Van Equipment Troubleshooting Field Guide

Quick reference for the Wag'n'Tails Ultra vans: find your symptom, work the checks top to bottom, and stop the moment you hit an escalate condition. Blanks like fuse/breaker ratings vary by build year — fill in from your van's labels and owner's manual.

If you've run low on something, a pet or person is hurt, you can't park, or the day is otherwise disrupted, use the companion Van Operations & Incident Field Guide instead. This guide is for equipment that won't work.

Safety first

• If a pet is on the table when a system fails, secure the pet before troubleshooting.
• Never investigate a fuel smell, electrical burning smell, or smoke — shut the system down, exit, and call for help.
• Generator and water heater run on fuel/propane: shut off at the source before inspecting.
• Any "Stop / escalate" condition means stop and get with management — do not keep working the van.

1. Power, Generator & Electrical

The generator powers everything. Most "dead van" calls trace back to fuel, a tripped breaker, or a low start battery.

Generator won't start / won't crank

1. Check fuel level FIRST — the generator often has its own draw or shutoff point; don't trust the dash gauge alone.
2. Check oil level — the low-oil sensor will block start. Always verify oil before anything else.
3. Confirm the generator battery/start switch is ON.
4. Look for a tripped generator breaker and reset once.
5. Listen: clicks but no crank = weak battery; nothing = switch/fuse.
6. If it's a weak battery, start the van engine, wait 5 minutes, then try again.

Stop / escalate if: no crank after one reset, or fuel/oil are OK — get with management.

Generator starts then dies

1. Top off fuel and retry (air gets in the line after running near empty).
2. Check for a clogged air filter or blocked exhaust/vent.
3. Note any error code or beep pattern and record it.
4. Let it cool 10 minutes if it ran hot, then restart.

Stop / escalate if: repeated stalls or it ran hot — stop, get with management.

Generator runs but no power inside

1. Check the generator breakers FIRST — reset the main, then individual circuit breakers.
2. Verify GFCI outlets aren't tripped (press RESET).
3. Confirm you're not on "shore" mode with nothing plugged in.
4. Only if still dead, check the transfer switch position (hard to reach on these vans).

Stop / escalate if: power on one circuit only — isolate that circuit, get with management.

Breaker keeps tripping

1. Unplug the highest-draw item on that circuit (dryer/heater).
2. Reset once; run equipment one at a time to find the culprit.
3. Check for a wet or corroded outlet.
4. Don't run dryer + water heater + HVAC on the same leg at once.

Stop / escalate if: it trips with nothing plugged in — wiring fault, get with management.

Lights dim / flicker when the dryer runs

1. A mild dip on startup is normal; note if it recovers.
2. Reduce simultaneous load (stagger dryer and heater).
3. Check generator fuel — starving units sag under load.

Stop / escalate if: severe sag or the generator bogs down — get with management.

Shore power not charging / not working

1. Confirm the pedestal/outlet is live (test another device).
2. Check shore cord and adapter seating at both ends.
3. Inspect the cord for damage; reset the shore breaker.
4. Verify the transfer switch is set to shore.

Stop / escalate if: cord warm/melted or sparks — unplug, get with management.

2. Water System (Heater, Pump & Plumbing)

No water or no hot water are the two most common mid-bath failures. Most are fresh-tank level, a tripped pump, or a heater lockout.

No water at all / pump won't prime

1. Check fresh water tank level — the #1 cause.
2. Confirm the water pump switch is ON and its breaker/fuse is good.
3. Listen: pump cycling but no flow = air lock or empty tank.
4. Open a faucet to bleed air, let the pump catch prime.
5. Check the pump inlet filter/strainer for clogging.

Stop / escalate if: the pump runs dry repeatedly — shut off the pump, get with management.

Weak water pressure

1. Check tank level (low tank = weak draw).
2. Clean the pump inlet strainer and faucet aerator.
3. Inspect for a kinked or pinched supply line.
4. Listen for the pump short-cycling (failing pressure switch).

Stop / escalate if: pressure drops with a full tank — get with management.

No hot water

1. Check the generator breakers AND the water heater breaker FIRST — the electric-start backup needs power.
2. Confirm the water heater switch is ON.
3. Check fuel/propane supply and that the valve is open.
4. Look for a lockout light — reset once per the manual.
5. Verify water IS flowing (the heater won't fire with no flow).
6. Bleed air if the heater is on-demand and sputtering.

Stop / escalate if: it won't relight, or you smell propane — shut off, exit, get with management.

Water too hot / scalding

1. Turn the heater setpoint down immediately.
2. Mix in cold at the faucet; don't bathe until stabilized.
3. Note if the temp is wildly inconsistent (thermostat fault).

