I suspect the engineers at VW argued about this amongst themselves for
hours and days on end.   It's kind of a
pick your poison issues.   Kinda like everyone doesn't like the seatbelt
warning alarm either.....  So it gets disconnected...

Steven
91 Westy

On Thu, Jun 13, 2013 at 6:33 AM, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:

> ---- jpalmer@mymts.net wrote:
> > Mcneely does it not seem odd to you that the fridge fan runs even when
> the fridge itself isn't running?  Seems odd to me anyway. >My headlights
> turn off when I'm not using them without pulling a fuse.
>
> Given that the fan is switched thermostatically, it does not seem odd.  If
> you really don't like it, perhaps you could wire in a manual switch instead
> of pulling the fuse.  Then you could just flip the switch any time you
> think the fan might come on.  But if the fan is there to keep the air
> moving around the refrigerator when hot, then the thermostat is the proper
> way for it to be set up.  Now, it could have been set up so that the fan
> runs all the time the refrigerator is on but not when it is off, but that
> would make for shorter fan life in most climates, I suspect.  It doesn't
> bother me, though it did when I first discovered it.  Now I just try to
> keep the driver's side of the van shaded when possible.
>
> Headlights in some modern cars remain on all the time the engine is
> running.
>
>  mcneely
>
> >
> > Sent from my iPad
> >
> > On 2013-06-12, at 9:12 PM, "Dave Mcneely" <mcneely4@COX.NET> wrote:
> >
> > > ---- Jeff Palmer <jpalmer@MYMTS.NET> wrote:
> > >> This is dumb. I imagine its possible to run your battery down if you
> leave it in the sun long enough, even if you're not using the fridge?
> > >
> > > Well, let's see .......... .  The fan turns on when it senses that the
> space is hot enough.  That is to help the refrigerator to shed heat better
> (greater temperature gradient, moving air, moves more heat).  People
> complain that the refrigerator does not cool to suit them.  If the fan did
> not run, the refrigerator would have to fight an even hotter temperature.
>  Like someone said, pull the fuse when you park the van in the sun, if you
> are concerned.  mcneely
> > >
> > >> Jeff
> > >>
> > >>> Date: Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:28:03 -0700
> > >>> From: scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM
> > >>> Subject: Re: Dometic
> > >>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > >>>
> > >>> I've measured the in-the-sun interior temp to be as high as 120 F ,
> > >>> Westy sitting in intense sun.
> > >>> the fan's power is through one of those fuses behind the driver's
> seat..
> > >>> Full time power.  If the temp sensor sees hot enough temp, fan runs.
> > >>> Nothing has to be 'on' or anything.
> > >>>
> > >>> pull the fuse if you don't want it runningparked in hot sun.
> > >>>
> > >>> Scott
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> On 6/12/2013 5:04 PM, mark drillock wrote:
> > >>>> Yes, it is normal.
> > >>>>
> > >>>> Mark
> > >>>>
> > >>>> Finn Runyon wrote:
> > >>>>> A friend who parks his van outside in the intense NM sun has
> noticed
> > >>>>> that the refrigerator cooling fan is running even though the fridge
> > >>>>> is not on.  Since my Westy is garaged, I have not recently
> > >>>>> experienced that issue, but vaguely remember it being the case.  I
> > >>>>> have the Dometic manual and it does not address this issue.  Can
> > >>>>> someone confirm if this is normal?
> > >>>>> Thanks,
> > >>>>> Finn Runyon
> > >>>>> 87 Westy Pooh
> > >>>>> 89 Westy Roo
> > >
> > > --
> > > David McNeely
>
> --
> David McNeely
>