Forum Discussion

Rudyp's avatar
Rudyp
Explorer
May 21, 2014

Dometic A/C 13500 BTU Capacitor replacement

I bought my motorhome new in June 2007. In July 2011, I had to have the front ac capacitor replaced. I paid CW $158.00 part and labor to replace it. Well less then 3yrs. later (day before yesterday) it went out on me again; not blowing cool air. I have yet to have to replace a capacitor on any rv ac that I have owned. The rear ac is still fine. I would like to know has anyone else that has this unit had the same problem, replacing it twice in 7 years? Thanks for any response.
Rudy
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    You can buy capacitors very inexpensively on Amazon and from other sources. I've replaced them on our HOME A/C (central system) so many times that I keep a spare on hand. Home unit uses only a combined HERM (compressor) and FAN RUN capacitor. No Start Device. The RV uses the same PLUS a Start Device made up of a Capacitor and a Relay. I keep a RUN cap plus a SUPCO SPP6E Start Device. So far, of course, RV hasn't needed one.
    Not all Capacitors are equal. They are rated for various service lives in terms of operating hours. I had one of the cheap ones at the house and it didn't last long at all. That was when a parts person pointed out the difference and I got the better one.
  • Luck you..I paid a lot more then that for an emergency repair in 100 degree weather I now carry a spare. Now I must say it was my wifes fault it burned up. She set the thermostat to the lowest setting before we left and 3 hours later it was frozen solid and putting so much strain it burned out the capacitor. I now carry a spare just in case. Only thing I'm worried about is replacing it myself I heard you have to de-energize the old one or something???? And always make sure you wipe up the fluid it eats anything. If any one knows how to replace one please post it!!!!! Thanks!!
  • One possibility, often times the blower shaft will corrode and seize during the winter here. If you try to start a seized motor too many times it will destroy the cap.