Stop / escalate if: you can't control the temp — stop bathing pets, get with management.

Water heater won't ignite (propane)

1. Confirm the propane tank isn't empty and the valve is open.
2. Reset the heater lockout once.
3. Check for a clicking igniter; listen for gas flow.
4. Make sure water is flowing through it.

Stop / escalate if: gas smell, soot, or repeated lockout — shut off, get with management.

Grey/waste tank full or won't drain

1. Check the waste tank level indicator.
2. Drain at an approved site before continuing.
3. Clear the drain screen of hair/debris.
4. Confirm the dump valve fully opens and reseats.

Stop / escalate if: backflow into the tub — stop draining, get with management.

Leak under the tub / on the floor

1. Locate the source: supply line, drain fitting, or tank.
2. Shut the pump OFF to stop pressurized leaks.
3. Tighten visibly loose fittings hand-tight.
4. Catch/contain water; protect electrical below.

Stop / escalate if: the leak is near any electrical — kill power, get with management.

3. HVAC, Climate & Ventilation

Climate control protects the pets, not just the groomer. Treat overheating as urgent.

A/C not cooling

1. Check the generator breakers AND the A/C breaker FIRST — a flipped breaker is the most common cause.
2. Confirm generator/shore power is steady (A/C is high-draw).
3. Set the fan to a lower speed first, then call for cool.
4. Clean/replace a clogged intake filter.
5. Make sure vents aren't blocked by supplies.

Stop / escalate if: the compressor won't engage or the van is hot — protect the pet, get with management.

Heat not working

1. Check the generator breakers AND the heater breaker/fuse FIRST — a flipped breaker is a common cause.
2. Confirm the power source.
3. If it's a propane furnace: check fuel and valve, reset the lockout once.
4. Clear the intake/return of obstructions.
5. Verify the thermostat setpoint and mode.

Stop / escalate if: propane smell or no heat in cold weather — shut off, get with management.

Van too hot for pets

1. Stop grooming; get the pet to the coolest spot/airflow.
2. Open doors/vents and run max fan or A/C.
3. Reduce dryer/heat-generating equipment use.
4. Check the generator is carrying the A/C load.

Stop / escalate if: you can't bring the temp down fast — end the shift, prioritize the pet.

Poor ventilation / fogging / fumes

1. Turn on the exhaust/roof vent fan.
2. Crack a window or door for cross-flow.
3. Confirm the roof vent isn't stuck closed.
4. If you smell exhaust, suspect a generator/exhaust leak.

Stop / escalate if: any exhaust smell inside — exit, kill the generator, get with management.

Roof vent / fan not working

1. Check the vent fan switch and fuse.
2. Confirm the vent lid is open (it won't pull air if shut).
3. Listen for the motor; clear debris from the blade.

Stop / escalate if: the motor hums but won't spin — get with management.

4. Grooming Equipment (Dryers, Tub, Lift & Clippers)

These are usually power-related: a tripped circuit, an overheated motor on thermal cutout, or a loose plug.

Force/HV dryer won't turn on

1. Check the generator breakers AND the van's main breakers FIRST — a flipped breaker is the most common cause.
2. Check the outlet/circuit it's on (reset GFCI or breaker).
3. Confirm the dryer's own switch and cord seating.
4. Listen for a thermal-overload click — let it cool 15 minutes.
5. Try a different known-good outlet.

Stop / escalate if: burning smell or sparks — unplug, tag out, get with management.

Dryer cuts out mid-use (overheating)

1. Stop and let the motor cool — the thermal cutout tripped.
2. Clean the intake filter (clogged = overheat).
3. Don't run it on the same circuit as the heater/A/C.

Stop / escalate if: it won't restart after cooling — get with management.

Weak dryer airflow

1. Clean the intake and check the filter.
2. Inspect the hose for kinks, cracks, or blockage.
3. Confirm full power (not on a sagging circuit).

Stop / escalate if: airflow is still weak after cleaning — get with management.

Hydraulic/electric tub lift won't raise or lower

1. Check the generator breakers AND the van's main breakers FIRST — a flipped breaker kills power to the lift.
2. Verify the work-area GFCI outlet isn't tripped (press RESET).
3. Confirm power to the lift and its switch/fuse.
4. Check for an obstruction under or around the table.
5. Don't exceed the weight limit.
6. Look for a manual release/override per the manual.

Stop / escalate if: the lift drops, sticks, or leaks fluid — stop, get with management.

