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lj2654's avatar
lj2654
Explorer
Apr 30, 2017

I think my ac is shot.

I went out to the Motorhome to check the ac. Seemed hotter than the 83 degrees I keep it set on. Turned down the thermostat and it started as usual, after about 12 seconds the compressor tried to come on, loud noises and it shut back off to just the fan. Original Dometic 13500 unit from 2001.Its a 600315.321 model. The thermostat was replaced last year with an lcd single zone thermostat and a new control box.

How do I figure out what the heck I need?
Class A
  • tropical36's avatar
    tropical36
    Explorer
    May 05, 2017
    lj2654 wrote:
    I went out to the Motorhome to check the ac. Seemed hotter than the 83 degrees I keep it set on. Turned down the thermostat and it started as usual, after about 12 seconds the compressor tried to come on, loud noises and it shut back off to just the fan. Original Dometic 13500 unit from 2001.Its a 600315.321 model. The thermostat was replaced last year with an lcd single zone thermostat and a new control box.

    How do I figure out what the heck I need?

    It's worth a go, to change out the hard start capacitor and if that doesn't get it, save it for a spare for later.
    Just put in the new one, wire for wire, or look at the drawing on the cover.
  • crasster's avatar
    crasster
    Explorer II
    May 05, 2017
    Mandalay Parr wrote:
    You can go out on top, remove the cover and see what all that noise is about, or you can call an AC tech to help you.


    X2 inspect that thing first and then see if it is something obvious to DIY. Could be something bad (mechanical) or junk up in the AC unit. May even be a corroded wire that croaked and can be fairly easily replaced.
  • doxiemom11's avatar
    doxiemom11
    Explorer II
    May 01, 2017
    Ours did that - needed a new start capacitor. Made a horrible noise. Didn't cost much to replace it.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Apr 30, 2017
    lj2654 wrote:
    Do you have two roof A/C units? yes I have two units
    Ok, that's a surprise. Then are they both trying to start at the same time?

    What power source are you using?
  • lj2654's avatar
    lj2654
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2017
    Do you have two roof A/C units? yes I have two units

    Are they ducted? Yes ducted,each has its own thermostat
  • cdl2's avatar
    cdl2
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2017
    I'd try turning it off, & then back on after about 5 minutes.
    They shut down when they short cycle.
    Do you have two roof A/C units?
    Are they ducted?
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Apr 30, 2017
    If you replace the unit. You have a Lo Profile PENGUIN model. Make sure you specify a replacement Penguin with NO onboard control board. This is because you have a separate control module/tstat assbly. Most new Penguins have the 12 button control board already installed. Doug
  • lj2654's avatar
    lj2654
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2017
    I had the start capacitor replaced once before on this one so we will see I guess.

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