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enahs's avatar
enahs
Explorer
Aug 15, 2020

AC Not Working / Unusual Symptoms

Dometic Penguin AC on kids R-Pod has failed. Ran but did not cool. Then started to blow shore power source breaker in campground and at home, regardless of attaching cord used. No breaker in RV was tripped. Then started, fan runs, but AC cycles every several minutes. Unit is 5 years old and is clean. Local RV repair opinion is that freon is gone and unit is beyond reasonable repair. But before doing a replacement (which is not currently available), I would like to have a bit more insight on the likely problem. I am reasonably good at this stuff and could do the electrical checks. But before getting up there, I would like to know if this sounds like a freon issue (which I accept as beyond repair).
  • 12th_Man_Fan's avatar
    12th_Man_Fan
    Explorer
    Aug 15, 2020
    Gas can be replaced but you have to install a valve in the line. These are considered throw away units but if you have the tools an know how you can add freon. The question is how long will it last.

    It sounds like something was seized in the unit such as the fan or the compressor that was tripping the breakers.

    Good luck.
  • enahs's avatar
    enahs
    Explorer
    Aug 15, 2020
    Only price I find for a replacement is nearly $1000 or more, depending on source. (Dometic 936008723). I'll do that if necessary. But would like to be a bit clearer on the problem before turning the screwdriver (which I do quite well). BTW, discover additional symptom. Unit works hard to start AC. Fan requires an initial spin to start, then it starts and restarts with no issue.
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    Aug 15, 2020
    You can replace it for under $700, if you can turn a screwdriver.

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