Ceiling vent fan knob fell out

jules2go

The knob that raises my ceiling vent fan (2020 320s) up and down came unscrewed and will not go back in. I can't see how to fix this. Has anyone had a similar issue? It happened once when I was out camping initially and I was able to get it to go back in, but not this time. Is it possible that the tip of this piece on left is broken off and sitting up inside there?? In an effort to try and figure out what the problem is, I took it apart and then it all came apart and of course I'm now not sure where these two things that look like washers are supposed to go... I think it's in this order as I am displaying in the photo, but not positive. The other photo is just the tip of the piece that I'm wondering might be broken off inside there.
 
I don't know how to resize these photos, sorry.  

@jules2go - Please download the free app Image Size for a phone.  Here are more ideas if you are not using a phone.  https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/47/what-size-should-my-posted-forum-photos-be#latest  We really hate to resort to deleting photos, but in all fairness to those members who make the effort, we will do so if necessary.  I have resized your photos today.  Sharon - Moderator

rhyno

Will the screw at the right side of your pic or maybe a toothpick fit through the hole and come out the other side? That should help to verify if there is a piece stuck inside. I'd push gently to avoid wedging any broken piece further inside. You could also try moving the other gear that the worm gear needs to mesh with..it is maybe jammed or just needs turned slightly to get the two to fit back together.

jules2go

rhyno said:

Will the screw at the right side of your pic or maybe a toothpick fit through the hole and come out the other side? That should help to verify if there is a piece stuck inside. I'd push gently to avoid wedging any broken piece further inside.

There isn't a piece stuck inside the knob. I'm wondering if the tip on the end of the piece that's in my hand has broken off and is sitting up inside the fan.  

Sharon_is_SAM

See this link - there is a small picture of the lift motor assembly.  You may need to contact Dometic.

https://cdn.ltvdns.com/leisurevans.com/owners/3rdparty/Fan-tastic-vent-Fans-and-Controllers.pdf

jules2go

@Sharon_is_SAM I will call them tomorrow; thanks for the link. I need to get this working by Saturday. Someone posted on a FB page that she has to open and close hers with a screwdriver because they had the same problem; the knob is no longer functional.  I tried using a flat head to no avail. There isn't a place I can see that a screwdriver would attach. I'm not sure how she's making that work. 

Sharon_is_SAM

What model number is it?

Sharon_is_SAM

It has happened before - https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/4618/fantastic-fan-knob-crank-for-lock-where-to-get

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/9047/fantastic-fan-lid-not-opening

jules2go

@Sharon_is_SAM Thank you!!

Sharon_is_SAM

Welcome.  It appears that the model numbers have changed, so see if you have the brochure.

jules2go

OK. I'm going to call Dometic tomorrow and will look for the brochure (do you mean the user manual?) before I call so I have the number. 

Sharon_is_SAM

Yes - the User Manual.

Denny16

Also Jules, the screwdriver fix only works of the plastic knob is stripped and not engaging the gear drive, but the screw is still in the worm gear.  In your case the entire assembly has come out, including the worm gear that engages the lift arm.  If the bolt is broken off where it threads into the worm gear, you are going to need a new assembly.  The screw should stickmoutmofmthengottom of the knob by around 1/4-inch, you can put the screw in the knob and see how far it comes out. If it does not protrude out the end of the worm gear, it has broken off.  Did you try just threading the screw into the gear without the knob, to see if the screw will thread in?

 I have the knob and screw I removed from my fan when I added the motor lift upgrade. You can have it if it will help, but not likely to be able to get it to you in one day.  I was keeping it for a spare, but until you get a Dometic warranty replacement you can use it.  That said, this will only work of the screw is stripped, or the knob is stripped.  If it is the screw, and you can get the broken bit back out, you could try a good hardware store to get a replacement screw, which should be about 1.75 inches long.  A very small easy out may retrieve the broke off bit, if this is the problem.

Cheers

jules2go

@Denny16 thank you so much for offering to send that part to me, but I think you should hold on to it. I'll come up with something. Somehow I was able to get the knob contraption to stay put enough to open and close it, but it's not a permanent solution because it can still easily fall out.

Your post makes vague sense to my non-mechanically inclined brain and I'm going to continue mulling it over, haha, hopefully it will sink in ...meanwhile onto my next issue, the Alde "overheat red fail" issue; appears to be an easy fix but the first one of those easy fixes didn't work!

I wonder if the nuCamp annual gathering has a workshop called "getting to know the mechanics of your Tab"! Sign me up!

Denny16

Glad glad you got it sorted for your trip.  If the knob screws back in and tightens up enough to hold the knob in place, try putting some locktight (blue color) on the screw threads and tighten it back up.  This will keep,the screw from backing back out and coming out.
cheerw

Verna

@jules2go, yes, there are any number of people at either üCamp in Ohio or T@Bazona in Arizona who would gladly help walk you through the challenges of T@B ownership.