Lighthawk
Weekend warrior
Our fantastic fan has decided not to work. It was intermitent at first, but now won't budge. I've checked the inline fuse at the unit, but don't have any other ideas.
trouble shoot fantastic fan
- Thread starter Lighthawk
- Start date
Our fantastic fan has decided not to work. It was intermitent at first, but now won't budge. I've checked the inline fuse at the unit, but don't have any other ideas.
If the blade is not locked up check that the limit switch for the cover is working. Jump it out or use a tester to check voltage at the input side of the speed control switch to see if it is closing. If it is working it may be the speed control switch. Use a tester to check the output voltage of the wire going to the fan motor. This will vary depending on where the speed control is set.
When trouble shooting electrics go in order from the source of the voltage to the point of usage. Battery to motor in this case. Check voltage at every point where the wire enters or leaves a device IE: switch,fuse,motor. Replace parts when you find the bad one.
Be aware that sometimes the the ground wire in 12 volt systems is a switched wire. If this is the case check with a continuity meter to see if the switch is working.
Dsrtrat
If the blade is not locked up check that the limit switch for the cover is working. Jump it out or use a tester to check voltage at the input side of the speed control switch to see if it is closing. If it is working it may be the speed control switch. Use a tester to check the output voltage of the wire going to the fan motor. This will vary depending on where the speed control is set.
When trouble shooting electrics go in order from the source of the voltage to the point of usage. Battery to motor in this case. Check voltage at every point where the wire enters or leaves a device IE: switch,fuse,motor. Replace parts when you find the bad one.
Be aware that sometimes the the ground wire in 12 volt systems is a switched wire. If this is the case check with a continuity meter to see if the switch is working.
Dsrtrat
OP
OP
Lighthawk
Weekend warrior
Thx for detailed workflow, Dsrt. Looks like I need to invest in a (and learn to use) a tester. Any RadioShack model or do you have a recommendation?
Stan@FourWheel
Senior Member
Dsrtrat has posted some good advice there.
Some other simple things you can try first (if you want) without the tester.
I usually try and test the simple things first, and then work forward to the harder things.
1. Remove the inside screen cover.
If you have an older fan, it will probably have about 8 small screws you will have to remove, and then the screen will come off.
Open the roof vent as far as it will open.
Look through the fan blades towards the roof area. In the front of the vent, the front of the vent meaning near where the vent cover is attached and hinged at the roof. This would be the side of the vent closer to the cabover bed, instead of the rear camper door.
There should be a small silver plunger switch up there. If you have small hands you should be able to reach between the fan blades with your finger and push the switch up and down with your finger tip. If it is working, it will spring ("pop") back up when you take your finger off it.
I have seen this small switch get sticky / stuck from time to time.
This switch gets pushed down as the roof vent closes to make sure the customer does not run the fan with the vent lid closed.
If it is stuck down, you will just have to clean it off well, and maybe lubricate it with some silicone spray. This is the most common problem I have seen if the fan is intermittent.
# 2.
If that is not the problem you could also remove the 4 small screws holding the square trim ring on inside the camper (trim ring around the vent).
Once this is removed you should be able to see the 2 wires coming from inside the roof hooked up to the fan.
Check to make sure these are tight and won't easily pull apart. Maybe wiggle them to see if the fan comes on when you are wiggling them.
Make sure you have 12v power coming as well.
Hope this helps.
Happy Camping !
.
.
Some other simple things you can try first (if you want) without the tester.
I usually try and test the simple things first, and then work forward to the harder things.
1. Remove the inside screen cover.
If you have an older fan, it will probably have about 8 small screws you will have to remove, and then the screen will come off.
Open the roof vent as far as it will open.
Look through the fan blades towards the roof area. In the front of the vent, the front of the vent meaning near where the vent cover is attached and hinged at the roof. This would be the side of the vent closer to the cabover bed, instead of the rear camper door.
There should be a small silver plunger switch up there. If you have small hands you should be able to reach between the fan blades with your finger and push the switch up and down with your finger tip. If it is working, it will spring ("pop") back up when you take your finger off it.
I have seen this small switch get sticky / stuck from time to time.
This switch gets pushed down as the roof vent closes to make sure the customer does not run the fan with the vent lid closed.
If it is stuck down, you will just have to clean it off well, and maybe lubricate it with some silicone spray. This is the most common problem I have seen if the fan is intermittent.
# 2.
If that is not the problem you could also remove the 4 small screws holding the square trim ring on inside the camper (trim ring around the vent).
Once this is removed you should be able to see the 2 wires coming from inside the roof hooked up to the fan.
Check to make sure these are tight and won't easily pull apart. Maybe wiggle them to see if the fan comes on when you are wiggling them.
Make sure you have 12v power coming as well.
Hope this helps.
Happy Camping !
.
.
pods8
Contributors
Thx for detailed workflow, Dsrt. Looks like I need to invest in a (and learn to use) a tester. Any RadioShack model or do you have a recommendation?
You just need a basic multimeter, radioshack/homedepot/automotive stores all should have then in the $10-15 range. Set it on the 20V setting and start probing things and you'll see readings in the 12V range assuming all is well.
You just need a basic multimeter, radioshack/homedepot/automotive stores all should have then in the $10-15 range. Set it on the 20V setting and start probing things and you'll see readings in the 12V range assuming all is well.
OP
OP
Lighthawk
Weekend warrior
Stan, you nailed it. I pulled the screen to reach the plunger and pushed it to full extension and the fan worked again. I went up top and looked at the switch. The culprit seemed to be a loose nut at the base of the plunger allowing the electrical lead to have some play. A quick snug with a wrench and a shot of silicon for good measure and she's good to go!
This forum with support from Stan and all the members is a fantastic resource for post-purchase / used camper support. For me, this adds immense value.
Thanks all for a speedy resolution!
Now I really should learn how to use a multi-meter . . .
This forum with support from Stan and all the members is a fantastic resource for post-purchase / used camper support. For me, this adds immense value.
Thanks all for a speedy resolution!
Now I really should learn how to use a multi-meter . . .
Hittheroad
Senior Member
- Joined
- Sep 21, 2009
- Messages
- 311
I just replaced my fan with the upgrade. Once I decide I am happy with the new system I will have an old unit sitting in storage should someone find that their unit has really worn itself out.
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