Micro Minnie Stove Recall

[Bomba]

Suburban omits the stove's backlit knobs at the displeasure of its customers. Winnebago and its customers affected by this Recall need to let Suburban RV know they are not satisfied with this Recall....Owner's are getting less than they paid for...and it's not right..

[Jojohoho]

Jim, Hope you get back on the road soon! And thank you for your service!!

[Marine359]

It was my pleasure and honor to serve our country during war and peace.

[MicroMinnie]

I have trouble getting the tire carrier repair done under warranty locally….this recall states melted light rings, we don’t really use the lights bit ours is white only. does not change color

Also, thing about recalls. by law they have to notify you but don’t have to provide timeline for the fix.

[Tight Lines]

Anyone aware of a DIY fix for the cooktop stove issue? We don't have an authorized dealer nearby and would rather install the new part myself, if possible.

[eatSleepWoof]

Originally Posted by Tight Lines

Anyone aware of a DIY fix for the cooktop stove issue? We don't have an authorized dealer nearby and would rather install the new part myself, if possible.

Pull up to remove stove grate, pull up to remove stove "pan," cut the two 12v wires running to the lights, cap all wires. Five minutes of work.

[Blue Sky]

Originally Posted by Tight Lines

Anyone aware of a DIY fix for the cooktop stove issue? We don't have an authorized dealer nearby and would rather install the new part myself, if possible.

Most of us would, too. I don't think WBGO or your dealer will supply the part. They wouldn't with the spare tire mount, and that fix is as basic as it gets. With recalls I think the builder, or their representative, has an ogligation to say they fixed the problem.

A side story: The dealer didn't know what I was talking about when I wanted to have the spare tire mount repaired (retrofitted) as a recall issue. When they realized there was a recall, they wanted me to drop the trailer at their facility, to determine if there was a problem, and hold it if there was one until they could get the part.

I told them the problem was already known, and let me know when the part was available. They tried to get the part and couldn't; I don't know why. I had to contact WBGO and a manager arranged for one replacement part to be sent to the dealer. I called the dealer and explained I was driving a little over 100 miles one-way to get there and I hoped that one part would be available to me when I arrived some weeks later (first available). He said he would hold it in his office.

The appointmment was a "drive through" and everything was looking good until they couldn't find the part. After a long search it was found and bolted on in about 10 minutes. Getting my knees replaced was easier.

[Jay Tea]

As an update, after receiving my recall letter several days ago (finally), I am 'challenging' Winnebago's inadequate / downgrading remediation (eliminating the red / white backlights) by insisting that the LEDs are a 'safety device', and that they can not eliminate a safety device to correct another safety issue. Will keep everyone up to date with their response (if / when they respond). Wish me luck ...

[Blue Sky]

Originally Posted by Jay Tea

As an update, after receiving my recall letter several days ago (finally), I am 'challenging' Winnebago's inadequate / downgrading remediation (eliminating the red / white backlights) by insisting that the LEDs are a 'safety device', and that they can not eliminate a safety device to correct another safety issue. Will keep everyone up to date with their response (if / when they respond). Wish me luck ...

Excellent idea, and agree it is a safety device. As you requested, we are wishing you luck.

On the other hand, I doubt if anyone in the industry says "let engage in consumer bashing", but somehow that's how it ends up. After decades of RVing, my expectations are so low I think your contact will be regarded as comedy.

[Thindirtline]

An independent party confirmed that the electrical failures/shorts are due to the lack of conformal coating on the circuit boards that contain the LED lights. A liquid spill on a knob could cause a short and overheating. I purchased a tube of clear electrical grade silicone adhesive and sealed up each of the circuit boards. It was a little messy but I am confident of the fix. I sealed up all of the edges to the translucent plastic and then the inside near the knob shaft. I have used the stove many times since and it is working fine. None of the knob backlights get warm. Do this if you want to safely keep the red backlights.
Suburban should have created a replacement panel where all of the circuit boards were coated and shipped these for the recall. There were only 45000 affected so they went cheap.

[STCLARKE]

Originally Posted by eatSleepWoof

Looking at this recall notice again, it states that only "certain" trailers are affected, without specifying how to figure out whether your trailer is affected.

My trailer was manufactured in the date range that this recall applies to, but it has a separate button to turn on stove lighting - is that an indicator that this recall does not apply? (Might be why I haven't received the notice?)

Eagle5's idea of installing child-safety-locks on the knobs is a great idea regardless - I've just ordered a (different) set from Amazon.

We have the separate switch for the backlights, and received the recall letter. After calling Winnebago and our dealer, it appears our stove is still part of the recall.

[Jay Tea]

Good info, ThinDirt! Could you please provide details / link to the "independent party" report?

Also, where are circuit boards located? Under the stovetop, or behind each LED / knob? How did you access the boards? Thanks!

[eatSleepWoof]

Originally Posted by Jay Tea

Good info, ThinDirt! Could you please provide details / link to the "independent party" report?

