Alpine parts / service availability

[Rexx]

With Alpine closing down, does anyone know how a person can get parts? I have had my unit for 3 years....with no problems and now am looking for wire harness or manufacturers name for inside the steering column. When I go to Western RV site the site is down. Any ideas?
Thanks

[Rexx]

With Alpine closing down, does anyone know how a person can get parts? I have had my unit for 3 years....with no problems and now am looking for wire harness or manufacturers name for inside the steering column. When I go to Western RV site the site is down. Any ideas?
Thanks

[EngineerMike]

I'm not sure what year WRV started working with Vansco using their multiplex modules, but I beleive Vansco also manufactured wiring harnesses.
If you have the SmartWheel, there is a thread here , and it has a link to a troubleshooting guide.

[Rexx]

Thanks I will check and let you know for future reference.
Also, I noticed that you are working to develop a site for people like me to use. What can I do to help?
Rexx

[Dave Fernandez]

Hello Rexx:

WRV had sent me repair parts for my 2001 Smart Wheel several years ago and the info is in the Coach which I will picking up from the Body shop in a few days. When I retrieve the info I will POST it.

[Duwain Pingenot]

Rexx, my Alpine is a 2003 and 2 years ago I replaced my steering column clock spring for VIP Smart Wheel made by Douglas Autotech Corp - http://www.douglasautotech.com - 517-369-2315. The part was supplied by WRV but I did receive tech support from Douglas Autotech.

I was able to prove to WRV that the clock spring had been installed incorrectly in order to cause all of the wires in the clock spring to break. First, I started experiencing an occasional cruise control problem, then other problems, which got progressively worse until all functions controlled by the smart wheel stopped working.

The information I received at the time was the Control Unit was SM209 & Clock Spring was part #1900043.

[Rexx]

Thanks to you all for the responses.....(Dave & Duwain) and I will also be looking for your update Dave .....I will post you on how I come out.

Again thanks
Rexx

[Dave Fernandez]

Hello Rexx:

I retrieved the info/paperwork from my Alpine regarding the Smart Wheel. The paperwork from Douglas Autotec Corp, contains two wiring diagrams used for testing and about 11 color photos and instructions for the dual contact plate and brushes for the Smart Wheel.

If you want I can try to scan the docs into a PDF format just let me know.

[hrhuggie]

Dave,
congrats on getting your coach back . I am sure Greg did a great job!

[Rexx]

Duwain / Dave,
I talked with Douglas Autotec on Friday and they are working to help me with a fix. I am not mechanically inclined and they are wanting me to take off the collars and let them know what the Douglas part number is.....
Is there a real easy way to do that or would I be better off trying to find a mechanic somewhere to do that?
Thanks for a response...
Rexx

[EngineerMike]

Rexx- If you are talking about the light tan plastic surround that encloses the lower steering shaft, the two plastic buttons on top pop off using a paring knife; get blade fully under the button before prying up. These are reusable; they glue back on. Under the button there are #1 square drive screws; unscrew & bend the top collar apart & around the steering shaft.
The lower part is velcro'd to the firewall. Grab the rear edge of surround & pull outward (left on left side, right on right side); you'll hear the velcro unzipping.

If they are talking about the black plastic surround just below the wheel (w/cutouts for flasher, tilt adjustment...), it is simply a friction fit in two pieces, front & rear. Grab the rear piece at its base, & slowly pull back. It should pop out of its lower grabbers. Then grab it by the side seams with finger tips, & pop it out of the upper grabbers. There is a part number @ lower left; don't know if that is what they want. If not, continue w/front piece same solution. Reverse the process to reinstall.