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Old 06-08-2016, 11:15 AM   #1
pete
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AC freezing up

2016 Mountaineer. Dometic AC. Coils freeze up and shut down air flow.
Have been using fan on high setting as I read low could allow condensation on coils from humidity extraction. I am in a low humidity area (Montana). Any ideas appreciated.
Thanks,
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Old 06-08-2016, 11:19 AM   #2
DQDick
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First thing to check is your filters in the return air ducts, mine are full of dust when I change them monthly. Some have also found the ducts collapsed or clogged with construction waste.
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Old 06-08-2016, 11:30 AM   #3
pete
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Thanks Dick. Have checked that. It is the freezing of the coils totally shut that blocks it. When it defrosts it is fine again.
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Old 06-08-2016, 11:47 AM   #4
kdeiss
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Try running fan on High Speed only when Humidity is high
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Old 06-08-2016, 12:31 PM   #5
WaltBennett
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If the inside coils are freezing up you've too much humidity INSIDE your trailer. Sounds like you've more humidity than even the AC fan on high can handle. If the outdoor air is dry, try opening a couple of windows and using your Fantastic Fan to vent out what's inside at night. Also use your bathroom vent when showering & stove vent when cooking on the range.
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Old 06-08-2016, 01:27 PM   #6
phillyg
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Don't know for sure, but it's possible your freon is low.
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Old 06-08-2016, 04:13 PM   #7
tomd
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With high humidity I set the fan to run on low all the time.
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Old 06-08-2016, 04:37 PM   #8
rohrmann
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I think there is a sensor clipped or inserted into the coils or fins of the coils that keeps the freeze up from happening. If the sensor is not connected at the coils, maybe it has fallen off.
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Old 06-08-2016, 04:40 PM   #9
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Have you looked at the coils themselves to see if something is plugging the space between the fins and if so, look for that sensor. The sensor should initiate a defrost cycle.
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Old 06-08-2016, 04:49 PM   #10
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I had the same problem with my 2015 year model Dometic - same symptoms. An air dam that separates the output flow from the intake came loose and fell down out of place allowing recirculation of the cold air. A service tech told me this was a common problem with the Dometic units and he had fixed several like it. He popped a couple of sheet metal screws in the dam to hold it up in place and also taped the seams with aluminum tape.

The dam is accessible from the bottom - remove the frame (not just the filter door) and push around to see if yours is loose.
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Old 06-08-2016, 05:00 PM   #11
Bill.vannuys
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Same problem for me with the Air Dam shifting between input and output and causing unit to freeze a few years ago on SOB. Mechanic fixed it, worked great with no more freezing.
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Old 06-08-2016, 07:52 PM   #12
Artemus Gordon
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I must be doing things wrong?. When mine freeze up, I turn AC fans on high! Auto or low speed seem to make them freeze up when compressor cycles. Our problem is extremely high heat where we live, maybe things work differently in high humidity climates. Also I was told once that low refrigerant is self correcting till its empty. Is it not a closed pressurized system?
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Old 06-09-2016, 12:16 AM   #13
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Thank you all for the help. I will look for the sensor and remove the trim to check the air dam. I did notice that when the filter cover is removed there is quite a bit of air movement through where the caming side of the cover is inserted. Will also open windows when starting to use the air to purge humidity. I am parked for 3 months in our summer "home" in eastern Idaho and do not want to have to take it in. Will post results.
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Old 06-09-2016, 01:42 AM   #14
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2016 model not under warranty?
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Old 06-09-2016, 06:16 AM   #15
jcurtis934
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No problems with ours sitting outside west yellowstone so far. We leave our bedroom air set one degree higher than living room and fan to auto. Have never had a freeze yet, whether here, new mexico for three months last year, florida for normally six months but did do eighteen months straight year before, maine, georgia. But then, this is not the newer style ac system. John
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Old 06-09-2016, 07:33 AM   #16
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i read somewhere that if you are going to run the fan on continuous, run it on high or it will freeze up. worth a try!!
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Old 06-21-2016, 12:12 AM   #17
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I have retaped the cold air dam. It was done poorly and loose at all the edges. Not blocking any cold air at all. We are also running fan on high and opening a couple of windows when starting the unit to bleed of interior moisture if present. Worked fine yesterday which was our first hot day since initial post. I have my fingers crossed. Thank you all for the impute.
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