An RV power converter fan serves as the cooling mechanic for the RV's whole electrical system. You will know that it is functioning properly when it makes a sound or when your RV electrical system is working without a swell. However, if you are wondering why your RV converter fan is not working, then continue reading as we provide you with answers.
When your RV converter fan is not working, the problem usually lies with its mechanics. Below is a list of the possible causes of your RV converter fan's malfunction:
- There is damage to the internal component of the fan.
- The fan is jammed.
- There is a problem with the input jack.
- Due to cold weather, the fan was damaged.
- There is a problem with the fuse.
One small problem with the RV power converter fan can cause a series of expensive repairs. If you want to avoid having to spend money on repairs and you want to know why your converter fan is not running, then you are in luck! Continue reading this post as we give you a well-researched solution.
Reasons Why Your Converter Fan Is Not Running And How To Fix Them
A converter fan is a huge help especially if you use your RV daily as it helps control and stabilize the power converter. Having it malfunction or become damaged can cause serious inconvenience.
You can read the list provided below to figure out what's wrong and troubleshoot any problems.
What To Prepare
Before we proceed with the troubleshooting part, you should first prepare the following tools to help inspect and fix possible repairs.
- Multimeter
- Standard toolkit for electric work
- Manufacturers' trouble guide
- Replacement fan in case it needs to be changed
- Leather work gloves and safety goggles
- Multi-bit screwdriver
- Pliers
- Air blowers
- Contact cleanser
Damage In The Internal Component Of The Converter Fan
The first thing on our list that you need to check is the internal components of an RV. The internal components in an RV power converter serve as the main source of the power of the fan. If there is something wrong with the internal components, your fan probably won't work.
Transistors or solenoids, when left unchecked, can cause serious electrical problems.
How Do You Fix The Component?
In troubleshooting the inner components of the converter, you first need to consider your warranty contract with the manufacturer.
If you still have a couple of months left before it ends, then make sure to call the manufacturer so that you can spend less. But, if the warranty is over and you have the skills to fix it yourself, then do the following to troubleshoot the converter fan.
- Get your multimeter and check if there is voltage in it.
- Open the transformer that converts AC power to DC.
- If there is no voltage registered in the multimeter, then you should consider replacing the fan or calling a professional to check the wiring.
The Fan Is Jammed
The second thing that you should consider when your converter fan is not working is that it might be jammed. When your converter fan is jammed, it can be because of dust build-up or a problem with the mechanics of the fan. Fixing this is easy and you might no longer need to call a professional.
Another reason for having a jammed fan is because of an improper blade angle setting, or the impeller may not be centered with the inlet collars. There could also be a problem with the dampers or duct liner which causes the fan to most likely be resistant to the airflow.
How Do You Fix a Jammed Fan?
The easiest way to fix a jammed converter fan is for you to use an electric duster to blow off the dust build-up from the fan. Another would be to inspect thoroughly if the problem lies with the mechanics and consider having to replace the fan to avoid expensive repairs in the future.
Check out this compressed electric duster at Amazon.
Problem With The Input Jack
The input jack serves as the connector between wirings in a converter fan. If this is damaged, there would not be enough power to make the fan work.
A common reason why an input jack gets damaged is because of the weather, which can create moisture and residue build-up which can eventually affect the jack.
How Do You Troubleshoot The Input Jack?
If you think that the input jack is the problem after carefully inspecting the wirings, you should first turn off the RV or the power converter and proceed to clean the input jack to remove the residue built up.
Otherwise, if the problem lies in the electronics, then you might want to consider calling a professional technician.
Damaged Fan Due To Weather
You might not consider the weather, particularly cold weather, when it comes to having a broken converter fan. But weather can be a big factor in any electronic and mechanics malfunction, as it could either freeze or create moisture around and in the power converter.
To emphasize, the main function of a converter fan is to make sure that the power converter is properly functioning and does not overheat.
This means that it is the one required to produce an adequate amount of airflow. If one of the mechanisms in the converter fan starts to malfunction, especially the temperature sensor, the fan will not work.
It follows that the converter fan will only work if the sensor indicated that the internal components are already heating up.
How Do You Fix a Damaged Fan?
To fix this problem, aside from having the internal components checked now and then, you must clean the build-up and start inspecting for any possible damage. Another would be to blow hot air through the internal components of the fan by using a heat gun.
Fuse Problems
The power converter in an RV has a distinct and dedicated fuse to prevent damage from over the current, because most automotive circuits are not that big in consuming power. Hence, the limited amp or power in every internal component.
In line with this fact, when the power becomes too much for an RV power converter, it could cause overheating of the fuse which will then disable the converter fan, as there will no longer be any power supply that it can get energy from.
How Do You Fix a Fuse?
The best way to fix this problem is to inspect the RV power fuse first and look for any defect in the wiring. If you think that the fuse is no longer safe to use, you should consider buying a new one, but you have to make sure that it is the right fuse for your RV as provided in the lists below.
- Glass cartridge fuse: mainly used to prevent short circuits in any power line and protects both the wire and the equipment.
- Blade fuse: this is made of either silver, copper, or alloy and usually has a 12-volt 15-amp fuse.
- Slow blow fuses: this is usually used for air-conditioners and refrigerators.
- Solar fuse: this is used for solar panels.
- Circuit breakers: the main purpose of this is to protect the whole electric circuit.
- ATO fuse: this is an automotive blade-type fuse mainly used for automotive vehicles.
- ATC fuse: the automatic transfer case is a fuse dedicated to being used in vehicles and low-voltage circuits.
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RV Converter Fan Maintenance
The best way to avoid having faulty RV mechanisms and electronics, specifically when it comes to the power converter fan is to have proper maintenance of the same. Below are lists of tips and tricks to take care of your RV and avoid having to spend an excessive amount of money on repairs.
- Make sure to check the internal components of your RV every day before using it. Although this can give you some extra work, it is still more important to avoid accidents while using it and having to spend so much money on repairs.
- If you are residing in an area where humidity and heat are normal, you should consider checking your battery health from time to time by using the proper tools.
- In using shore power, you must make sure to use surge protectors whenever possible. You also have to make sure to have a physical inspection of the outlet for damages.
How To Tell If Your RV Converter Is In Bas Shape
To know if you are having problems with your converter and to avoid incurring extra expenses, the lists, as seen below, can help you decipher what your RV converter is telling you.
- The RV converter starts to drain the batteries.
- The interior light in the converter is flickering.
- The converter fan starts to malfunction.
- There is a faulty input line.
- You will notice an abnormality in blinking with the LED.
Check out these insightful posts on "Coleman RV AC Dripping Water Inside – Why And What To Do?" and "What Type Of Freon For A Coleman RV Air Conditioner? Conditioner?" to know more about RVs.
Summing UP
The reason why your RV converter fan is not working is probably because of problems occurring in the internal components of the RV power converter. The fan might be jammed, or there could be a problem with the input jack, weather issues, or a problem with the fuse.
Just make sure to do regular maintenance to avoid costly repairs and use the proper materials.