AC Power Light on Control Panel?

[66Overlander]

The AC power light on the control panel of our '85 Sovereign quit working during our last outing. This is the light that tells you you are plugged in to "shore power". I'll also note that we did notice a burning smell that I'll characterize as "electrical in nature" outside the trailer shortly before (minutes to hours) we noticed the light was out. There was no such smell inside the trailer. Because we were at a rally with many nearby units, we were never sure where the smell came from, so it may be an unrelated coincidence. Anyway, all 120VAC outlets and the Univolt seem to be working fine, as do all other functions of the control panel. I am just wondering where to start.

Has anyone else had this happen? If so, what was the problem? A burned out bulb ot LED? A circuit board problem? A wiring problem?

I am capable of trouble shooting this myself, but thought I'd see if I can narrow down the likely causes before tearing things apart. Does anyone know how to remove the control panel (above the storage bins over the front window) from a 1985 Airstream?

Thanks in advance,

[87MH]

Joe:

Do you have the Factory Service Manual for your unit?

If so, the wiring diagram should indicate where the problem may be.

As a point of reference, the '78 Sovereign of the Road has a "gray" wire from the Univolt to the "Control Panel". I "think" the output to the indicator light is somewhere around 3 volts. My "light" is also not functioning.

There has been a previous thread discussing the indicator light problems.

You may want to do a search for "Panel, Indicator, Light" or something similar.

Luck.

[Buttercup]

Not having a schematic I was under the impression that wire led to a center tap or seperate winding altogether on the univolt just to indicate power was available. I should take my old one apart to see where it really goes. There is really too little info on this anywhere in the world. A schematic would be so nice...

Because of the way the univolt is venter I can understand why you smelled the burning outside but not inside the trailer.

[nickcrowhurst]

Joe, you will find the discussion of how the power on light works at http://www.airforums.com/forum...andy+indicator

To remove the control panel, simply prise it awayfrom the surrounding plastic. I use the slim handle of a stainless steel knife. It is a rather brutal procedure, but I have done it perhaps 20 times without damage to the controls. A screwdriver blade would do it, but a broader blade helps prevent damage to the bodywork.The panel is held in with a few spring clips. To replace the panel, hold it in position and bang the perimeter with the heel of your hand. Good luck. Nick.

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by 87MH

Do you have the Factory Service Manual for your unit?

No, to my knowledge there is no 1985 Airstream Service Manual available. There is a 1984 Service Manual available from Airstream.com for $60, but I haven't decided if it is worth getting or not. I suspect it would be pretty close for most systems for an '85 trailer, except that I believe there was no 25' rear bed model offered in 1984 (it was a new model for 1985).

Originally Posted by nickcrowhurst

Joe, you will find the discussion of how the power on light works at http://www.airforums.com/forum...andy+indicator

To remove the control panel, simply prise it awayfrom the surrounding plastic. I use the slim handle of a stainless steel knife. It is a rather brutal procedure, but I have done it perhaps 20 times without damage to the controls. A screwdriver blade would do it, but a broader blade helps prevent damage to the bodywork.The panel is held in with a few spring clips. To replace the panel, hold it in position and bang the perimeter with the heel of your hand. Good luck. Nick.

Nick,
Thanks for the link and instructions on how to remove the panel. Maybe I'll be lucky and it'll be nothing more than a burned out bulb. In any case, this info gives me a place to start.

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by 66Overlander

No, to my knowledge there is no 1985 Airstream Service Manual available. There is a 1984 Service Manual available from Airstream.com for $60, but I haven't decided if it is worth getting or not. I suspect it would be pretty close for most systems for an '85 trailer, except that I believe there was no 25' rear bed model offered in 1984 (it was a new model for 1985).

66Overlander,
Shoot an email to Airstream Store Customer service, store@airstream.com they are apparently reprinting them as they are asked for.

Aaron

[ALANSD]

When you remove the panel its a good idea to clean all the other contacts for preventive maintenance. I did that when one of my bulbs went out and it has held up well for years since then.

[53flyingcloud]

Originally Posted by 66Overlander

No, to my knowledge there is no 1985 Airstream Service Manual available. There is a 1984 Service Manual available from Airstream.com for $60, but I haven't decided if it is worth getting or not. I suspect it would be pretty close for most systems for an '85 trailer, except that I believe there was no 25' rear bed model offered in 1984 (it was a new model for 1985).

Joe,
I have the service manual for the 1984 model Sovereign and, trust me it's WELL WORTH THE 60$
ciao
Vern

[66Overlander]

You all have given me a good place to start - I hope it's just a burned out bulb. When I get the trailer home from storage to dig into this issue (maybe yet this fall, maybe next spring) I'll also make sure I clean the contacts. I'll definitely pursue getting the Service Manual, too.