Forum Discussion

duggram's avatar
duggram
Explorer
Sep 22, 2013

AC quit then restarted 15 min later. Problem?

I accidentally set my AC thermostat too low and the unit started. I immediately set the temp higher to turn it off and did this because I didn't notice what temp turned it on. Then I slowly lowered the temp to see what temp turns it on and it wouldn't come on.

After a few minutes I set to temp to a value that I knew would bring the AC on. Nothing. I left it. About 15 minutes later it came on.

That the AC didn't come on immediately when set much lower than room temp, is this a sign of a problem?

7 Replies

  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Sep 22, 2013
    We've experienced a longer delay in compressor start when the campground voltage was low. I can only figure the compressor gets hotter, stays hot longer, and might also be harder to start.
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Sep 22, 2013
    camperpaul wrote:
    The delay is caused by the time it takes for the compressor to bleed-down.

    True to a degree. There is NOTHING that monitors the compressor pressure. The RV wall tstats/control boards have about a 2 minute 45 second delay each time the tstat is reset. The compressor will usually bleed down in that time frame to prevent an overload when starting. Doug
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2013
    that is why my multi-function surge protector has a restart delay.
    bumpy
  • camperpaul's avatar
    camperpaul
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2013
    The delay is caused by the time it takes for the compressor to bleed-down.
  • Golden_HVAC's avatar
    Golden_HVAC
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2013
    Hi,

    Normally the off time should be only 3-5 minutes. However each time you tried to turn it on, then shut it off (by raising and lowering the temp) you could have re-set the off timer.

    So yes it is working normal, but should have only stayed off for 5 minutes.



    Fred.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Sep 22, 2013
    duggram wrote:
    is this a sign of a problem?
    No, but it should be 5 minutes, not 15.
  • Terryallan's avatar
    Terryallan
    Explorer II
    Sep 22, 2013
    duggram wrote:
    I accidentally set my AC thermostat too low and the unit started. I immediately set the temp higher to turn it off and did this because I didn't notice what temp turned it on. Then I slowly lowered the temp to see what temp turns it on and it wouldn't come on.

    After a few minutes I set to temp to a value that I knew would bring the AC on. Nothing. I left it. About 15 minutes later it came on.

    That the AC didn't come on immediately when set much lower than room temp, is this a sign of a problem?


    Once you turn it off while running. It takes a few minutes to reset itself. Sounds like all is well. It's normal. Scary though huh.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,362 PostsLatest Activity: Mar 02, 2026