How to Diagnose & Repair MAXXFAN RV Exhaust Fan

How to Diagnose & Repair MAXXFAN RV Exhaust Fan - RV Life

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Learn how to diagnose and repair your MAXXFAN RV exhaust fan using this step-by-step DIY instructional video!
☆PARTS & EQUIPMENT SHOWN IN VIDEO:
Control Panel & Button Board: www.adventurerv.net/
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☆CHAPTERS:
0:00 Introduction
1:18 Remove the fuse
2:16 Remove covers and screws from vent fan
4:25 Unplug fan motor
4:59 Expose the power wires
5:45 Test if there's power to the wires
7:48 How to test if the motor is working
9:18 Unwire old control board from power wires
10:08 Remove old control board from mounting & clean it
13:34 Prep the new control board with sealing spray
16:06 Remove old button pad
17:56 Install new button pad
19:13 Mount new control board
21:04 Wire new control board into power wires
23:15 Plug in fan motor
23:32 Test if it works
25:16 Wrap wire nuts in electrical tape like a pro
26:32 Conclusion
#MaxxFan #RVDIY #Repair
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After only four years of ownership, our MAXXFAN has completely stopped working. Pressing the power button does absolutely nothing and the fan doesn't even try to rotate. So, of course, this became a DIY repair job I just had to tackle myself.
Just like most DIY jobs on RV appliances, diagnosing and repairing a MAXXAIR exhaust fan is a very straightforward and easy project. Most handymen with simple tools on hand can complete this project in a couple hours.
It turns out our MAXXFAN failed because of excess moisture buildup on the control board causing terminals to corrode completely away. This is extremely frustrating considering most exhaust fans like this are installed directly over the shower like ours is. However, I came up with a solution to this problem that results in my new control board being water resistant to avoid this issue in the future!
Check out the video below for a full step-by-step guide on how to diagnose a non-working MAXXFAN RV exhaust fan, as well as how to apply a safe and non-conducting water resistant coating to the new control board!
*Affiliate Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Пікірлер: 104

@FateUnbound 3 жыл бұрын

Join us on Patreon for Special Access and More! www.patreon.com/FateUnbound Fate Unbound receives a small commission when you shop through this Amazon link: amzn.to/2UaGUZx Thank you for supporting the channel ♥ If we've done our jobs we've inspired someone to chase their dreams!

@HEYMLO 3 жыл бұрын

Electrician for 40 years. The tape won’t do much for moisture. After you make up the wire nuts, try smooshing some silicone inside

@JamesAutoDude 3 жыл бұрын

Or he could use waterproof butt connectors - better for this application actually

@imadoa4271 3 жыл бұрын

Butt splices are great and easy to work with. The only real difference I see with the wire nut is, it’s actually cutting into the wire and making a more secure connection

@JamesAutoDude 3 жыл бұрын

@@imadoa4271 if it's done right, butt splices are actually better connections then the wire nuts. Especially because wire nuts have been known to untwist over time and if you don't twist the wire good enough it could also cause issues

@baysword 3 жыл бұрын

Great advice for the average RV owner. We almost always have some silicone caulk.

@mbene1585 2 жыл бұрын

@@JamesAutoDude First time I had heard of Butt Connectors went like this. My brother was working on his motorcycle and using butt connectors. Me: What cha doin? Him: I'm using butt connectors to wire in this new light. Me: How do they work? Him: They work good. Me: No, how do they work? Him: I said they work good. Me: No, HOW do they WORK??!! Him: GOOD, I SAID THEY WORK GOOD!! Oh, wait, you mean how do they work?

@afwilbanks4172 3 жыл бұрын

Doesn't it always feel great when projects go good!! Of course, you are " the man".....Mr. Fix It"...😎

@Robyrob7771 3 жыл бұрын

When you said corrosion, I said “no conformal coating?” That stuff works great at protecting circuit boards that are exposed to less than ideal conditions. Kudos for going the extra step in preventing future failures. Now I got to go take my fan apart and coat it!😁

@catpurrson3651 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for another great how to. Even down to little details like wire pull test. I learned a lot. Sweetie was funny. She was enjoying the scratching, but was obviously awaiting her signal. Too funny!

