It’s frustrating when you’re out on the open road, and your RV bathroom fan decides to take a vacation. As a seasoned RVer, I have faced this type of issue several times. And I’m here to share the top 3 reasons why this happens and, more importantly, how to fix it.
Key Takeaways:
The most common reason an RV bathroom fan stops working is due to a faulty motor, blown fuse, or malfunctioning switch. To fix the issue, inspect and replace the fuse if needed, test and swap out the faulty switch, or replace the motor after a thorough inspection.
Keep reading until the end to gain detailed insight into why an RV bathroom fan won’t work and how you can troubleshoot and fix it.
| Issue: | Cause: | Fix: |
| Fuse Issue | The fuse, which supports the bathroom fan, might be burnt out. | 1. Locate the fuse in the RV’s electrical panel. 2. Check the tiny wire inside for breaks or burns. 3. If faulty, replace the fuse. |
| Switch Issue | The on/off switch can malfunction due to moisture, wear, and tear. | 1. Turn off the power and ensure safety. 2. Access and remove the switch cover or housing. 3. Disconnect and replace the faulty switch. Test after replacement. |
| Motor Issue | The motor of the fan might be burnt out or defective. | 1. Disconnect power for safety. 2. Access the fan and remove it. 3. Locate and replace the faulty motor to connect wires correctly. 4. Place the fan back and test. |
Why RV Bathroom Fan Not Working And How To Fix It
Fuse Issue
CAUSE:
The Sneaky Burnt Out Fuse. It’s small but powerful. Before you go tearing apart your RV, stop by your RV’s electrical panel.
You see, these panels?
They’re labeled (usually pretty clearly) to tell you which fuse keeps each part of your RV running smoothly. And one of those fuses? It’s got your bathroom fan’s back. Or at least, it’s supposed to.
FIX:
Fuse Inspection Time. First things first, locate that fuse. Got it? Good.
Now, carefully pull it out. Check if it’s got its tiny wire still intact or if it’s broken in the middle. If you see a break or it looks burnt, you’ve got a blown fuse on your hands.
But if that little wire still holds strong, your fan’s issue might be elsewhere. And in that case, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and move on to the next troubleshooting step.
By the way, a word of advice? ALWAYS pull that fuse out when you’re poking around the bathroom fan.
Why? Two reasons. First, no current means you’re working in a safer environment. And second, trust me; you don’t want any surprise sparks or jolts. Safety first, right?
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Switch Issue
CAUSE:
Every RV has its quirks, and sometimes it’s that little push-on/off switch that decides to play hard to get.
You’ve pressed it, but that bathroom fan won’t budge. So, what’s the deal?
It might just be that this switch, despite its simple job, is the culprit. We will get into the technical details shortly on figuring out if the switch is the only issue.
But for now, here’s what to know: Over time, due to moisture or wear and tear, these switches can malfunction. This means no matter how hard or how often you push; it’s just not connecting right inside.
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FIX:
Usually, if the switch is problematic, it’s best to replace it with a new one.
- Safety First: Before anything else, TURN OFF the power. Remember that fuse we talked about? Pull it out and ensure additional safety.
- Access the Switch: Carefully remove the cover or housing where the switch is located. Most likely, a couple of screws are all that’s standing in your way.
- Replace the Old Switch: Disconnect the faulty switch. Remember how it’s connected – maybe even snap a quick pic with your phone for later reference.
- Install The New Switch: Connect your shiny new switch like the old one.
- Close it Up: Screw everything back into place, pop that fuse back in, and give your fan a test. Hear that? Sounds like a success. If not, then no worries; other troubleshooting steps are still left out. Continue reading!
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Motor Issue
CAUSE:
Fuses check out, switches seem fine, but that fan still isn’t doing its job. Here’s the deal: the motor might be your culprit. Motors, like everything, have their lifespan. They can burn out from age, or maybe they came a little faulty straight out of the gate. It’s a hiccup, but let’s get it fixed.
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FIX:
- Accessing the Fan: Grab your trusty screwdriver. You’ll see eight tabs on the screen. Gently pop them out, and you’re in.
- Safety First: Remember, before diving in, always, ALWAYS disconnect power.
- Removing the Fan: Now, pull off that fan. And since it’s out, give it a wipe-down. Road dust accumulates everywhere.
- Replace The Faulty Motor: Some screws (usually two, depending on the model) would anchor that motor. Unscrew them and detach the connecting wires.
- Know Your Motor: Before getting a replacement, take a minute. Find that model number, usually on the vent dome base or the motor itself.
- Install The New Motor: Place your new motor in, screw it down, and connect those wires.
- Fan Back In Place: With the fan cleaned, position it back in its place.
- The Test: Flip that switch and see how it goes.
- Secure the Screen: Fitting the screen back might take a moment. Ensure the blades are free and not touching anything.
You will be relieved to know that this isn’t an all-day project. A few minutes, and you’re back to enjoying the open road.
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Bonus Tips On Finding Out Why RV Bathroom Fan Won’t Work
First things first, make sure your RV’s power is off for safety. Now, unscrew and gently lower the fan to get to those wires.
Check for Voltage:
Flip that RV power back on and make sure the fan switch is turned on. Got your volt meter ready? Touch its probes to the fan’s wires. One of these should read 12 volts. If it’s showing that:
12 volts but no spin? Ouch. That fan might’ve taken its last spin. It’s probably defective.
No voltage? Time to look at that switch. Check the voltage on both sides of the switch. One side should have a 12 volts mark.
Test the Switch:
For this, you’ll need a jumper. Connect the non-voltage wire side to the side that’s reading 12 volts. If your fan suddenly decides to come alive and start spinning, bingo! That sneaky switch is your culprit.
Check the Coach:
Still no luck? Alright, let’s not lose hope. Double-check other DC-powered devices in your RV. If they’re working, then power isn’t the issue. If they’re not, well, that’s a clue!
Inspect Wiring and Fuses:
- Take a Look at Those Wires: Start Simple. Peek at the wires going to your fan. Are they snug and tight? See any that look a little rough or worn out? If you spot any, that could be the hiccup.
- Check Out the Fuses: Now, let’s head over to your RV’s fuse box. There’s a fuse in there just for the bathroom fan. Does it look off or burnt out? If it does, bingo! That might be your problem.
- Swap It Out: Found a bad fuse? Grab a new one that matches and pop it in. Give your fan a whirl. If the new fuse blows out again, the fan might be the cause.
- Check The Wirings: Make sure they are not touching each other, which could lead to a short circuit. Wrap them with some electrical tape or replace them if needed.
By the way, If you’re new to the RVing world or want to brush up on some terminology, We’ve got a comprehensive list of RV terms and definitions to help you!
Wrapping Up: One Last Gem For You!
That’s it! We’ve been on quite the journey, haven’t we? From fuses to switches to motors, we’ve covered the ins and outs of that RV bathroom fan. It’s a small device, but it sure can throw a wrench in our RV adventures when it’s not working. Just remember: stay patient, follow the steps, and always prioritize safety.
Remember, if any of this feels over your head, or you just want a second set of eyes, don’t hesitate to involve a pro.
So there you have it! Our deep dive into the mystery of the non-working RV bathroom fan. But trust me; this is just the beginning. The world of RV repair and maintenance is full of twists, turns, and surprising adventures. Stay tuned for our future posts!
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