I replaced my fan a few years ago with an aftermarket (Valterra) unit. It
comes with two thermo-switches: one 140�F switch to be placed on the burner
tube to first detect that the fridge is on, and a second 100�F switch stuck
on the fan housing to detect ambient temp. Both switches have to activate
for fan to run.

James V
86 Syncro Westy

On Thu, Jun 13, 2013 at 8:48 AM, Steven Johnson <sjohnso2000@gmail.com>wrote:

> 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
> >
>