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showme's avatar
showme
Explorer III
Aug 16, 2024

2000 Montana Dometic AC fan quit blowing. I have a capacitor question.

We have our 2000 5th wheel parked on the property we're getting ready to build on, and although it's more of a tool shed than a living area, we still turn the AC on when we're down there working on the place. The other day I switched on the power to the 5er (we have solar set up that will power the house and outbuildings), walked over to the trailer and the compressor was humming but the AC fan wasn't blowing air. After a few youtube videos, I knew the problem is probably the capacitors. I've changed them out in our home AC quite a few times. But the videos I watched all had Start, fan and run capacitors. Mine has a dual fan and run capacitor, 60 and 5 microfarads, but no start capacitor.Is this correct for a 2000 Dometic roof AC? The only other electrical part I could find was the relay, but I just want to make sure before I order the capacitor. Thanks for any help or comments on this. Lee

  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Oct 28, 2024

    Glad you got it fixed. Thanks for coming back and updating us.

  • showme's avatar
    showme
    Explorer III
    Oct 27, 2024

    I just realized I had not reported back. I changed the capacitor and, though I don't know why, it started working again. This has been a month or so ago, so, my apologies for not getting back on. The older I get, the worse my memory is, it seems. Thanks to all who helped! Lee

  • showme's avatar
    showme
    Explorer III
    Aug 23, 2024

    Well, I took the new capacitor down to the property yesterday, but after it was installed, the same thing is happening. Condensor hums, but the fan isn't kicking on. I guess today I'll check the fan motor and see if it's ok, and now I'm wondering about the relay, too. It seems that when I start troubleshooting something like this, it's never the easiest fixes first. I may end up with a rebuilt AC by the time I'm done with it. In that case, at least I'll know it's good for a few years, anyway. So it's back to the drawing board. 

  • wrvond's avatar
    wrvond
    Explorer II
    Aug 20, 2024

    Before replacing components, check for obstructions in the fan area. It is not uncommon for wasps to build nests that keep the fan from turning which results in the symptoms you describe.

     

    • showme's avatar
      showme
      Explorer III
      Aug 20, 2024

      When I opened up the AC, I checked everything and it all looked pretty good. This spring when I washed the trailer I took the cap off and cleaned it all up, including using AC foam on the AC coil. Got a few mud dobber nests out of it, but it's good now. The fan side of the capacitor is testing bad, and the new one came in the other day. I just have to get back down there and install it. Thanks for the suggestion! 

  • StirCrazy's avatar
    StirCrazy
    Moderator
    Aug 16, 2024

    sounds about right, if you know the model of the ac it would be easier to know forsure, but not a lot came with start capacitors in the old days.  

    • showme's avatar
      showme
      Explorer III
      Aug 16, 2024

      Thanks, that's what I was hoping to hear. It is 24 years old and I could find no other capacitors in the unit, so I figured this was the case. I just wanted to make sure. I went ahead and ordered another dual run capacitor that will be here in a few days. Of course, the heat here in southeast Missouri decided to jump back up to the usual August mid-90's highs. But I don't spend much time in the 5th wheel when I'm down there. I'm mostly sweating outside getting work done. Thanks for your reply, StirCrazy. Lee

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