Community Forums

DonnaB · 12-27-2008, 03:42 AM

Ronnie did your dealer or Newmar install? If so, call Newmar. I've found them very helpful to advise on things like this.

Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 12-27-2008, 05:56 AM

The replacement was dealer installed. I'll call Newmar or better yet see the techs at Tampa...I'll call Essex Electronics also. I'm currently on the road in Calif. heading for Florida.

Ronnie

Skipper 05MA · 12-28-2008, 02:25 AM

We have an 05 MA and are on our second pad which was installed while at Newmar. Do I understand the model we have to be a 1600? We are out of warranty but not the 3 years on the pad replacement. Is this a call to Newmar or Essex? Thanks for your help. Tom

Jetsmania · 12-28-2008, 03:35 AM

Hi! My guess would be Essex. I would call Newmar anyway to see. Let us know what happens. Paul

footdoc · 12-28-2008, 04:27 AM

Tom
Just remember the warranty runs from the mfg date code on the switch, not install date. Mine started working again when it warmed up 30 degrees...might be a moisture issue. I will reseal with silicone

JerryKelly · 01-01-2009, 05:45 AM

My unit starting acting up and I gave up. Too expensive to replace with just another unreliable unit. Has anyone had any luck getting a replacement based on your Newmar purchase date?

JerryKelly · 01-05-2009, 03:54 PM

The rep from Essex electronics told me that the 1600 model was not really designed for RV use and the failure is most likely due to vibration. They suggested the 1700 model as a replacement.

Skipper 05MA · 01-06-2009, 04:43 AM

Jerry, Is it the 1600 that 05 and 06 units have?
My 1/2 buttons have pretty much died and this is the second unit. Did the rep offer you anything towards a 1700? Also, I've read where this unit is a little larger but is it plug and play as a replacement once you get the sizing correct? My coach is in storage so I don't know date of mfg. on the second unit Newmar installed about a year and half ago. Thank, Tom

JerryKelly · 01-07-2009, 02:56 AM

1600 was used in 2006. I have the same issue with the 1/2 button as well. They did not offer any help towards a new unit. The 1700 will require a larger hole, but should work. They suggested changing the combo to exclude non functioning buttons. The keypads will continue to break since they were not designed to endure the vibration from the front axle. The internal button contacts have a ceramic part that is most likely damaged and not making the connection.

footdoc · 01-07-2009, 03:07 AM

If the connections remain the same, I might just enlarge the hole and go with the 1700 replacement when mine quits for good...it's 'iffy' right now

"007" · 01-07-2009, 06:13 AM

In this info Keyless Entry they refer the 1600 for cars and the 1700 for heavy duty vehicles.

JVR · 01-07-2009, 06:21 PM

Today at Newmar my keypad was replaced, the 2nd replacement on a 2006, it was replaced by a 1600-01 that takes 5 number code vs a 4 number code.
Also the hole had to be opened as the switch is larger.

RUFINIT · 01-09-2009, 07:27 PM

I replaced my 3rd defective 1601 with a 1701. The wires are an exact replacement, but I had to dremmel out the hole. They include a template, so it was an easy task. I like the looks and feel of the 1701 and hope it works better than the original equipment. I don't know why Newmar continued to use the 1601 with all the problems reported. When I replaced the second unit under Newmar warranty they refused to let me upgrade at my cost. So I bit the bullet and paid for the 1701 myself and hope will be happier in the long run.

To answer the question about the key fob. They worked fine even though the keypad did not. I hate the fact that the horn honks when we unlock or lock the coach with the key fob.

Does anyone know how to reprogram the lock system so the horn does not honk when using the fob?

footdoc · 01-10-2009, 03:26 AM

Hi Joe...that is my plan...yesterday I was watching my pad and it was blinking and beeping...ghosts were playing with the buttons...my baggage doors would occasionally lock themselves too..pretty spooky! How much more is the 1700 series? I got a price of about $180-190 from a vendor Essex was going to refer me to...thanks