solera smart arm awning

[1doghouse]

Originally Posted by RHOUSER

I pulled a cut and paste of this and delivered it to the tech working on why my light is still blinking after the MOD. He and I both thank you for sharing your "find".

This kind of help is what makes this forum great.

v/r rch

RHOUSER,
You wouldn't happen to know which pins are 11 & 12 on the connector. I have a 3051s and had the recall work complete only to have the same problems as all the posts. Dealer is now looking into getting authorization for work on a new controller??? like to fix it myself and not drive the 1 hour to the dealer.. your thoughts please.
Thank you
Bob

[claudew]

Picked up my MH from Gander Outdoors in Breau Bridge, Louisiana today. This is the first time the awning and lights can be operated from both the Smart Arm and the LCI module inside the MH. No blinking light on the Smart Arm. Looks like the got it fixed where Camping World never could. They kept me informed during the entire process and I am pleased with them.

[LeoS]

Just had the awning recall done on my forester 2801QS and, of course now it doesn't operate using the inside control touch pad.

I tried to tell them that the Forester models need an extra step of cutting wires back but I guess they thought I was just a confused old man.

Anyway, rather than having the RV sit at the dealer for another week or so, I will just fix the issue myself. If anyone knows the wire colors (and/or location on the connector) for pins for 11 and 12 please let us know

Thanks!

[claudew]

If you get the dealership to contact Forest River they will find out that the wiring harness has to be changed also. There is a special dial wiring harness for the Forester that is different than the wiring harness for other models.

[dcheatwood]

I just attended the international frog rally in Goshen in my Forester with solera awning. I knew about the awning control recall but hadn't done it because I'd had no trouble.
The first day there, LCI showed up at my door and replaced the controller and waterproofed the wiring. I didn't ask for it, nor did I expect it, but they saw my unit registered for the rally and it hadn't been serviced so they came and did it.

[Chuck2341]

Originally Posted by LeoS

Just had the awning recall done on my forester 2801QS and, of course now it doesn't operate using the inside control touch pad.



I tried to tell them that the Forester models need an extra step of cutting wires back but I guess they thought I was just a confused old man.



Anyway, rather than having the RV sit at the dealer for another week or so, I will just fix the issue myself. If anyone knows the wire colors (and/or location on the connector) for pins for 11 and 12 please let us know



Thanks!

If you zoom in on the picture of the connector pins, you can see numbers. You still have to figure out what wires to cut. I have a 2019 Forester 2421.

[chevytrkr]

I ordered a new controller and wiring harness to replace the ones currently in my smart arm. There was so much corrosion and water damage nothing was working. I am in the process of installing the new parts. The wiring is difficult because of poor repair work done by Camping World. Hopefully when I’m done my awning will function again.

[Moosemedic]

Originally Posted by chevytrkr

I also use Camping World in Lafayette. When I brought my Forester in to have the awning checked, the service rep didn’t even know about the buttons on the arm of the awning. I hope when the new Camping World is finished in Breaux Bridge, they will upgrade the service staff also. All the highway construction in the area is making it difficult to travel through that area. Happy Camping to everyone.
Rich
Jennings, LA

I know it’s a little further drive for y’all down south but you could bring it to Cenla rv in Alexandria. I have seen this issue several times and yes you do have to seal the top of the connector as well as the wiring in order to mitigate the moisture i also apply die electric grease to the pins on the inside of the connector for our customers.

[Moosemedic]

Originally Posted by Chuck2341

Attachment 214008Attachment 214009
If you zoom in on the picture of the connector pins, you can see numbers. You still have to figure out what wires to cut. I have a 2019 Forester 2421.

If you want to repair it yourself I recommend pulling the big blob of sealant from behind the controller instead of cutting a bunch of wires. Be careful when you do bc the bell connectors they cram in the hole can come off leaving you fishing wires out. Then take it one wire at a time removing the old and replacing with the new one from the harness. You will also have to cut down the new harness to the length of the old or you will never get it back in there.

[chevytrkr]

Originally Posted by Moosemedic

If you want to repair it yourself I recommend pulling the big blob of sealant from behind the controller instead of cutting a bunch of wires. Be careful when you do bc the bell connectors they cram in the hole can come off leaving you fishing wires out. Then take it one wire at a time removing the old and replacing with the new one from the harness. You will also have to cut down the new harness to the length of the old or you will never get it back in there.

Got my controller working again. Replacing the wiring was a hassle but I finally got all the wires connected and working. Yes, I did have to cut several wires shorter to make them fit back into the arm. Before I reinstalled the new controller, I put a big glob of silicon where the wires connect to the controller to keep water out. Seems to be working okay. I must say, I think I did a better job than the service shop guys could have done. Take your time and do it right.

[Phil80]

Does anyone know how to bypass the outside controller all together and just operate the awning from the inside switch?

[claudew]

I had a Forest River dealer do mine. They changed out the awning arm without the control box and replaced the wiring harness. Now everything controlled inside at control pad.

[Phil80]

Originally Posted by claudew

I had a Forest River dealer do mine. They changed out the awning arm without the control box and replaced the wiring harness. Now everything controlled inside at control pad.

Would you be able to snap a few detailed pics of how its wired now?

[claudew]

No I couldn't. They removed the original wiring and outside control box on the arm and the only wire exposed is the wire going from inside to the motor. This was done according to specs from the factory. They replaced the smart arm awning arm with a Solara arm. Since I had so much trouble since purchasing the unit with the Smart Arm( had been replaced 3 times) they did the repair under warranty at no cost to me.

[Phil80]

Originally Posted by claudew

No I couldn't. They removed the original wiring and outside control box on the arm and the only wire exposed is the wire going from inside to the motor. This was done according to specs from the factory. They replaced the smart arm awning arm with a Solara arm. Since I had so much trouble since purchasing the unit with the Smart Arm( had been replaced 3 times) they did the repair under warranty at no cost to me.

Gotcha, thanks!