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Old 04-05-2019, 04:22 AM   #1
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AC trouble

Hi all, I have 2 Dometic AC units on the roof of my MH. Both are doing the exact same thing.
I turn on the AC (front, rear or both it doesn't matter) the fan comes on the compressor kicks in and I've got cold air blowing perfectly. However, every time after about 3 minutes the compressor shuts off. The fan keeps blowing but the air gets progressively warmer and the pump never comes back on. If I shut it down then restart it does the exact same thing, compressor works for 3 minutes then shuts off.
Any idea's or guidance is appreciated!
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Old 04-05-2019, 11:12 AM   #2
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Is your fan setting on both A/C's set to automatic instead of on?
Rusty
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Old 04-05-2019, 01:10 PM   #3
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Hi, thanks for the reply. I’ve actually tried it both ways several times. It makes no difference.
What’s really got me confused is both units are doing this. So either both have the exact same problem ( possible but doubtful) or it’s something upstream that feeds to both units. What could that be? I’m working on getting a wiring diagram at the moment.
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Old 04-05-2019, 01:33 PM   #4
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My A/C guy told me they put R40 or some R number in the units that weren't sealed for R40. It did the same as when 134A was added to R12 units, seals leaked and units failed.

There is enough refrigerant in the unit to get it started but after the refrigerant gets in circulation the low pressure switch kicks in and shuts the compressor down, therefore the hot air.



My zone 2 A/C does that so I'll have my guy come out and shove some gas in it until such time I replace the unit.


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Old 04-05-2019, 07:55 PM   #5
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the units are sealed and i do not believe gas can be added.

Have you checked your power to see how much draw you have? if the unit overheats from not enough power, it will shut down. I had this issue when I used an underpowered generator.
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Old 04-05-2019, 08:03 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by franktafl View Post
the units are sealed and i do not believe gas can be added.

Well Frank, the dealer would want you to believe they can't be recharged so they can sell you a new unit.
The A/Cs weren't born with gas in them, it had to be added after all was assembled.
A simple inline port can be sweated in the low pressure side to provide for charging.
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Old 04-05-2019, 08:43 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by sundancer 87 View Post
Well Frank, the dealer would want you to believe they can't be recharged so they can sell you a new unit.
The A/Cs weren't born with gas in them, it had to be added after all was assembled.
A simple inline port can be sweated in the low pressure side to provide for charging.
what are the chances that both of your ac's are low on refrigerant?
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Old 04-06-2019, 10:00 AM   #8
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sundancer87 is right on. RV'er next to me had it done on his unit in Fort Myers Beach.
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Old 04-06-2019, 11:40 AM   #9
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sundancer87 is right on. RV'er next to me had it done on his unit in Fort Myers Beach.
Rusty
I think it depends on how old the AC is. I looked at mine and a portion of it is completely covered in aluminum and you can't see the compressor. but... maybe there's a way. I noticed on the older units that they kinda look like a regular AC unit and you can add a port to the low side line.
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Old 04-06-2019, 01:57 PM   #10
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Thanks everyone for the replies, this is a MH, 2018. I had my last camper for 5 year so we are working through the "new camper quality issues". The dealer is 2 months out to get me in and look at the AC so I'm trying to research it myself and put it out here to see if it's something I can handle. I'm probably going to call Dometic tech support next week and see what they say. I need to climb up there and check the voltage next for sure. Need to find a Youtube video how to do that Thanks again!
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Old 04-07-2019, 02:53 PM   #11
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Not being totally familiar with your RV multiple AC system, Are both units running simultaneously and both controlled by one thermostat? If so, I would look at the thermostat.
Thermostat could be shutting down power to the compressors, and when you shut off the AC and restart it, you could be resetting it. Good Luck
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Old 04-08-2019, 04:50 PM   #12
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You can use a clamp-on piercing valve or a sweat-on valve to charge these rv units. As far as a low pressure switch, I have never seen one on an rv rooftop unit. Not saying they ain't out there but I have never seen one.
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Old 04-10-2019, 10:29 PM   #13
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Do they share a single thermostat?
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Old 04-10-2019, 10:48 PM   #14
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My A/C in the brand new camper did the same thing. I adjusted the thermostat limiter on the thermostat itself. I could only cool the camper to 74 degrees, Now it will cool to 68 degrees interior temperature. I only adjusted mine a small amount, may do it some more later if the summer demands it. this site will help you understand it. https://www.thefitrv.com/rv-tips/mak...nditioner-mod/
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Old 04-11-2019, 01:07 AM   #15
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Originally Posted by franktafl View Post
what are the chances that both of your ac's are low on refrigerant?
I had 2 out of 3 low on refrigerant at the same time. I added a valve and then Freon. They work great now.
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Old 04-11-2019, 02:07 PM   #16
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I had 2 out of 3 low on refrigerant at the same time. I added a valve and then Freon. They work great now.
Questions would be, How did you determine they were low charge? Why were they low charge? Did you checks for leaks and repair any leaks found? Did you just add freon and call it good?
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Old 04-11-2019, 05:23 PM   #17
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I just installed the valves and split a can between the front and rear AC units. I used the middle unit all the time and these two almost never. I use all three all the time now. I don't know if lack of use was the issue.
I call it good until it isn't anymore. We'll see if this last longer than 4.5 years.
I suspected they were low charge by reading articles and posts on forums and my experience with other AC units. I ordered the parts, Freon and gauge and when I hooked up the gauge my suspicions were confirmed. Cold air is blowing now.
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