@davidrece8872 3 жыл бұрын

A 9 volt battery, like the one in your meter, would work just fine for testing the fan motor.

@seniormaninavan4335 2 жыл бұрын

David, great instructional video because I used it to fix my Max air fan. I bought my 2017 Ford Transit Van 250 High roof over a year ago. The date on the fan said it was made in 5/17/2019 so a little disappointed it started having problems. Anyway, after going thru the step by step you presented, we figured it was the key pad which we ordered thru AdventureRv. The part came in less than a week. Our cost was $11.87 plus $5.18 shipping. Adventure RV is located in Sevierville, and we go to Gatlinburg about twice a year so we will be sure to drop in their store on our next trip. Thanks again! Ken

@lilmountainlady 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!! Not for showing me how to fix my MaxFan, but for showing me that those "clips" that hold the screen can be turned to remove the screen so it can be cleaned (mine was sooo dirty). Plus thank you for showing me how to check the circuit panel. I just purchased a used RV and clueless, but willing to learn. Again, THANK YOU.

@lisamallard 2 жыл бұрын

I know I didn't realize that I could do that either.

@bobcloughjr 3 жыл бұрын

FYI that temperature sensor is not locked in at 78 degrees. Once you switch to thermostat mode it starts at 78 degrees but you can lower it in 1 degree increments by pressing the down arrow and up 1 degree with the up arrow.

@bigdanc.8429 3 жыл бұрын

For situations like that I use a pair of wires with small gator clips on both ends of both wires. Also for electronics cleaning I use a product called Blue Rain. A product I use for moisture proofing electronics is MG Chemicals - 422C-55MLCA 422C Silicone Conformal Coating 55 mL Bottle. It's applied with a brush so you can control where it goes better. You can also shove some insulation in the hole after you shove your wire nuts and taped connections to help with moisture.

@mikelane913 3 жыл бұрын

Hi. Im not real handy on trailers and campers, but the last 2 years, I'm learning. Thanks for the lesson.

@LiveYourSomedayNow 3 жыл бұрын

Great tutorial. We just replaced a fan about a month ago (after a year of toting the new one with us because we were procrastinating 😁). This video would’ve been perfect to watch

@richardkoch8752 3 жыл бұрын

Always enjoy David and Roe's fix-it video's! You make it clear, what and how to do it. Always enjoy David's enthusiasm when it all comes together for him. If you ever go back to the 9-5 world: David would make a great teacher. He clearly has a talent for being able to explain how to do things!

@t.l.b.7131 3 жыл бұрын

How timely this is! We just returned from a weekend camping at the beach where we found our same model of Maxxfan had the same problem. Now I feel more comfortable taking it apart to try to fix it before I order a new board. Thanks for the tutorial😃

@ramonlicha3881 3 жыл бұрын

Great Video, Nicely done! Great visual inspection of all components and steps! Safe travels!

@sdsuper1030 3 жыл бұрын

just a heads up it is dc power and safe to touch even with your battery setup you have. you can touch both the negative on positive terminals on a battery. again its dc voltage and you are not made of metal and due not conduct enough to short out or get shocked.

@yzrippin 2 жыл бұрын

Bahahhaha fuck you I once used a long box wrench to change a car battery.

@solidstone073 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for all of the many videos that you've made that were informative and inspirational to me David & Roe Hiser.

@TKnEarl 3 жыл бұрын

Hopefully we don't have to work on our fans anytime soon, but we appreciate the walkthrough!

@t.l.b.7131 3 жыл бұрын

You inspired me. I removed and silicone MC coated the circuit boards in both my maxxfans. Thanks for the tips!💕

@raymondschneider5217 3 жыл бұрын

Haven't ever worked w/ elec before, but, with your video, I THINK I would try. Your explanation(s) are always clear and spot-on, David and Roe! Thanks for the tutorial. Y'all Be Safe!

@lisafleming9603 3 жыл бұрын

I totally agree.

@RamblinRoadies 2 жыл бұрын

The manufacturer recommends NOT installing this fan in a shower. Great video David. If I can find a circuit board, I will be replacing ours.