Also, where are circuit boards located? Under the stovetop, or behind each LED / knob? How did you access the boards? Thanks!

I recently poked around in my stove, and found that it's trivially easy to remove the entire thing to access whatever you want.

Pull off the grate that pots/pans rest on (just pull up), then you'll be able to similarly pull off the metal pan that rests around all burners. If I remember correctly, that pan isn't even fixed with anything, and simply lifts up. The rest of the stove is secured with four screws (two on each side) that are trivial to remove. Then just pull and out it comes.

There is, of course, the propane hose and some electrical wiring attached. The hose can be easily unscrewed at the fitting; if the wiring is not disconnect-able, it can be cut and re-attached at re-install.

I believe the circuit boards in question will be behind each knob.

[NomadRider]

I just had the recall completed at my dealer.

Both the red and the white backlights are now disabled. The panel switch has been removed and a blank cover put in its place. I was told that they installed a new control panel but I didn't take anything apart to look.

The cooktop still works the same, just without the backlights. Truth be told, I'd probably not have the recall done if I had it to do all over again. My understanding is that the overheating hazard only exists if you've spilled something and it gets behind the knobs.

[Thindirtline]

EatSleepWoof is correct. It is very easy to remove the grate and top metal plate to get to the wiring. Lift up firmly on the front of the metal plate to get it off. Behind each knob is the illuminated disk covering each circuit board. Just pull on each knob to get them off. The translucent disks can be pulled forward by squeezing the two ears that secure each one in the back. Gently pull each out, clean the exposed surface of the circuit board with alcohol on a qtip then seal up with electrical grade clear silicone. Insure that a spill won’t get to the circuit board. This is simple, pretty quick, inexpensive, and likely very reliable. I did not want to give up my stove lights.
With the stove top plates removed it is easy to clean out the spills and tighten all of the Phillips screws holding the burners. Mine like to get loose.

[Jay Tea]

Great detailed info ThinDirt, thanks immensely! I do not want to give up this safety lighting feature either.

BTW, Winnie finally replied to my emailed complaint, stating that the problem (as well as the fix) belongs to the stove manufacturer (not Winnie), and the NTSB has already accepted the removal of the lights / circuit boards as "satisfactory" repairs. If I want to pursue this further, I will need to take it up with NTSB or the stove manufacturer. What a cop-out!?!

Following ThinDirt's repairs are easier than my continued whining! Thanks again!

[Thindirtline]

The failure mode that is causing the Suburban Stove Recall is described in both of the online docs here:

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/202...4V235-6489.PDF - page 3

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/202...4E028-2475.PDF

[Jay Tea]

I pulled all stovetop components apart, to expose the teeny-tiny LED circuit boards located behind the gas knobs. One interesting item was how HOT these LEDs get when illuminated (not unusual for much brighter LEDs, but surprised how hot these get considering the low-lumen output). I was also interested that the LEDs turn ON / OFF by what appears to be magnetic contactor on the circuit board (with corresponding magnet in the knob). Very well engineered backlighting system, IMHO.

If water-proofing is the only issue (which it apparently is), I will be applying a Circuit Board Conformal Coating (look these up online) onto both sides of the circuit board, and re-assembling. These coatings are designed to waterproof circuit boards and are available in several different heat-rated formulations. I'd recommend getting the highest heat-rated. Small containers (liquid or spray) cost less than $30, which is not a deal-breaker.

Finally, I'm blown-away that Suburban / Winnie did not solve the lack-of-waterproofing issue this way, instead of eliminating the LED backlights!

[Blue Sky]

Originally Posted by Jay Tea

I pulled all stovetop components apart, to expose the teeny-tiny LED circuit boards located behind the gas knobs. One interesting item was how HOT these LEDs get when illuminated (not unusual for much brighter LEDs, but surprised how hot these get considering the low-lumen output). I was also interested that the LEDs turn ON / OFF by what appears to be magnetic contactor on the circuit board (with corresponding magnet in the knob). Very well engineered backlighting system, IMHO.

If water-proofing is the only issue (which it apparently is), I will be applying a Circuit Board Conformal Coating (look these up online) onto both sides of the circuit board, and re-assembling. These coatings are designed to waterproof circuit boards and are available in several different heat-rated formulations. I'd recommend getting the highest heat-rated. Small containers (liquid or spray) cost less than $30, which is not a deal-breaker.

Finally, I'm blown-away that Suburban / Winnie did not solve the lack-of-waterproofing issue this way, instead of eliminating the LED backlights!

Nice post. ... good information.

I'm guessing the new board is less expensive than coating the existing ones when you factor in labor. And they don't care about the lights once it's sold.

[eatSleepWoof]

Not just cost of labour, but trusting some dealership monkey to properly seal the circuit boards is a recipe for mistakes, disaster, and lawsuits. It's much safer (for the manufacturer) to eliminate the risk factor altogether.