Forum Discussion

Tachdriver's avatar
Tachdriver
Explorer
Oct 01, 2013

Converter Fan

I have a 2009 Starcraft Autumn Ridge that has a 45amp Elixer converter. Usually when I turn on 3 12v lights I can hear the fan run. After getting to a campground this weekend all I needed to do was to turn one 12v light on and the fan would run continuously.

When I had all the lights out while sleeping the fan would cycle on for three seconds every 10. I do not believe I have any parasitic draw causing this.

I read the manual and it didn't say what activated the fan, whether it was draw of amperage or a temperature sensor.

So do I have an issue with the fan or converter?

15 Replies

  • Tachdriver's avatar
    Tachdriver
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2013
    Bump... and update

    It was as simple as cleaning the screen on the fan. It was more than just rubbing with a cloth, I had to used a bristle brush to remove all traces of dust, after that it ran just fine, didn't even cycle like it did, it would run normally.
  • Clay_L's avatar
    Clay_L
    Explorer
    Oct 25, 2013
    On mine there are four screws holding the converter to the floor. Two are in open end slots so only two have to be removed.
    I vacuumed and blew out the pet hair and dust at each grill - input and output.
  • Tachdriver's avatar
    Tachdriver
    Explorer
    Oct 21, 2013
    kinda explains the fans, if they are heat activated then it may be generating more heat due for some reason.

    I take it the cover panel comes off (not plugged in and 12v battery disconnected), then the mount screws and it should slide out? Maybe I have dust bunnies, perhaps this weekend I will be able to look at it.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Oct 21, 2013
    I have never heard of a converter fan activated by amp draw.

    I have heard of many that were heat activated..

    I have even heard the fans running (They are 12 volt) when the RV was not plugged in but the compartment where they hid the converter was in full sun.
  • Clay_L's avatar
    Clay_L
    Explorer
    Oct 21, 2013
    Can't hurt.
    I had to pull mine out last time so I could get to both ends and and really get it blown/vacuumed out.
    Four screws and a couple of 12 vdc connections. The 120vac just unplugged.
  • Tachdriver's avatar
    Tachdriver
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2013
    Okay, sorry to bump an old thread but I finally got the time to drive to the storage and pull the battery, the battery checks good, I guess i need to pull the converter for dust?
  • Clay_L's avatar
    Clay_L
    Explorer
    Oct 05, 2013
    nbounder wrote:
    Wait a minute, Clay. 11 years full timing in an'04 Winnie puts you at year 2015. Just checked my calendar, and we ain't there yet. So tell us - what's your secret??


    No secret. We stared full timing in 2002 in a 1996 Winnebago Warrior and bought the Sightseer in January of 2004. Sorry to mislead you.

    Of course at 73 I do have some liberal moments on occasion and mix things up. I don't call them senior moments because I don't want to insult seniors. :)
  • nbounder's avatar
    nbounder
    Explorer
    Oct 04, 2013
    Wait a minute, Clay. 11 years full timing in an'04 Winnie puts you at year 2015. Just checked my calendar, and we ain't there yet. So tell us - what's your secret??
  • 64thunderbolt's avatar
    64thunderbolt
    Explorer II
    Oct 04, 2013
    Clay L wrote:
    I found that I have to vacume and or blow the dust and pet hair out of the converter every year or so to keep the fan from running too much.


    Good idea
  • Clay_L's avatar
    Clay_L
    Explorer
    Oct 01, 2013
    I found that I have to vacume and or blow the dust and pet hair out of the converter every year or so to keep the fan from running too much.

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