Mystery switch in 3170DS

kbro · 03-19-2018, 04:23 PM

I'm the third owner of a 2013 3170DS. Next to the "convenience center" above the fridge is an unlabeled switch. I can't figure out what it does. A picture is attached.

It's possible that a previous owner installed that switch to do ... something, but it looks enough like several other installed switches that it might be original. Any ideas on what that switch does?

Kimber45 · 03-19-2018, 04:30 PM

Probably take someone with that exact model to know for sure? My guess would be an out door light or an accent light under unit or awning light? Maybe a bulb is burned out so you don't see the light coming on and off?

**wmtire** · 03-19-2018, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbro

I'm the third owner of a 2013 3170DS. Next to the "convenience center" above the fridge is an unlabeled switch. I can't figure out what it does. A picture is attached.

It's possible that a previous owner installed that switch to do ... something, but it looks enough like several other installed switches that it might be original. Any ideas on what that switch does?

Purely a wild guess, but if it's user installed, it could possibly be a switch to turn on the water heaters electric heating element from inside the RV, if you have a dual source Suburban water heater. I'm basing my guess on the fact it is beside the water heaters propane/DSI switch.

This FAQ may help:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ore-36197.html

We do get members who do this, if they have the SWDE model and want possibly to have a SWDEL type model.

As I said, it's just a guess. My second guess would be a Zombie Apocalypse self-destruct switch.

kbro · 03-19-2018, 07:57 PM

Thanks for the replies Kimber and wmtire.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmtire

Purely a wild guess, but if it's user installed, it could possibly be a switch to turn on the water heaters electric heating element from inside the RV, if you have a dual source Suburban water heater. I'm basing my guess on the fact it is beside the water heaters propane/DSI switch.

Now that's an interesting idea. It does have an SW6DE water heater. I haven't tried to use the electric element yet. I'll give that a try when I de-winterize the hot water heater. Thanks for the idea.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmtire

As I said, it's just a guess. My second guess would be a Zombie Apocalypse self-destruct switch.

This would be nice too. That way I don't have to install my own Zombie Apocalypse self-destruct switch.

757Dave · 03-19-2018, 07:58 PM

We have a 2011 3170ds and do not have that switch. I have to agree with wmtire. A very common modification for owners with the Suburban water heater.

**wmtire** · 03-19-2018, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbro

Thanks for the replies Kimber and wmtire.

Now that's an interesting idea. It does have an SW6DE water heater. I haven't tried to use the electric element yet. I'll give that a try when I de-winterize the hot water heater. Thanks for the idea.

No matter what it is, please let us know once you find out for certain, as it may help others in the future.

If it does turn out to be a user installed switch to the electric heating element of the water heater, then that helps me get closer to my goal. For every 100 correct and helpful posts, you get a chance to win an autographed Old Coot oven mitt.

I really want that mitt.

Scrapper · 03-19-2018, 08:37 PM

Maybe scare light or awning light might be other suggestions. On my TT, I have door side scare light (DS Flood), opposite door side scare light (ODS Flood) and a Porch light. There is a second awning light on the slide out.

posted by wmtire,
For every 100 correct and helpful posts, you get a chance to win an autographed Old Coot oven mitt.

I really want that mitt.

wmtire, I believe you have already passed the 100 correct and helpful posts mark. Do you think OC is ignoring your achievement?

gamidon · 03-20-2018, 01:44 PM

I have the same switch in my 2016 Forester 3011DS. However mine is by the fantastic fan panel next to the front door. I have tried everything and can't figure what it operates. It came with the unit.

Gary Amidon

Delco Bobby · 03-20-2018, 02:41 PM

I can't remember which motorhome it was but there was another guy that had a mystery switch

It turned out the switch controlled accent lights that would only be visible at night when other lights were off. They were located near the cabinet base just above the floor.

BobHanke · 03-20-2018, 07:36 PM

Singleton mystery switch could be to turn on outside speakers or activate a sub-woofer?

HerveVR · 03-23-2018, 09:05 PM

In our 2012 Lexington a lookalike switch is present on the wall facing the convenience center. When in the UP position it feeds the Air Conditioner, when in the DOWN position it feeds the Microwave/Convection Oven. This prevents the overcharge of the 30 Amps power panel.

Might be the same in your rig, give it a try.

kins83 · 03-29-2018, 08:22 PM

I have a 3010DS and the switch about where you describe if to turn on/off the outside speakers. You wouldn't really know it since the speakers aren't much good.

kbro · 03-30-2018, 05:37 PM

Thanks everyone for the ideas. I still have no idea what that switch does. Here are the things it doesn't do:

Turn the electric hot water heater on/off (it heats on shore power with the gas heater switched off regardless of the mystery switch state)

Turn on lights. Scare, accent, zombie, or other

Switch between microwave and air conditioning

Turn on outdoor speakers

Electrify door handles for theft prevention

I'm thinking about adding a few more non-functioning switches just to bamboozle the next owner.

While we haven't found the answer to one of life's great questions, I think we're now collectively wiser and better people. I say everyone wins an autographed Old Coot oven mitt.

Jcf0527 · 03-30-2018, 06:29 PM

How about a lite in a storage compartment? I have one of those in my leprechaun

Duckogram · 03-30-2018, 07:03 PM

OK, Shot in the dark here. Some steps have a small puck light underneath. I had a single step LCI model that had one and it had a mystery switch in the vicinity. But if you dont have a power step it is unlikely you would have a light.

Edit: I have a stepwell light that is switched in the bedroom!

Delco Bobby · 03-30-2018, 10:09 PM

Maybe use a bore scope to follow the wire from the switch to a place unknown. Amazon has some inexpensive ones that work with smart phones.

Also, I don’t recall if you confirmed that there are wires connected to the switch.

I had one of those switches in my house that didn’t seem to work. I finally took the cover off and discovered there was no wires attached!

Ohinaz1970 · 08-15-2018, 11:19 AM

2016 3010DS, switch turns out to activate the outside speakers, which by the way, hardly put out enough volume to hear anyway.

Duckogram · 08-15-2018, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ohinaz1970

2016 3010DS, switch turns out to activate the outside speakers, which by the way, hardly put out enough volume to hear anyway.

Turns out the OP stated, way back in March, that the switch does not turn on outdoor speakers.

TNshawn · 08-17-2018, 08:56 AM

I have a 2014 3170DS and I do not have that switch.

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