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dpgllg's avatar
dpgllg
Explorer
Jul 13, 2019

Dometic AC potential issues

SEE UPDATE ON PAGE 2

My Dometic AC froze up while camping last weekend. I would let it thaw and it seemed to work for awhile and then freeze up again.

When we got it to the storage yard I took the inside cover off and discovered that the Freeze control sensor was not connected. I ordered a replacement and brought the RV home so I could plug it in. I replaced the sensor and the air is moving but it does not seem that cold to me.

I made sure that the baffle between the warm and cold air was in place and not leaking. The AC is putting water out across my roof as expected.

My brother looked at it and he said "maybe" the compressor is going bad. I have no clue how to tell if the compressor is having issues.

This AC is 25 months old so it shouldn't be worn out. I have already talked to Dometic and they are going to extend my warranty to get it repaired or replaced but I have to wait for an appointment anywhere between 4 to 6 weeks to get into the shop.

While I'm waiting is there anything else I can do to troubleshoot the AC? I'm going to let it run awhile to make sure that the freeze up is resolved. If it does freeze up again then it's possible that the Freon is low. Since it is a sealed unit then a replacement would be required.

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

Dave
  • It is very difficult to find a correct website to list all the components needed.
    This is the CT tstat KIT Dometic 3316230.000 RV Single Zone CT Thermostat w/ Control Board Kit White
    1.You need the upper 15k in black--Dometic Brisk Air Air Conditioner, 15K BTU, Black
    2. You need the CT single zone kit
    3. You need the interior mount kit which is this--Dometic 3105935.047 Quick Cool Ducted A/C Ceiling Assembly
    So, you need 3 separate parts. Doug
  • SEE UPDATE BELOW

    OP Here,

    An update on the AC unit. It has not froze up again BUT I do not believe it is working as it should.

    Things that I have done so far:
    1. Replaced Freeze sensor.

    2. Made sure upper unit was clean and free of debris.

    3. Made sure drain holes onto roof were free.

    4. Verified squirrel cage and main fan operate.

    5. Cleaned interior filter

    6. Put thermometers on interior air intake and one on the output vents. Less than 5 degree difference in temperature. Temperature at output vent was 76. Thermostat set to 66. AC only shuts off around 2 or 3 in morning when outside temps are in mid 60's. If outside temp is above 70 does not shut off.

    7. Spoke to Dometic. They are going to extend warranty until I get it into a service center for inspection.

    8. Called multiple service centers including selling dealer. Selling dealer is 3 hours away and has a 8 to 12 week wait. Of the 4 dealers close by one refuses to work on Dometic because they will not pay him and ship defective replacement parts. The 3 others will work on it BUT I have to pay up front and then seek reimbursement from Dometic. Dometic refused this option. All local dealers also have a minimum of 5 to 6 week wait just to be seen. # of the dealers believe the upper unit needs replaced based on symptoms.

    9. One dealer Dometic recommended (45 minutes away) will accept warranty but the person who does the work is semi-retired and only comes in when he wants. I have to call back on Monday to see if he might be coming in next week. If he decides to come in then there is a chance I could get it looked at next week.

    So I'm going to shut the AC off and wait and call Monday.

    I'm just afraid that the rest of the camping season will be lost while this issue is resolved.

    Dave
  • Most likely have a refrigerant leak. Mine had same behavior (freezing up, not much cooling between intake and output). Had to replace whole unit. Some people can find leak and fix and refill, but this isn't recommended and considered a short term fix.
  • [COLOR=]UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

    OP Here,

    While waiting to find a service facility I kept working on the AC. I replaced the control board and thermostat as I obtained one at a reasonable price and it was fairly easy to replace.

    After the replacement the air was not that cool and after running overnight it froze up the next day. The place I was going to call this morning has absolutely horrible reviews online about 9 negative to 1 positive including theft vandalism and poor repairs. I won't risk taking my RV there.

    My selling dealer is mid November on getting me in and we are supposed to be in Disney November 8th. Other places are December and January.

    Since I have already replaced everything else I have ordered a replacement upper unit which will arrive this Thursday. My brother and several of his friends / coworkers are coming Saturday to install it. I'm hoping that everything goes well and we will be able to travel again soon.

    I will provide another update once installed.

    Dave