has the cable already attached. The cable will be to short to make the entire run back into the electrical box. Save yourself some grief and be sure to solder the cable connections.


I hope this information is helpful.

I feel your pain

Dave

 

[Louise]

Thank you Dave, yes that is helpful. No one has mentioned the amplifier, so that will be next on our list.

We noticed yesterday that on the failing pass at the back of the vehicle, the gantry would hesitate and remain washing the back bumper longer than usual before moving up. Then the next pass and all subsequent passes the gantry would not go all the way down in the back (18 inches from bottom).

We have made further adjustments to the prox switch and so far it has run fine. The amp will be our next stop if needed.

I'll update you on our progress.

Thank you so much for responding. I really appreciate it.

Louise

 

[Louise]

Dave and Waxman,

The other thing we found yesterday was frayed cable to one of the gantry eyes. We taped it up. Do you think that could have contributed to my problem?

Louise

 

[Waxman]

How frayed? Be careful w/taping up frayed cables! Moisture and movement are the enemies of even new cables, and in my experience, it takes very little for a cable to ground out and cause a false reading or input.

I'd either cut and splice using the proper solder on twisted/knotted wires, the cover that with electrical tape w/tiny wire ties on the tape (temporary fix) or put on a new cable.

 

[Louise]

Gentlemen,

Thank you for your help. We wrapped up the frayed wire (electrical tape and zip ties - temporary fix) AND adjusted the prox switch even closer to the wheel. We have run about 20 cars thru the bay and still no problem.

Louise