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Old 05-30-2018, 01:18 PM   #1
AmyG2200
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Wire from wall thermostat

We need some advice. We have a 2008 Montana 3400rl, beautiful, like new condition. Only problem is we went to check things out for the first trip of the year, and the air conditioning doesn't work. The thermostat on the wall doesn't even light up. So, we gently took it off and the wire has been chewed in half. It looks like the landline telephone wire with the clips on the end. We cannot see the end that apparently goes to the air conditioner, it's down in the wall, behind a cabinet.
Our question is, is this something we can trace back and repair/replace without dismantling the cabinet, or, should we leave it to the pros?

We also found evidence of a small critter in the cabinets that are under the countertop. This does connect to the same area of the damaged wire. Plus, my husband heard movement in the roof/attic area. That explains the insulation we found under the countertop cabinets.

We have traps set throughout the unit for any critters left.

We're just frustrated, not being able to hit the road. Any help, ideas, suggestions are appreciated.
 
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Old 05-30-2018, 03:26 PM   #2
captl27
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I would get a mechanics extendable mirror like the one from harbor freight shown below that will fit in the hole and a flexible grab tool and give grabbing it and pulling it up out the hole a try.




https://www.harborfreight.com/2-inch...aft-97217.html
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Old 05-30-2018, 04:32 PM   #3
Carl n Susan
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That wire is just a 4 wire telephone code with RJ11 plugs (if I remember the terminology fro working with them 15 years a go) on the end. If you can find the break then it can be repaired. I suspect it runs up the wall and into the ceiling to get to the A/C unit. You may have to pull light fixtures along the ceiling to try and find the wire. Hopefully it was chewed up in the wall or just below it which you get to from the back of the pass thru compartment.

Good Luck!!
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Old 05-30-2018, 07:19 PM   #4
AmyG2200
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Great idea! Thanks.
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Old 05-31-2018, 10:52 AM   #5
AmyG2200
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Thank you, we're going to give this try. We never thought of going through the light fixtures. Just trying to save some $$ before we're forced to take it to a repair shop.
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Old 05-31-2018, 01:12 PM   #6
rohrmann
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Just remember that the 'phone' cable is the same type of wire with the same connectors, but it is not connected the same way as a regular phone cable. I don't remember exactly the difference, but do know it's not the same, so a replacement can not be made with a new phone cable.
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Old 05-31-2018, 05:02 PM   #7
jcurtis934
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The cable has its wires reversed in the other end, pin 1 at one end is pin 4 at the other end. One of these wires carries ground, one carries 12vdc, the other two are signal wires that are decoded in the air conditioner electronics to control one or more ac units and the furnace.
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Old 05-31-2018, 07:05 PM   #8
AmyG2200
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Thanks for the information. If by chance we can find the other end of the cable, where would one purchase it, and what exactly should I call it?
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Old 05-31-2018, 10:29 PM   #9
rohrmann
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AmyG2200 View Post
Thanks for the information. If by chance we can find the other end of the cable, where would one purchase it, and what exactly should I call it?



http://www.dyersonline.com/dometic-a...ion-cable.html
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Old 05-31-2018, 11:27 PM   #10
AmyG2200
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Thank you so much. This is very helpful.
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