@therealdeal67 3 жыл бұрын

Great video on getting y'all's max fan fixed and working , I know you both are glad it is fixed and functional again. I was thinking about this some time ago , wondering did they get that max fan fixed. Take care and God Bless you both and fur babies.

@kennethalmond8922 3 жыл бұрын

Extra nice / helpful video. Thank you folks!

@surgicaltechvanlife4693 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the very helpful video! God bless you my friend. Safe travels.

@lisamcgrath3132 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks guys for showing this!!

@darinhopkins2983 3 жыл бұрын

Another "saved" video in my arsenal. Thanks 👍

@droningharry 3 жыл бұрын

I'm not handy so video like this really helps, thanks and keep up the good work.

@n1uno1965 3 жыл бұрын

Very nicely done! Easy to follow steps! 🤣👍🏻🙏🏻😘

@carlschiel4754 3 жыл бұрын

Great video David!

@donoien3059 3 жыл бұрын

Good info. Well done.

@gregoryskaggs656 3 жыл бұрын

Nicely done! You gave a good tip about doing a visual inspection of components. The control board's condition led you to suspect it was at fault. You know, if you spent more time in Arizona, there would be less chance of moisture corrosion. Just saying. I love seeing your adventures, especially in my home state.

@Tryke_Ryder 3 жыл бұрын

12 volts is 12 volts. The fuse is the limiting factor in the circuit. The size of the battery bank is irrelevant. Good video. I am a fan of the crimp on wire nuts to reduce the likelihood of them vibrating loose...

@powel1aa 2 ай бұрын

To people running across this video - never use wire nuts where there can be moisture. Use heatshrink connectors.

@FateUnbound 2 ай бұрын

100% agreed that I should have done that. Since this repair I've had to get back in there and replace the motor. When I did I replaced the wire nuts with crimp connectors protected by heat shrink wrap.

@pinoconte 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for making this video. You made my day!

@FateUnbound 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! I'm glad you found it helpful friend! Have a nice day 🙂 -David

@brianmott2224 3 жыл бұрын

Great detailed video, thanks guys. ps missing the campsite reviews.

@ZTravis947 2 жыл бұрын

Hey David, this is a great, in-depth tutorial on how to fix this issue with this type of fan. I live full-time in my travel trailer and I’m thinking about trying it for myself. So after two months with this fix, have you had any problems with the fan? Many thanks, I appreciate y’all’s awesome channel!

@lisamallard 2 жыл бұрын

thank you, very helpful

@kipeast 3 жыл бұрын

Important tip. Cover your drain on your shower before you start removing screws. Unless you have plenty of spare screws.

@duanebuck193 3 жыл бұрын

Little trick when you are putting down things like the button pad. Take a piece of parchment paper and fold it, then put it on the face after you've removed the factory protector sheet. The parchment paper can be peeled back (pulled out from between the two surfaces), allowing the sticky surface to bond to the surface once you've got it positioned. So far I haven't found anything that will stick to Parchment paper, and you can get a roll of it in the cooking section of almost every store (or at Dollar stores). Thanks for the tip about the Conformal coating - when I get ready to replace my electric step controller I'm going to see about getting a can!

@oldmaninthemirror 3 жыл бұрын

Sweetie is SO SWEET!!

@UncaDave 3 жыл бұрын

Always enjoy all the how-to stuff you have been making. They are very helpful. However, the reason a lot of us starting watching you was also the travels, places, hikes, adventures and guide info you used to furnish. I had to count back 28 videos to get to the Abandoned Railroad one. Even with Covid there are parks and places to see and are open and operating. The state parks also offer more solitude too. Just a nudge from a fan to get you back on the road.

@happyhome41 Жыл бұрын

Please add the actual part number for the board, or better yet, the site for identifying the proper board for one's MaxxFan.

@scenenuf Жыл бұрын

Here in Aus the PCB cost $277+ not including delivery.. the button board was only $11 thankfully. Mine just died out of know where too, but I had no visible signs of erosion anywhere on PCB or Button board connection. I have ran my fan for 3 years 24/7 though sooo I can't really complain. aha Cheers for this, already did all this myself but was nice to know I ticked off everything, was hoping you'd have some magical way of making it work again but no :c

@nosliwttam77 3 жыл бұрын

I would add a little dielectric grease to those connectors and wire nuts. The tape is not the best for sealing out moisture.

