Coolant alarm

Technical questions and answers about the Mazda Bongo

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Tombo
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Coolant alarm

Post by Tombo » Sun Nov 22, 2020 12:29 am

Hi all, I've had my bongo (2000, diesel, 4wd) less than a month and was checking fluids this morning, squeezed a coolant hose, all doors open both front seats up and the haydn coolant alarm went off for 5-10 minutes. Keys not in ignition. I put the key in and turned and heard a second alarm( a beep beep beep sound) Checked the expansion tank and the coolant was showing just above the screw. Topped it up and alarm continued. Tentatively started the engine and the alarm turned off after a few seconds.

I have noticed that the alarm does 1 test beep only when I start the engine and that can last between short pip or 1-2 second beep. Normally a short pip.

Can anyone help me understand what's going on here? Should alarm sound with keys out of ignition?
And i assume it's OK to drive if the expansion tank is full and the alarm isn't going off?

Thanks in advance for your wisdom!
2000, 2.5 Diesel, 4wd, AFT
Bob
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Re: Coolant alarm

Post by Bob » Sun Nov 22, 2020 12:58 am

Haydn will likely spot this and reply, but if you Google 'Haydn Alarms' the contact details are there.

Their after sales service is the very best, and I'm certain Haydn and Jo will sort it. :wink:
Tombo
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Re: Coolant alarm

Post by Tombo » Sun Nov 22, 2020 12:58 pm

Thanks for the reply!
I did email them about the short test beep and haven't receive a reply yet so thought I'd try here. I couldn't find anything with searches on here.
I'll keep looking
Tom
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g8dhe
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Re: Coolant alarm

Post by g8dhe » Sun Nov 22, 2020 1:02 pm

Search under the top bar to the left side;
searchBF.jpg
Geoff
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Tombo
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Re: Coolant alarm

Post by Tombo » Sun Nov 22, 2020 2:42 pm

Sorry I meant I searched and couldn't find anything!
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haydn callow
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Re: Coolant alarm

Post by haydn callow » Mon Nov 23, 2020 2:02 pm

Hi, the alarm should only beep when you turn the ignition on and again when you turn key to start, the only other time you should hear it is when the coolant is low.
New Red antifreeze can cause problems but not what’s happening to you.
Weak coolant, same as above.
Are you sure it’s the coolant alarm that is sounding ? There are loads of other things in a Bongo that beep.
If it is the alarm it sounds as though it’s wired in wrong, it should be connected to ignition, switched live. Yours must be wired to a permanent live....you need to correct this and report back.
http://www.coolantalarm.co.uk
Developer of the Mazda Bongo Coolant loss Alarm
Also BMW Clocks
Tombo
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Re: Coolant alarm

Post by Tombo » Mon Nov 23, 2020 6:59 pm

Thanks for your help, I can see the orange wire going from the expansion tank and it disappears off behind the dash. I'll have a look at the weekend when there's a bit of daylight!
The coolant alarm led lights up when it's going off so I assume it's that.
Tom
2000, 2.5 Diesel, 4wd, AFT
Tombo
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Re: Coolant alarm

Post by Tombo » Tue Nov 24, 2020 11:02 pm

Hello, so I went out in the dark - not great for photos. The earth/power wire head off and join to some connectors. I don't know much about wiring but learning.
The red/ black wire goes to a connector that has labels brake and gnd. When I moved one of these connectors the alarm sounded for about a second or two. Image
Image
The red wire goes to a connector that looks like it might be head unit but not sure. Bottom right of picture.
Image
I'm guessing this is power coming from the leisure battery and that it's the one I need to reconnect to ignition switched power?
I have a multimeter on order - so will try to figure out how to check what's what.
Can anyone tell me what I should check with multi meter?
Thanks again
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g8dhe
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Re: Coolant alarm

Post by g8dhe » Tue Nov 24, 2020 11:18 pm

The scotch block connectors are probably the source of your problems, its critical that you use the right size wires for them to work, the standard jap wiring loom wire gauge is too small and hence the usual problem of intermittent connections causing the self-test to bleep each time there is a break in the power/earth connections!
Geoff
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Tombo
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Re: Coolant alarm

Post by Tombo » Wed Nov 25, 2020 12:00 am

Thanks, I'll have a look at those, what would you recommend replacing the scotchloks with?
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haydn callow
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Re: Coolant alarm

Post by haydn callow » Wed Nov 25, 2020 8:52 am

Crimp connectors or best of all solder,
Your best bet might be to rip the alarm out and refit following the instructions supplied by us.
Failing that check every joint and fix any loose ones.
http://www.coolantalarm.co.uk
Developer of the Mazda Bongo Coolant loss Alarm
Also BMW Clocks
Tombo
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Re: Coolant alarm

Post by Tombo » Wed Nov 25, 2020 10:46 am

Thanks Haydn - can I find the instructions online- I don't have them in my paperwork?
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haydn callow
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Re: Coolant alarm

Post by haydn callow » Wed Nov 25, 2020 10:53 am

Contact Jo for a copy, phone number on website, say ‘dad says’
http://www.coolantalarm.co.uk
Developer of the Mazda Bongo Coolant loss Alarm
Also BMW Clocks
Tombo
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Posts: 27
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2020 8:46 pm
Location: Bedfordshire

Re: Coolant alarm

Post by Tombo » Thu Dec 10, 2020 7:50 pm

Thanks - just an update - I contacted Jo who sent me instructions and advice!
I rewired to the ignition switched 12v as suggested, into the front of the fuse box and included an inline fuse. Also replaced the scotchloks with crimped connectors.

It's all working as it should now so thanks very much for your help!
2000, 2.5 Diesel, 4wd, AFT
Bob
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Re: Coolant alarm

Post by Bob » Thu Dec 10, 2020 7:51 pm

Brilliant. =D>
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