Forum Discussion

Gcworth's avatar
Gcworth
Explorer
Nov 22, 2014

A/C compressor not kicking on

Bought a used 32 foot Hornet by Damon Corp for deerlease. A/C ran this summer (although it wasn't super cold) and when the compressor was running it would kick it off anytime to turned on s light or any other electronic. Doesn't make sense being on different circuits? Now the compressor will not kick on. The thermostat just keeps clicking and nothing happens. I just replaced all three capacitors today and still nothing. Cleaned the coil with foam cleaner at same time.

Any ideas? Bad thermostat maybe? Fan works when you put to on.

Thanks,
  • newman_fulltime's avatar
    newman_fulltime
    Explorer II
    Nov 22, 2014
    sounds like your converter might not be working or a bad battery confim you have at least 12.6 volts at the least
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Nov 22, 2014
    shore power OR with generator ?

    energy management system ? check settings
  • Gcworth's avatar
    Gcworth
    Explorer
    Nov 22, 2014
    Shore power. I left the temp to 60 and auto to take a nap to see what it did and about 10 min later it kicked on. It ran for an hour then turned off. Then it turned back on after 5 mins or so. I didn't mess with lights or anything because I didn't know if the capacitors needed to charge or anything.
  • Gcworth's avatar
    Gcworth
    Explorer
    Nov 22, 2014
    I have the battery turned off. I'm only running the 30A 240V shore power. Where should I test it at to check for the 12.6V? The inverter lugs Or are those still line voltage off the breaker?
  • Victory402's avatar
    Victory402
    Explorer
    Nov 22, 2014
    If the thermostat is turning on the fan then your 12v is working. Since you mentioned it wasn't cooling well last summer, then it could be a low freon level safety switch that is keeping your compressor from engaging.
  • newman_fulltime's avatar
    newman_fulltime
    Explorer II
    Nov 22, 2014
    Gcworth wrote:
    I have the battery turned off. I'm only running the 30A 240V shore power. Where should I test it at to check for the 12.6V? The inverter lugs Or are those still line voltage off the breaker?

    ihope your not on 30amp 240 volt if so you have fried things in the trailer
  • JaxDad's avatar
    JaxDad
    Explorer III
    Nov 23, 2014
    Gcworth wrote:
    A/C ran this summer (although it wasn't super cold)

    Now the compressor will not kick on. The thermostat just keeps clicking and nothing happens. I just replaced all three capacitors today and still nothing. Cleaned the coil with foam cleaner at same time.

    Any ideas? Bad thermostat maybe? Fan works when you put to on.

    Thanks,


    It wasn't very cold, now it won't cycle. If there's low (or no) refrigerant it won't allow the compressor to run so you don't burn it up running the system dry.
  • Gcworth's avatar
    Gcworth
    Explorer
    Nov 23, 2014
    newman fulltimer wrote:
    Gcworth wrote:
    I have the battery turned off. I'm only running the 30A 240V shore power. Where should I test it at to check for the 12.6V? The inverter lugs Or are those still line voltage off the breaker?

    ihope your not on 30amp 240 volt if so you have fried things in the trailer


    No it's a typo. It's on 30A 120v not 240.
  • Gcworth's avatar
    Gcworth
    Explorer
    Nov 23, 2014
    JaxDad wrote:
    Gcworth wrote:
    A/C ran this summer (although it wasn't super cold)

    Now the compressor will not kick on. The thermostat just keeps clicking and nothing happens. I just replaced all three capacitors today and still nothing. Cleaned the coil with foam cleaner at same time.

    Any ideas? Bad thermostat maybe? Fan works when you put to on.

    Thanks,


    It wasn't very cold, now it won't cycle. If there's low (or no) refrigerant it won't allow the compressor to run so you don't burn it up running the system dry.


    It ran today. I swapped the capacitors and let it sit on auto and it finally kicked on and ran for about an hour. It turned off them about 5 min later it came back on.

    Where is the limiter switch at if it needs replacing? Also how can you recharge the coolant? I don't see any valves like on a car or house a/c unit.

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