@patmaufrais1043 2 жыл бұрын

Just found that our vent fan does not work. Great video and I can use the info to investigate. Thanks!!!

@wali_wingnut240 3 жыл бұрын

I use heavy duty silicone from the auto parts store. I use one hundred percent heavy duty silicone spray to seal up everything from my camping tent to my work boots to electronics boards. I also use it to lube door hinges so the doors don't squeak.

@GirdHerd 3 жыл бұрын

You might want to check out WAGO connectors. They eliminate the need for wire nuts. Many RV manufacturers are using them now.

@ncameron7 3 жыл бұрын

Not sure if you've answered this in another video. How do you go about getting deliveries while you're on the road such as your coating product?

@johnmerkel756 2 жыл бұрын

After only 11 months my MaxxAir 7500 quit functioning. Fortunately the manufacturer stood behind the 2 year warranty and is sending out a new circuit board. According to the representative I spoke to the newer circuit boards have a built in voltage regulator which should eliminate the common issues that most people seem to have with the typical 13 plus volts that most rv’s have.

@hornz5 Жыл бұрын

Great video! Why not also conformal coat the ribbon cable that also had some corrosion on it?

@bertmast9968 Жыл бұрын

Very nice video. Learned a lot from your repair video. But I am looking for a new Maxxfan keypad, but the supplier in England do not ship towards the Netherlands unfortunately. Can you please give other suppliers where this part can be ordered?

@CactusLuver77 Жыл бұрын

I’d like to know how you set the multimeter, as there are lots of settings on its dial- what do you turn the dial to?

@Destination360 Жыл бұрын

Could you give some Maxxair 7500 advice? Their Maxxair tech said “sounds like” motor. Online research seems to be circuit board After 3 years it just started giving me the green light of death. When you turn it on it will open up and begin working after 10 or 20 seconds of fan operation it will close and begin beeping and giving green light. Voltage meter shows constant 13.55 volts coming in. I thought it may have been where you couldn't turn the fan past 20% but I turned it to 10% left it on for about 20 minutes and finally it gave me the green light again. Any thoughts on this?

@juliannetauriello2879 Ай бұрын

I’m having an issue with my max air fan. The air direction when intaking air does not blow directly down, but rather all around the perimeter of the fan. If you put your hand directly under it you feel almost nothing. I just thought this is how it was but apparently it’s not. Have you ever hear of this issue before?

@edwardlanegraff5423 Жыл бұрын

This is a good video but Just wondering why you are afraid to touch the wires with your hand? It's 12 volts it can't hurt you.

@skeeterhennen9274 2 жыл бұрын

hello. i didnt have a 12 volt ciggarette lighter plug to use so i used a regular wall outlet plug. do you think i fried my fan circut board.i plugged it into my bluetti poweer bank on the 110 ac outlet. what are your thoughts

@edwardlanegraff5423 Жыл бұрын

I bet you did, he is afraid of 12 volts, you could have left the power on an used the two wires he had hanging there to test your fan

@RVingwithG 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, MAXXAIR for the WIN---d! See what I did there? LOL

@ED-es2qv 2 жыл бұрын

My reversible fan moves plenty of air out, but switched to in, it spins fine but not much air comes in. Any ideas? My first thought is the blade isn’t designed for reversal.

@robertbodnaruk6710 Жыл бұрын

Question. Why did my fan start running with no one around and wouldn’t shut off until the fuse was pulled Thank you

@aileeny7326 Жыл бұрын

Where to buy the circuit board parts? Mine is also broken

@NevadaFarms 3 жыл бұрын

I’m not sure if you guys are aware but the Shell gas station in sadona Arizona and other shell stations in that area are fraudulently using customers credit debit cards. A friend of mine was their two weeks ago and they are back home in Minnesota, today a $250 charge showed up as a transaction that happened today. So be careful out their protect yourselves financially.

