AC just stopped working….looking for advice…… Yesterday I turned on my AC and it does not blow cold air. I believe the compressor is kicking on, but immediately kicks off. I say this based on watching my electricity meter. When I turn it on the needle spikes to the low range and then immediately kicks to the mid-range. Since Oct 2005 when we purchased our Cruiser new, we have had zero problems with our AC, it has worked great. This week, all of a sudden and without any warning of trouble it just stops working. One weekend it worked fine all weekend….the next it didn’t. My unit is the Dometic Dou-Therm (model 59516.531). The fan works fine but the compressor will not stay on. I’m certainly not an AC person but I have been reading some on the internet. Is it reasonable to think it is simply the capacitor or the starter that has gone bad? Is there any kind of work-around?I contacted my service center and they said these AC’s have a life expectancy of 7-8 years….is that correct?

I would first check the 120VAC voltage... If it is below 110VAC might be too low and the a/c would kick off line...I always have one of these RV 120VAC plug-in AC meters where I can get a quick glance at them... This model has the "SAFE" zone shown in GREEN...Roy Ken

There is probably some type of circuit protection that will shutdown the compressor if it doesn't start after a certain period of time. With age or after a long period of inoperation the amount of power required to start a compressor can increase. In addition the start capacitor can deteriorate resulting a non-start of the compressor.I found what I believe is the circuit schematic for your model and it does look like there is a start capacitor...http://www.dometic.com/1f24ead8-6316-41b6-894c-d01f87ce6bad.fodocProbably the least expensive attempt to fix the issue would be replacing the start capacitor.The schematic also shows a PTCR (positive temperature coefficent resistor) that is a circuit protection device which senses heat and will shut the unit down if during starting overheating occurs. It possible that the thermistor is damaged and needs to be replaced. The replacement start capacitor might already have the PTCR included in the enclosure.BTW, if the unit doesn't start when you trying turning it on you should wait a few minutes before trying to restart. If the PTCR shut the unit down as a result of overheating you need to give it time to cool down before attempting another restart.P.S. If you're not absolutely certain about what you are doing let someone that does do the analysis and replacing of any parts. Electricity is very unforgiving.

A bad cap can cause that symptom. Cheap and easy to replace to find out Often simply taking the two covers off will tell the story. Capacitor or PTCR guts everywhere.

More info pleasewhat are you plugged into? 50amp - 30amp - 20amp? Plugged direct or using extention cords, dogbones, etc?

Plugged in to 50A at my house. Using an RV extension cord.

AC just stopped working….looking for advice……

15 Replies

tcamper
Explorer
Sep 19, 2013
Plugged in to 50A at my house. Using an RV extension cord.
3_dog_nights
Explorer
Sep 19, 2013
More info please
what are you plugged into? 50amp - 30amp - 20amp? Plugged direct or using extention cords, dogbones, etc?
Big_Katuna
Explorer II
Sep 19, 2013
A bad cap can cause that symptom. Cheap and easy to replace to find out
Often simply taking the two covers off will tell the story.
Capacitor or PTCR guts everywhere.
2edgesword
Explorer
Sep 19, 2013
There is probably some type of circuit protection that will shutdown the compressor if it doesn't start after a certain period of time. With age or after a long period of inoperation the amount of power required to start a compressor can increase. In addition the start capacitor can deteriorate resulting a non-start of the compressor.

I found what I believe is the circuit schematic for your model and it does look like there is a start capacitor...

http://www.dometic.com/1f24ead8-6316-41b6-894c-d01f87ce6bad.fodoc

Probably the least expensive attempt to fix the issue would be replacing the start capacitor.

The schematic also shows a PTCR (positive temperature coefficent resistor) that is a circuit protection device which senses heat and will shut the unit down if during starting overheating occurs. It possible that the thermistor is damaged and needs to be replaced. The replacement start capacitor might already have the PTCR included in the enclosure.

BTW, if the unit doesn't start when you trying turning it on you should wait a few minutes before trying to restart. If the PTCR shut the unit down as a result of overheating you need to give it time to cool down before attempting another restart.

P.S. If you're not absolutely certain about what you are doing let someone that does do the analysis and replacing of any parts. Electricity is very unforgiving.
RoyB
Explorer II
Sep 19, 2013
I would first check the 120VAC voltage... If it is below 110VAC might be too low and the a/c would kick off line...

I always have one of these RV 120VAC plug-in AC meters where I can get a quick glance at them... This model has the "SAFE" zone shown in GREEN...

Roy Ken

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AC just stopped working….looking for advice……

15 Replies

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