Clippers / outlets dead at a station

1. Check the generator breakers AND the van's main breakers FIRST — a flipped breaker is the most common cause.
2. Reset the GFCI for that station.
3. Reset the station's breaker once.
4. Test the outlet with another device.

Stop / escalate if: the outlet is warm or scorched — stop using it, get with management.

Tub drains slowly / clogs

1. Clear the hair trap/strainer (do this between every dog).
2. Flush with hot water.
3. Check the grey tank isn't full and backing up.

Stop / escalate if: standing water won't clear — get with management.

5. CleanPower System (Endura) Vans Only

For the two CPS Endura vans — no generator and no LP furnace. Power comes from a 1,600Ah lithium pack and dual inverters, managed by one control screen. It charges overnight from a standard 20-amp outlet. Section 1 (generator) and the LP-furnace parts of Section 3 do NOT apply to these vans.

No power to outlets / equipment

1. Check the CPS control screen for the system state and any fault/error message.
2. Confirm the inverters are ON (system switched on, not in standby/storage mode).
3. Check the battery state of charge on the screen — a deeply drained pack can shut output off.
4. Reset the affected circuit breaker once.
5. Verify GFCI outlets aren't tripped (press RESET).

Stop / escalate if: the screen shows a fault or won't power on — get with management.

Battery low / won't hold charge

1. Confirm it was plugged in overnight and actually charged.
2. Check the shore cord seating at both the van inlet and the 20-amp outlet.
3. Confirm the outlet/breaker at the parking spot is live (test another device).
4. Watch the screen: the charge rate should climb when plugged in.
5. Reduce A/C + dryer load to stretch the remaining charge through the day.

Stop / escalate if: it won't charge or drains fast with light use — get with management.

Won't charge when plugged in

1. Confirm the outlet is a working standard 20-amp (not a dead/switched outlet).
2. Reseat the shore cord at both ends; check for damage.
3. Reset the location's breaker and the van's charge breaker once.
4. Confirm the screen shows "charging," not just "plugged in."

Stop / escalate if: cord warm/melted, or the screen shows a charge fault — unplug, get with management.

Inverter fault / shuts off under load

1. Note the exact error/code on the control screen.
2. Reduce load — don't run A/C + dryer + heater at once; restart equipment one at a time.
3. Let the system cool if it ran hot, then clear the fault per the screen.
4. Confirm the cooling vents around the battery/inverter bay aren't blocked.

Stop / escalate if: repeated shutdowns or it ran hot — stop, get with management.

Control screen blank / unresponsive

1. Check that the master system switch is ON.
2. Confirm the 12V system feeding the screen is live.
3. Look for a dedicated screen/system fuse or breaker.
4. Don't keep cycling power repeatedly — note the behavior and stop.

Stop / escalate if: the screen stays dead — get with management.

A/C or electric heat weak / cutting out

1. Check battery charge — high-draw items sag a low pack.
2. Reduce simultaneous load; run one big draw at a time.
3. Clean the A/C intake filter.
4. Confirm there's no inverter fault on the screen.

Stop / escalate if: you can't keep the van climate-safe for pets — prioritize the pet, get with management.

6. Vehicle, Battery & Pre-Shift Checks

The chassis/house batteries and tire condition strand more vans than the grooming equipment does. Two minutes up front prevents a roadside call.

Van won't start (engine)

1. Lights/dash dead = chassis battery; jump per the manual.
2. Clicks only = weak battery or loose terminal.
3. Confirm you're not draining the start battery running house loads.
4. Check the battery disconnect switch position.

Stop / escalate if: repeated dead battery — charging fault, get with management.

House battery dead / low

1. Verify it's charging off generator/shore (or the CPS screen on Endura vans).
2. Check the battery disconnect/isolator switch.
3. Note if a parasitic load is draining it overnight.

Stop / escalate if: it won't hold a charge — get with management.

Warning light on dash

1. Note which light and look it up in the vehicle manual.
2. Check oil and coolant if it's an engine warning.
3. Don't ignore brake, temp, or oil-pressure lights.

Stop / escalate if: brake / temp / oil-pressure light — stop driving, get with management.

Tire low / warning

1. Visually check all tires before pulling out.
2. Air to door-jamb spec; loaded vans run heavy.
3. Inspect for nails, sidewall bulges, uneven wear.

Stop / escalate if: bulge or rapid leak — don't drive, get with management.

30-second pre-shift check

• Fuel: vehicle + generator both above 1/4
• Water: fresh tank full, grey tank empty
• Power: generator starts, inside outlets live
• Climate: A/C or heat responds
• Tires + walkaround for leaks/damage
• Hair traps clear in tub and drains