Maxxfan quit

gbaglo · 05-16-2018, 04:08 PM

My Maxxfan ( 5100 ) has quit. I've run it a few times since winterizing the trailer, which has been sitting in the driveway under shore power.
Just recently I opened it and turned it on, but nothing happened.

I've adjusted the temperature control, checked the fuse, etc. to no avail.

Where would one apply multi-meter probes to test for power and how would one access that point? Where is the circuit control panel located?

I have the instruction manual ( pamphlet ) but it doesn't cover this. Tells you how to install it, which I don't need.
House battery is fully charged according to monitor.

Now to find the instructions for the multi-meter.

escape artist · 05-16-2018, 04:31 PM

Hi: gbaglo... Isn't it just like a "Fan" to quit when the warranty has run out!!! I think there's two fuses. One in the fan itself and one in the electric panel.
In these situations I have a very short fuse!!!

Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

cpaharley2008 · 05-16-2018, 05:39 PM

Look for the power feed wires, either red and white or black and white, test them for 12v power.

gbaglo · 05-16-2018, 06:01 PM

The only wires I can see, without taking things apart, are going to the switch that prevents the fan from running with the lid closed.

padlin · 05-16-2018, 06:10 PM

Did you pull the bezel? the manual says the 12v wires are on the drivers side.

cpaharley2008 · 05-16-2018, 06:10 PM

Glenn,
You are going to have to remove some of the plastic pars, covers, shrouds to get to the inner workings.Here is a link to the parts and exploded view....http://www.airxcel.com/docs/default-...7.pdf?sfvrsn=8

rubicon327 · 05-16-2018, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Glenn,
You are going to have to remove some of the plastic pars, covers, shrouds to get to the inner workings.Here is a link to the parts and exploded view....http://www.airxcel.com/docs/default-...7.pdf?sfvrsn=8

Probably very similar but this is the one you need for the 5100 model
https://www.airxcel.com/docs/default...7.pdf?sfvrsn=6

Pull the fuse to remove power. Fan should beep when reapplying power. The fuse that was mentioned on the fan itself is “self-resetting” but power needs to be removed and reapplied. Maybe the switch is bad that tells it not to run when the lid is closed. The newer redesigned fans no longer have this limitation. They can now operate as a ceiling fan with the lid closed.

gbaglo · 05-16-2018, 09:27 PM

Thanks for that diagram. I think I've figured out where the printed board is ( don't know that that is the issue ).
The lid switch is ugly dirty, but I don't know if that's the issue.
i think the Maxxfan may be over my head.
Actually, I know it is cause I have a crick in my neck.
I did pull the fuse to examine it. I'll give that another go ( leave it out for longer ). I don't recall ever hearing a beep. Maybe try to clean around the lid switch.

Ron in BC · 05-16-2018, 10:45 PM

Don't know if the photo is any help or if this is the same one you have. Ignore the dangling red wire, it's for my dinette light.

You can see the power entering on the far side corner. I'd test for voltage at the connectors there.

Ron

gbaglo · 05-16-2018, 11:14 PM

Different model than mine, I think. Although power probably comes in same way. I need to look at mine and see if I can figure out how it comes apart to access those wires.
I shot this picture for the serial number.

Ron in BC · 05-16-2018, 11:22 PM

On mine there are 4 screws under the rim of the screen. I see one screw near the edge of the fan opening on yours. If there 3 more like that they're probably the ones that let the unit drop down.

Ron

gbaglo · 05-16-2018, 11:25 PM

Thanks Ron. Tomorrow.
Tomorrow, I'll be asking how to put it back together.

What's curious is the fan was working. Trailer hasn't moved from the driveway, and now fan isn't working.

padlin · 05-17-2018, 05:51 AM

I'd invite your SIL to stop by for beer this weekend, then ask him if he's ever troubleshot a fan. Might be enough to get him going on it.

onetim · 05-17-2018, 06:31 AM

I just went through the same problem. Fan just stopped working. Fuse looked OK, so I called Airxcel tech support. Could have been the circuit board, the switches, or the motor. The cost of the parts was more than the cost of a new fan. I bought a brand new fan from Amazon (same model) for $123 and replaced the control plate panel. Took 15 minutes and works like new.
I know I could have saved some money by spending time diagnosing the problem and rolling the dice on ordering individual parts, but time is money too.
Now if I could order a new refrigerator for $100 bucks from Amazon...

suncoastdancers · 05-17-2018, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onetim

I just went through the same problem. Fan just stopped working. Fuse looked OK, so I called Airxcel tech support. Could have been the circuit board, the switches, or the motor. The cost of the parts was more than the cost of a new fan. I bought a brand new fan from Amazon (same model) for $123 and replaced the control plate panel. Took 15 minutes and works like new.
I know I could have saved some money by spending time diagnosing the problem and rolling the dice on ordering individual parts, but time is money too.
Now if I could order a new refrigerator for $100 bucks from Amazon...

I had a similar problem with my Maxxfan. Narrowed it down to a bad circuit board which the manufacturer replaced under warranty. IMHO the circuit board is badly designed and subject to condensation damage. This was very evident on my unit - even to the extent of mold buildup on the fan blades and rusting on some of the board components. If you use the trailer in the cool weather or in winter, keep the vent partially open to reduce humidity buildup. Hope this helps.

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