@JamesAutoDude 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah I've always had that issue at shells. I only use chevron, loves, pilot/flying j... Gas stations like that seem to be a bit better

@asadventures_moriicoddiwomple 3 жыл бұрын

@@JamesAutoDude , last year, we had two $500 fraudulent charges at a Pilot/flying J in New Mexico on the way to Arizona, so you never know till you know.

@JamesAutoDude 3 жыл бұрын

@@asadventures_moriicoddiwomple true but sadly this can happen at any and all gas stations... None are 100% safe

@campervanmark3410 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Dave could you explain how to light the lb gas to the fridge . I cannot find anything on you tube and I do not know how to light it. Thank you.

@FateUnbound 3 жыл бұрын

I don't think I can help you there, it fridge lights itself automatically. I'd recommend calling the place you bought it from and getting help from them.

@campervanmark3410 3 жыл бұрын

@@FateUnbound thanks its a 1984 and I bought it from a old woman oh well

@jeremystoneberger2106 2 жыл бұрын

where did you get the part at?

@Just_Chuck_It Жыл бұрын

Using a tester light pen would have provided with power or no power with out having to disassemble the fan. Just touch the pen to the hot wire if there is red light you have power, if green light no power.

@johnferguson3479 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Install went perfectly, but didn't run. You point out that WHITE is ground. That made black positive (when black is usually ground), So I'd connected it backwards. Quick swap on the paddle and spade connectors and away we go. Thanks, again.

@SueT55 2 жыл бұрын

How many amps is the fuse?

@jesseorozco5243 2 жыл бұрын

I know nothing about volt testers and it would have been nice to tell us where to set the dial so we are guessing it doesn’t matter what settings to set dial.

@gotmymojoworking2010 9 ай бұрын

I used the battery in my screw gun to run the fan

@ROHDESONTHEROAD 3 жыл бұрын

Woo-hoo

@edwardwoods5977 3 жыл бұрын

I do know maxxair has a problem with their circuit boards. And now they are on back order because of the semiconductor shortage. Apparently anything over 12 volts will take it out. Say like you use a 12 volt supply charger. It supplies like 13 volts.

@allenrobinson6046 3 жыл бұрын

12v voltage regulator seems to be the solution to preventing circuit board failure.

@GirdHerd 3 жыл бұрын

Was it your toothbrush or Roe's? LOL

@lilliananderson1986 Жыл бұрын

Mine is actually over the tub in my Frord transit 350HD turbo grooming van 🙄🤦🏼‍♀️

@allens7476 3 жыл бұрын

The reason MaxAir doesn't make the board water resistant is they don't know where it will be used. Most manufacturers put a skylight in the shower. My vent is over the table. Waterproofing also seals in heat so it's a compromise.

@FateUnbound 3 жыл бұрын

Seems like they'd make a water resistant version for over the shower. They have to know there is a high probability they will be put over showers or at least inside a bathroom.

@Sno_opy_ten_14_29 3 жыл бұрын

cool.... formal coating......good move. You would think the manufacturer would do that but if they can sell a new board for $60 they won't.

@kevintdickson 9 ай бұрын

Has anyone had success just installing a pull chain switch? One speed blowing out is OK with me.

@bugalaman 3 жыл бұрын

I see that thing comes with a 2 year warranty. That seems unacceptable for something so expensive. If you're paying $250+ for a fan, that thing should last 10+ years.

@kosbos1455 7 ай бұрын

The size of your power bank, aka the capacity of your 12v battery, has no relation to how dangerous is to touch the wires, or short them out

@tjenkens 3 жыл бұрын

My Maxair fan works except it won’t auto open...but it will auto close?! Might just be a bad panel?

@revilo304 3 жыл бұрын

Fan over shower is manufacture design not maxxfan design. Ours is in bathroom but not over shower. Still should probably be more corrosion proof.

@StudioDaVeed 2 жыл бұрын

Here is another 'fix' if the control board is not yet shot: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nMiHqMx3l7C3iKc.html

@rdwhite65 2 жыл бұрын

That Fan shouldn't be directly in the shower stall, Camper manufacturer is the one at fault. There are fans manufactured for High Moisture areas, This one is not.