Fantastic Fan/Vent diode?

Thanks everyone for all the help/suggestions. Here's the follow up:

Finally decided I was spending way too much time thinking about this and called Atwood/Fantastic (used the 800 number on the Fantastic web site). I had my warranty card in hand (2-year-rubber stamped "Dec 2006"). A very nice lady answered the phone (followed the digital menu-got to her on the first try-answered immediately). I explained I needed the 3-speed switch, that the fan was factory installed in my 2007 Damon, and I realized that I was out of warranty. She informed me that it had a 7 year warranty (!?) and I only had to pay shipping ($12.50) on any parts. Who was I to argue?

The down side is they are closed for inventory. Go figure. What genius would close an RV store in Spring? In any case, it will ship next week. I asked for an email confirmation, and was told that I should call back the middle of next week with my order number and she would give me the tracking number. I guess that kind of goes with them not having an online store.

The mystery component remains so. I agree that it can't be a diode, as it would have little use in a DC circuit, not to mention that the fan reverses, it is in series with the motor, and the reversing switch is before the component. If I jumper it, the fan runs normally, all 3 speeds work just fine. I froze it (upside down canned air), but it remains an open circuit. If I figure it out when the new one comes I'll post an update.

Again, thanks for the help. All is well....

Fantastic fan was sold to the Kwikee/Dometic/Power Gear group.

A photo of the part might help to identify it. Most likely a thermal fuse.

Based on your description, it is likely the lid switch which turns on the fan when the lid is raised. This switch is spring loaded and corrodes. You should be able to get one from Fantastic Fan or an RV parts store such as Camping World. You should try spraying the switch with WD40 and exercising it. That should enable you to use the fan until you can get a replacement switch.

I contacted the company when the RV fan quit this fall. Our communications were through email. I sent pictures.
Excellent service. I would highly recommend the company. I received parts, based on pictures that I had sent. Included was a new lid, even though the old one was fine, though 14 years old.

Note the amperage of the fan specs. Purchase an inline ATO fuse holder and then a fuse rated 50% greater than the maximum fan draw. Glue the fuse holder so you can get at it if necessary.

My guess would be that it is a resistor that was installed to reduce the speed of the fan to quiet it down some. When you jumper it, does the fan seem to run faster?

Ron

Possibly a thermal fuse.

Will do-as a last resort. Other threads here indicate that Fantastic is no longer so...fantastic.

I was hoping someone would know what it is and I could just pick up the part at Radio Shack.

Or even better, do I really need that component, since the fan runs when it is out of the circuit?

Call fantastic Vent (Atwood) & they will probably send you the part.