1301 Stahley Drive
Building #42
Nappanee, IN 46550

Newmar Corporation

Dealer 866-290-5371
Customer 800-731-8300

Product Information Bulletin
Date Issued

4/4/2016

PIB #

2015 - 2016 Essex & King Aire
YEAR

/

BRAND

/

448

TYPE

Product Information
Confirm that the front shade issue is KIB module-related by testing the dash and the “All Shade” function, as
the shades may operate normally while operating individually.
Multiple shades, powered by the KIB module, can be controlled at one time using the Up/Down buttons. The
cockpit shade functions may be accessed via the Day/Night button on the Virtual Keypad page of the SilverLeaf
touchscreen or the “All Shade” switches located on the kitchen or living room wall.
If the shades partially lower, then begin “jumping” in small increments or suddenly stop, there may be an issue
with the operation of the shades while using the switches or SilverLeaf touchscreen, which activate the KIB
shade module. The following steps may help resolve any issues between the shades and the KIB module.
Step 1
The shade issue may be the result of low voltage or poor grounding to the KIB shade module. Verify that the
coach battery voltage is 12.0 Volts or above. Then, hook up a meter to both motor leads, and test them by
running the shades. Record the voltage. Remove the negative lead, and connect it to an isolated ground wire.
Retest, and record the voltage. When comparing the two readings, if the first voltage test shows a significant
decrease compared to the second test with a different ground, the KIB shade module may need to be regrounded.
Step 2
To re- ground the module, use the existing 12 gauge white chassis ground wire. The wire is connected to the
frame near the generator, and up into the overhead cabinet. The wire may feed a few items behind the
overhead panel, but will be the only 12 ga white ground wire in this area. Remove the overhead panel with
touchscreen display to access the ground wire. Simply disconnect the existing shade module ground wire on
both shade modules, and then connect the shade module to the 12 gauge wire ground with the appropriate
size connector(s). It will be necessary to install a piece of 12 gauge wire to jump to both modules.
Note: There are two shade modules. Re-ground both using the 12 gauge chassis ground wire
Step 3
Re-install overhead panel with touchscreen display. Test the operation of the shades using the SilverLeaf
touchscreen or wall switch that operates the “All Shade” function of the KIB module.
Newmar began grounding shade modules to the front chassis ground on units in production after 3/1/2016.
Illustrated instructions are attached.

If you have any questions regarding this P.I.B., please contact a Warranty Service Representative at Newmar Corporation.

How to Reground a Shade Module
Relevant Coaches
Year/Model/Type

•
•
•
•

2015 Essex Diesel Pusher
2016 Essex Diesel Pusher
2015 King Aire Diesel Pusher
2016 King Aire Diesel Pusher

Floorplans

• All
Production Dates

• Coaches built prior to 3/1/2016

Issue
If the shades partially lower, then begin “jumping” in small increments or suddenly stop, there may be an issue with the
operation of the shades while using the switches or SilverLeaf touchscreen, which activate the KIB shade module.

Make sure the issue exists on the coach prior to following the corrective
procedure below. Not all coaches will be affected.

Action
Follow the service procedure below to correct the condition. The following steps may help resolve any issues between
the shades and the KIB module.

Service Procedure
Step 1
Locate the SilverLeaf display in the front overhead cabinet. Remove the screws and panel to provide easy access to the
ground wire.

© 2016 Copyright Newmar Corporation. All rights reserved.

p.1

Front Overhead Cabinet

View from Behind the Panel

Step 2
Find the white 12 gauge ground wire. Then, locate the shade modules and the ground wire to each shade module.

Shade Module Located Behind the Television on the Passsenger Side Shade Module Located Behind the Television on the Driver Side

© 2016 Copyright Newmar Corporation. All rights reserved.

p.2

Shade Module Ground Wire

Step 3
Install a new piece of 12 gauge wire, and connect it to the 12 gauge white ground wire located behind the overhead
SilverLeaf panel. Unplug the existing ground wire and connect the new wire to each of the shade modules. Run the new
wire across the back side of the cabinet using the existing holes (if applicable), and secure the wire if necessary.

The shade modules may be located behind the television, behind a false panel in
the side cabinets, or, on older coaches, in a false cabinet next to the front
overhead television.

Possible Shade Module Locations

Step 4
After disconnecting the old ground wire from the modules and connecting to a 12 gauge ground wire, test the
shade operation via both the single and multiple shade switches. Then, reassemble any panels that were removed for
access.

© 2016 Copyright Newmar Corporation. All rights reserved.

p.3