Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: J. D. Stevens on July 24, 2010, 03:18:38 pm

Title: Loud Alarm Sound
Post by: J. D. Stevens on July 24, 2010, 03:18:38 pm
In our 1997 U295, the alarm sound for turn signals, air pressure, leveling system, etc., seemed excessively loud.  I lifted the cover over the instrument panel and did a bit of searching with the key on.  I quickly found the "buzzer" hanging by a couple of wires from the back on the panel.  I found that I could adjust the volume with a piece of tape placed over the business end of the buzzer.  I could adjust the volume by adjusting the placement of the tape.

The alarm is now loud enough to hear, but not so loud that as to cause the discomfort we were experiencing.  We like the "geezer alarm" for the turn signals, but it was so loud that I would avoid leaving the turn signals or hazard signals on unless absolutely necessary.  Now that the level is adjustable by the judicious use of tape, I'll set it so that that the sound stands out above ambient sounds, but isn't so obnoxiously loud.
Title: Re: Loud Alarm Sound
Post by: Dwayne on July 24, 2010, 03:35:55 pm
I did this last year and messed something up.  I've had no alarms since and must really watch the dash guages and lights closely.
Title: Re: Loud Alarm Sound
Post by: J. D. Stevens on July 24, 2010, 04:21:41 pm
My guess would be that you simply broke a wire.  My buzzer was simply hanging by a couple of wires rather than being solidly mounted.  It looks like the wires could easily be broken.

If the element has failed, it could be easily replaced.  It appears to be a piezo electric element.  If the unit on my coach failed I would try installing a replacement such as this: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062402 (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062402)

DISCLAIMER: Your results may vary.  I have haven't tried to do this and am a reasonable high level "solution hacker."  I am excellent at isolating problems, but some of my solutions are suspect.
Title: Re: Loud Alarm Sound
Post by: Jerry Whiteaker on July 24, 2010, 05:52:45 pm
On mine, near the alarm, there is a small trim pot that can adjust the volume.  The trim pot may have a small dab of hot melt glue on it to lock it in place.  Both are on a long circuit board which I think is called the instrument panel warning bar.  I found the alarm was taped over after purchase due to a bad antenna up switch.  My wife could hear it, but I couldn't.  Make sure you can hear it going down the road at full speed. 

Jerry Whiteaker
96 U270
Title: Re: Loud Alarm Sound
Post by: David Smith on May 20, 2012, 07:18:49 am
In our 1997 U295, the alarm sound for turn signals, air pressure, leveling system, etc., seemed excessively loud. 
Does the 1994 Grand Villa have this alarm?  I have looked but did not find it. 
Title: Re: Loud Alarm Sound
Post by: Dave Cobb on May 20, 2012, 08:40:21 am
On my 93, the pot is screwed flat to the shelf of the dash, and I "adjusted" the screw and killed the volume, wife and dog are happy now.  But I need to be careful not to leave on the blinkers, or drive off with the TV antenna up, as the warning light is hidden by my steering wheel position.
Title: Re: Loud Alarm Sound
Post by: PatC on May 20, 2012, 11:37:28 am
Does the 1994 Grand Villa have this alarm?  I have looked but did not find it. 

Yes.  You have to lift the dash board cover.  Look right behind the dash instruments.  It is attached to the dash baseboard, shelf, or what ever you want to call it.  Between the instruments and the ignition solenoid.