Common road issues & quick fixes
Hitting a snag on the road? Here you'll find easy fixes for the most common issues, like flat tyres, flat batteries, locked steering wheels or warning lights, so you can sort it out and get back on the road in no time.
Frequently asked questions
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The power windows won't open - what can I do?
Cannot open the power windows in your campervan? For example, only the window at the driver's seat opens, while the other windows stay closed? In most cases there is a simple fix.
- Please make sure all doors are totally closed.
- Once all doors are totally closed, please check the driver's side armrest, next to the buttons for the windows. There is another button that locks the windows. Please make sure this button is not engaged.
- Also see if you can open and close the windows with the buttons on the door itself.
If the windows still do not work, please contact the Spaceships Crew. Our Crew is always happy to help.
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What if the key fob battery is flat? How do I unlock and start the campervan?
No worries: even if the battery in your key fob is completely flat, you can still unlock and start your Spaceship and keep on driving.
Starting the campervan with a flat key fob battery
Press the key fob against the engine start button while pressing the brake, and the engine will start. This works even when the fob battery is completely flat, so there is no need to cut your road trip short.
Unlocking the doors
Each key fob has a key blade inside it. You can use this key blade to unlock the doors manually if the remote unlocking does not work.
How do I know the key fob battery is getting flat?
- The unlock button takes a few presses before the central locking unlocks.
- The campervan no longer unlocks automatically when you pull the door handle while carrying the key.
What about a flashing key symbol on the dashboard?
A flashing key symbol usually means the campervan has temporarily lost its connection to the key, for example when the key was carried a few metres away from the vehicle. This is not a flat battery. The connection will come back on its own.
If you are not sure what to do, please contact Our Crew. We are happy to help you get back on the road.
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Flat tyre: what to do? What is the tyre size and preferred brand?
A flat tyre can always happen. In your home country with your own car, but also here in Australia while on your Spaceships road trip. Your Spaceship is equipped with a spare tyre. To change a tyre is just as easy as on any regular car. Check out this video that shows you how to change the tyre of your Spaceship.
Please ensure you contact Spaceships in the event of a flat tyre to get approval for the repair.
If you cannot make phone calls, you can also email the Spaceships Crew to request approval for the repair or replacement of the tyre. Just let Our Crew know which tyre repairer you would like to use - for example a local Bridgestone branch - and the approval will be confirmed to you by email, so you can go ahead with the repair.
Tyre Size: 215/60R16
Preferred Brand: Serenity Plus
Preferred Tyre Repairer: Bridgestone Australia (with branches across Australia)
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Why doesn’t the front door stay open?
The front doors of your Spaceships campervan are not fitted with a stay or locking mechanism, so they will not remain open on their own—especially on uneven surfaces such as campsites.
This is normal and not a fault with the vehicle.
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Why won’t my campervan’s central locking work after a flat battery?
The most common cause of a flat battery in a Spaceships campervan is leaving the headlights on.
Even after a successful jump start, the battery may not have enough charge to power systems like the central locking - especially the rear door - because these systems require a stable voltage. The alternator needs time to recharge the battery fully, and until then, some electrical components may remain non-functional.
What to do:
Leave the engine running for at least 60 minutes to allow the battery to recharge
Drive for a longer period — a minimum of 4 hours driving is required to fully recharge a flat battery.
Avoid using non-essential electrical systems (such as the radio, A/C, and fridge) while the battery is recharging
The alternator will recharge the battery while the engine is running, but it takes time. If the engine is turned off too soon, another jump start may be required.
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How to De-fog the Windscreen
To quickly de-fog a cold windscreen, use your vehicle’s climate controls to remove moisture from the air inside the cabin and replace it with drier air from outside.
Follow these steps for the fastest results:
Turn on the windscreen defroster
Set the airflow to the windscreen defrost setting.Turn on the air conditioning (A/C)
Even in cold weather, the A/C helps remove moisture from the air and clears the windscreen more effectively.Set the heater to the hottest setting
Warm air can hold more moisture than cold air, which helps clear condensation faster.Turn off air recirculation
Make sure the vehicle is drawing in fresh air from outside rather than recirculating the humid air inside.
Extra tips for clear windows
Crack a window slightly if it’s not raining. This helps let humid air out and brings in drier air from outside.
Avoid wiping the inside of the windscreen with your hand or a cloth, as this can leave streaks and reduce visibility.
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What should I do if my steering wheel is locked and the vehicle won’t start?
If your steering wheel is locked and your Spaceships campervan won’t start (sometimes called "anti-theft mode"), try these steps:
Turn the Steering Wheel: Gently turn the steering wheel to the left or right while turning the ignition key. This can release the steering wheel lock.
Use the Correct Key: Make sure you’re using the correct key, as a damaged or unrecognised key can trigger the lock.
Restart the Process: Turn the ignition off, remove the key, and wait a few minutes before trying again.
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The sliding door doesn't work properly, how to fix it?
Having issue with the sliding door of your campervan? For example, it being fidgety or are you having difficulties opening it? No worries, here are some tips to resolve the issue with the sliding door.
Please check to see if the child lock is on. There is a lever inside the door panel.
Then check there is no debris (dust, dirt or stones) inside the door panel. Sometimes this blocks the sensor, making it hard to close the sliding door.
If these tips don't fix it, please contact/call us. The Spaceships Australia Crew is always happy to help.
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What is the correct tyre pressure?
The tyre pressure for all wheels on Spaceships campervans must be between 35-40 PSI. This is checked before your campervan leaves the depot, and it's important to maintain the same PSI on all four tires.
For long road trips, including travel through the outback, we recommend checking the tire pressure monthly or more frequently if you’re driving long distances each day. Always check and adjust the tire pressure when the tires are cold—meaning the campervan has been parked for at least three hours or driven less than 2 km at a moderate speed. The best times to check are at the start of a new road trip day or if the campervan has been stationary for an extended period.
If the reading is above the recommended range, release some air; if it’s below, add air to reach the correct pressure.
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How to change a tyre of my Spaceships campervan?
A flat tyre can always happen. In your home country with your car, but also here in Australia while on your Spaceships road trip. Your Spaceship is equipped with a spare tyre. To change a tyre is just as easy as on any regular car. If you have never changed a tyre before or you need a refresher course, the tips and videos on this page will help you out.
Articles
- Are jumper leads included? How to jump start the campervan? Spaceships Crew
- What does a beeping sound mean when the vehicle is parked and the door is opened? Spaceships Crew!
- How to Clear Condensation and Foggy Windows Spaceships Crew
- Dashboard Lights Explained: Red Exclamation Mark in a Red Circle Spaceships Crew!
- Why Does the Fuel Bowser Stop Pumping When the Tank Isn’t Full? Spaceships Crew!