hi everyone! Today I decided to tinker around with my fantastic fan installed in my bedroom. For some reason I was unable to open it the handle was jammed. I removed the black twist handle and then the two screws on either side of it assuming I would see a gear that was stuck. instead it's actually attached to a motor and the twisting handles inoperable. Using a pair of needle nose pliers I was able to figure out that the gear to open the fan is fine. However as soon as I turn power on to the vent the motor forces the event to be returned closed. when I manually open event with a pair of needle nose pliers the main fan will also not turn on. I check the fuse its a four amp just as required and its in good condition. I'm really stumped! Can someone recommend either a good website or give me some helpful information so that I can at least open and run this? Thanks a lot everyone!

yolo6886 wrote:hi everyone! Today I decided to tinker around with my fantastic fan installed in my bedroom. For some reason I was unable to open it the handle was jammed. I removed the black twist handle and then the two screws on either side of it assuming I would see a gear that was stuck. instead it's actually attached to a motor and the twisting handles inoperable. Using a pair of needle nose pliers I was able to figure out that the gear to open the fan is fine. However as soon as I turn power on to the vent the motor forces the event to be returned closed. when I manually open event with a pair of needle nose pliers the main fan will also not turn on. I check the fuse its a four amp just as required and its in good condition. I'm really stumped! Can someone recommend either a good website or give me some helpful information so that I can at least open and run this? Thanks a lot everyone!to open the fan cover manually pull down on the handle and then turn it. pulling down disconnects the mechanism from the motor.

okay that was pretty simple! I was able to open it but now the problem I'm having is the main fan doesn't work. Even with a handle pull down the vent open as soon as I turn the power on the motor behind the handle starts running but not the main fan. I tried changing the direction of the fan first then turning it on and still nothing. But whenever I turn the power on the motor behind the handle is still going.

There is a plunger switch that is the problem 99% of the time- gets corroded. You do need to go on the roof to get to it easily.

Yep, likely the plunger switch up top is either stuck in the down position, or as was the problem with mine once the wire was loose. There also may be a thermostat controlling the fan and it is set to a high temp.

Not only the plunger switch but on models with the motor there is a rain sensor, it is sensing rainThe rain sensor is basically a printed circuit board, with two strips of conductive metal, often in a serpentine shape, small etched path between them,, If water drops land on it they connectif an insect gets splatted on top, that can do it tooStep one is to clean the rain sensor. And the switch,, With the top open (manually) and power of, both jobs are easy,, operate the plunger switch by hand like 20 to 50 times, "Erase" the printed circuit rain sensor (Pencil erasor followed by a blast of air or soft brush to wipe the eraser parts off).Never done one on a fan, but done a lot of other switches and a few of those contact type sensors that way.

not so fantastic vent | Good Sam Community

bgum
Explorer
Feb 07, 2015
No need to replace that plunger switch just a little light oil or wd40. That is a maintenance item by the owner.
Charlie_D_
Explorer
Feb 07, 2015
While you are up there add a little Silicone to the sealing gasket. Keeps it from sticking.
SCVJeff
Explorer
Feb 08, 2015
HappyKayakers wrote:
ScottG wrote:
SCVJeff wrote:
This is a stupid question, but have you bothered to call the factory? Fantastic Fan is the poster child for what customer service is supposed to be.

They used to be but not so much anymore since they were bought out by Atwood.

Actually, I just called them last week. They are still very helpful even though some warranty terms have changed.
me too.. They just replaced an entire remote system that was out of a 5 year warranty by a year.
phays
Explorer
Feb 08, 2015
Turn the fan on and open the cover. Go up on the roof with an assortment of small wrenches; I only say this because I can't remember the size. The plunger switch gets corroded and does not complete the circuit. Turn the nut slightly and the fan motor should start. Watch your fingers around the fan blade.
vwsportbug
Explorer
Feb 09, 2015
ScottG wrote:
SCVJeff wrote:
This is a stupid question, but have you bothered to call the factory? Fantastic Fan is the poster child for what customer service is supposed to be.

They used to be but not so much anymore since they were bought out by Atwood.

I just had excellent service on my Fantastic Vent from the factory back in December. Replaced the damaged parts under warranty on a 8 year old RV! I was amazed and delighted with Fantastic Vent's service.

Don't know where the "not so much anymore" comment is coming from but my experience was great! Give the factory customer service folks a chance and I'll bet they fix you up!!!
yolo6886
Explorer
Feb 13, 2015
just a quick update, I called the company and told them about the plunger switched it was going bad there now sending me a brand new unit. That was some of the best customer service I have ever had in my entire life.

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