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Old 07-28-2019, 08:15 PM   #1
waynemoore
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AC problems

Ok guys here is my story and I am sticking to it.

Leaving today (Sunday) on a long trip to Canada BC.

On Saturday (Yesterday) found the rear AC will not cool. Not a problem you say as I do have a front AC and that works. But here in Lake Havasu City AZ on Saturday its 116F at my house.

Here is what I know as of today. The AC set on cool, the fan will come on but the compressor try's to start but can't. I have a feeling it just may be the start Capacitor???

PLEASE tell me I may be right or I am full of it and should just replace the AC.

Also this is a Domietic AC 15000BTU whisper air on a 2015 3582RL Montana.

How do I check it (test the Capacitor).

And if bad where can I get one??

Thanks for any help.
 
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Old 07-28-2019, 08:31 PM   #2
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Wayne,

Thought you just replaced the air conditioner - was it the other one?

Could be a long trip with one a/c.
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Old 07-28-2019, 09:13 PM   #3
waynemoore
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Ok yes I replaced the front one that the bridge took off.
This is the rear one.

And watching the YouTube I think this is well over my pay grade. I need to get an RV AC guy to fix this.

And yes I am a chicken when it comes to electricity.
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Old 07-28-2019, 09:33 PM   #4
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A/C guy here. You will need a meter that can check microfarads to test the capacitor accurately. Since you have another unit why not check if the other unit has the same capacitor ( the capacitor has a mfd rating stamped on it, if they both are the same it is ok to swap them). It could just be a bad capacitor, or the compressor could be seized.
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Old 07-28-2019, 09:54 PM   #5
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Before you play with capacitors, make sure you have bled off the charge, or fixing the A/C will be the least of your problems, as you will probably be knocked off the roof.
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Old 07-29-2019, 09:05 AM   #6
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Rohrmann, that is exactly why I have decided to take it to an expert. I am scared to death working wit this type of power. I can do all kinds of stuff re electricity except where components mat store power.
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Old 07-29-2019, 09:09 AM   #7
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Dhardy if the compressor is seized which could be very much the case because I can hear it want to start but just will not.. it try’s several times.
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Old 07-29-2019, 10:46 AM   #8
twindman
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I had the same problem last week. I thought maybe the capacitor. Dealer had bad news - said the compressor was drawing 65 amp trying to start!!! So installing new A/C for $1446.
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Old 07-29-2019, 11:51 AM   #9
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Our trouble with our rear A/C compressor not coming on was a control board problem. 15 minute fix at the dealer.
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Old 07-29-2019, 12:31 PM   #10
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To safely discharge a capacitor short the two terminals together. That is with power off and holding the insulated handle of a screw driver. Capacitors in AC circuits don't normally have a charge like it would in a DC circuit. Capacitors in AC are normally for phase shift of AC to help start motors.
A bad starting capacitor will cause high current trying to start just like a bad compressor. They will usually hum and over heat very quickly.
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Old 07-30-2019, 01:52 PM   #11
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Pesores, I just get a clicking sound and nothing happens. The unit keeps trying to start but no go.

But the good news is we are heading to Canada so going north and into much cooler weather.

I have an appointment in Las Vegas the end of August to install a new AC.

I am just not going to mess with it.
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Old 07-31-2019, 08:34 PM   #12
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If the capacitor has gone bad the compressor will most likely not start. The compressor has a thermal overload on it that will disconnect power to the compressor when it is unable to start. The overload will reset after a bit and it will try again over and over. Replacing the capacitor is very simple usually just a couple wires. The capacitor does need to be shorted between the two terminals with power disconnected to eliminate possible shock. Use a screwdriver and touch both terminals simultaneously to discharge. Usually you can purchase a new capacitor for less than ten dollars, so it is definitely worth a try.
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Old 08-04-2019, 03:28 PM   #13
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You need a capacitor tester

Quote:
Originally Posted by waynemoore View Post
Ok guys here is my story and I am sticking to it.

Leaving today (Sunday) on a long trip to Canada BC.

On Saturday (Yesterday) found the rear AC will not cool. Not a problem you say as I do have a front AC and that works. But here in Lake Havasu City AZ on Saturday its 116F at my house.

Here is what I know as of today. The AC set on cool, the fan will come on but the compressor try's to start but can't. I have a feeling it just may be the start Capacitor???

PLEASE tell me I may be right or I am full of it and should just replace the AC.

Also this is a Domietic AC 15000BTU whisper air on a 2015 3582RL Montana.

How do I check it (test the Capacitor).

And if bad where can I get one??

Thanks for any help.
Most multi meters have a capacitor tester it may be start capacitor or you may need a hard start capacitor if compressor is to tight
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Old 08-05-2019, 03:44 PM   #14
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Hi Wayne
Do you run a power correction transformer in your rig...low power can happen so quickly at the worst time during a startup, that chances are that you wouldn't know it, mili -seconds. I use the Hughes 50 amp, hard wired in, & I just remove it & move to the next trailer, we have had ours for years. Our last rig was the 3402, very similar to yours, & I installed it under the stairs with the LED's facing the living room, the booster was often correcting the power no matter where we camped.
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Old 08-05-2019, 05:24 PM   #15
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Get it to a professional
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