Westfalia skylight rain sensor

[mbbrown55]

I just bought a 2005 Westfalia. and I love it. I have one problem, though. The rain sensor on the skylight is so sensitive to humidity that it closes automatically even when it is not raining. That's the time I need the fresh air the most. Does anyone have any suggestions - perhaps a manual override on the controls - or any other fix that would make the skylight more practical in oue east coast humid summer weather? Or do I have to look into replacing the skylight with a manually operated one?
Thank you for any and all suggestions!

[wbrownrr]

If it's a Fantastic Fan I suggest calling the factory. I called with some questions on mine and they were VERY VERY helpful. They may have a simple suggestion to correct the problem. I don't remember if I got their phone number from the manual that came with the AS or from the web... shouldn't be hard to get the number either way. Call them.. you'll be glad you did.

[mbbrown55]

Thanks, Wayne. It turns out that it is not a Fantastic Fan. From what you described, I wish it were! The dealer told me that it has a broken rain sensor that needs to be replaced, so I am going to do that soon.
Marechal

[songjc]

How is that newly replaced sensor?
Just bought westy and it was closing automatically without rain.

[yukionna]

Unfortunately, in the case of high humidity or condensation, the sensor will think it is raining and will close. and open. and close. and open all night long.

We get around this by manually overriding the system and hand cranking the skylight open.

[mbbrown55]

How can you manually override the skylight motor and rain sensor? I'd like to set up my unit to be able to do that.

Thanks!

[yukionna]

Originally Posted by mbbrown55

How can you manually override the skylight motor and rain sensor? I'd like to set up my unit to be able to do that.

Thanks!

First pull gently down on the black knob. This will disengage the gear from the gears that are run by the auto sensor. Then turn the black knob to open the cover. That's it.

[mbbrown55]

Thanks so much for responding!
Where exactly is the black knob you are talking about? I have pulled off the frame around the skylight, and found a black plastic T-shaped hexagonal driver that doesn't seem to fit on the vertical rod I thought I was supposed to turn to close the skylight. If you can describe its location, I (hopefully) will be on my way to solving this mystery.

[yukionna]

Originally Posted by mbbrown55

Thanks so much for responding!
Where exactly is the black knob you are talking about? I have pulled off the frame around the skylight, and found a black plastic T-shaped hexagonal driver that doesn't seem to fit on the vertical rod I thought I was supposed to turn to close the skylight. If you can describe its location, I (hopefully) will be on my way to solving this mystery.

The black know is external to the inside of the frame. You actually would have had to remove the black knob before you could remove the frame around the skylight.

You must have a different set up than I have. Post a picture if you can.

[mbbrown55]

Thanks, I will.
I do have the black knob as a separate piece. The problem is that when I try to turn the bolt with it, it just spins without engaging the bolt. I am wondering if I have to somehow disengage the bolt from the motor to free it up so it will turn. Otherwise, the black knob doesn't seem to be the right size.
We have tried metric sockets too, and the bolt seems to be in between 6 & 7 mm. Neither one fits properly.

[mbbrown55]

Here's a picture of the bolt.
Let me know if the attachment can be seen. I haven't tried to attach a file before.

[Fyrzowt]

I appears that Yukionna was refering to a Fantastic fan, If I understand correctly, yours is another brand.
You may be able to put in a switch to overide the sensor/take it out of the equation??
The Fantastic fan on my last trailer would also close in the coastal fog. Seems to be a normal function of the sensor.
Dave

[mbbrown55]

The problem is that my sensor worked long enough to open the window, and quit. Now it is stuck open, and I am planning a 3,000 mile trip, starting next Thursday!
At the least, I need to get it closed for hte trip, and, ideally, have a way to open it manually, as we will be driving to southern Florida, and we are looking forward to some fresh air...

[mbbrown55]

We did finally manage to close the skylight. My husband fashioned a socket that fit the bolt, and closed it carefully with a drill.

[rhitchco]

There's an excellent and simple fix (override) for this. If you have a Westfalia Airstream, go here:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/sprinter_westfalia/
This is an AS Westy forum with very knowledgable people who can help you.

mogul2us