Sargent VLM5 module and lighting board

[Guest]

I've added a 13pin towing socket to use with a lighting board on cycle rack. I checked out the instructions from Sargent regarding initial connection and setup of the lighting board with the VLM5 module. My board does not seem to go through the learning process that Sargent refer to. When I start the engine all of the lights work normally, including the lighting board but when I turn on the turn indicators the dashboard lights flash rapidly and I  get a warning message to check the bulbs. The vehicle lights are led and the lighting board are filament. I'm waiting for a response from Sargent support, but in the meantime can anyone suggest anything.

[Caraman]

Out of interest are you using the Sargent provided 13pin cable which comes with the VLM5 plugs or have you made up your own cable that just provides lighting board lights?  Other than the quick flashing and warning message does it all work?  It might be that the fault corrects itself.

[Guest]

I've made up my own lead and I'm only using the light board wiring. Went 13 pin to get reversing lights
Everything works normally except the quick flashing on the dashboard and the warning message

[Roopert]

The vehicle lights are led

(Sorry, don't know the original base vehicle spec) Were the vehicle lights LED from the factory?

[Guest]

2018 Broadway,  boxer base. LED from factory

[Caraman]

I also have the DIY version with filament bulbs on the lighting board.  The only difference between yours and mine seems to be the reversing light which I don't have and the 13 pin socket.  I haven't needed to use mine over the winter but it always worked properly when I used it last year.  I did experience the odd message and fast flashing on the dash but it always seemed to clear itself so I didn't take much notice of it and it certainly wasn't a problem.  If you've got good contacts at the VLM5 end there isn't much that can go wrong.  It's not exactly scientific but may I suggest you use it on a trip and see if anything changes.  Marconi might comment as I know he uses his all the time.

[Guest]

I think I'll probably try that. The Sargent stuff seems to be a bit weird when interacting with the base vehicle electrics. The body control module packed in on my van last year and when I got this replaced I was getting rear light bulb failure warnings all the time. The dealer replaced the VLM5 and the warnings still came up. I eventually cleared them by unplugging the VLM5, starting the engine. This seemed to reset the canbus system. I then plugged in the VLM5 and everything was fine. Sometimes new technology can be frustrating.

[marconi]

I think I'll probably try that. The Sargent stuff seems to be a bit weird when interacting with the base vehicle electrics. The body control module packed in on my van last year and when I got this replaced I was getting rear light bulb failure warnings all the time. The dealer replaced the VLM5 and the warnings still came up. I eventually cleared them by unplugging the VLM5, starting the engine. This seemed to reset the canbus system. I then plugged in the VLM5 and everything was fine. Sometimes new technology can be frustrating.

Correction modern technology IS frustrating all the time.   It's  regularly  almost there but full of bugs.

The only learning / confirmation process that I notice is one flick of the indicators on occasions, even when locking with the remote.
The only time I see rapid flashing is if the cab doors are not fully closed.
If the dash is saying check bulbs try doing so with the engine running, ie left and right indicate then turn off the ignition see if that clears it.
I often get 'check parking light' so I do just that with engine running lights on then off, turn off ignition and turn on the side lights and off again. The thing gets a bit confused if you turn off the ignition with the lights on.

Your set up sounds fine incandescent bulbs on the board, LEDs on the van is catered for but Sargent say LED board lights may play up.
They also mentioned a software update they had for some problems if they are encountered.

Otherwise can you check that the indicators have a good earth path and that the bulbs are correct  rating, maybe someone put the wrong bulbs in and the BUS may detect a incorrect load.

[AndyCP]

Hi just read this thread whilst researching about adding a 13pin socket for a trailer board on my 2019 Nuevo. Has anyone found anywhere that will supply the 9 pin plug for the VLM5 unit trailer lights output?

[Caraman]

It's called a 9 way 'Mate N Lok' plug.

Cheap as chips and plenty of sources on-line:

https://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/mate-n-lok-universal-connector-pair-9-way.html

This 3 page thread might help you:

https://www.autosleeper-ownersforum.com/t29673-bike-rack?highlight=rear+bike+rack

[AndyCP]

Thanks just ordered 9 pin plugs