
If your camper's rooftop air conditioner is acting up, don't panic. There are a number of common issues that can cause problems with your AC unit, and many of them are easy to fix yourself.
First, check that your unit is receiving power. If it's not, you may need to plug in your RV or flip the breaker. If your unit is receiving power but still isn't turning on, check the batteries in the remote. If the problem persists, you may need to call a professional.
If your AC is blowing out hot air, check the thermostat. If adjusting the temperature doesn't work, you may need to replace the thermostat.
A noisy AC unit could be the result of rubber shock absorbers being out of place and brushing up against the fan or compressor coils. To fix this, remove the AC unit cover and adjust the rubber shock absorbers.
If there is ice on your AC unit, it may be time to replace the Freon. First, check for any leaks, and if none are found, top off the Freon.
If your AC unit is leaking, it may be due to dirty condenser coils. Wipe down the coils and check the gasket to ensure it's intact and all bolts are secure.
If your AC unit is blowing warm or hot air, test the motor voltage and consider getting a new one.
If your AC unit is emitting a foul smell, clean the radiator and change the filters.
If your AC unit won't turn off, check your thermostat and circuit board. You may need to call a professional to address this issue.
Remember to always turn off the power to your AC unit before attempting any repairs or maintenance.
What You'll Learn
Check the power supply
If your camper's air conditioner is not working, the first thing to do is check the power supply. Start by plugging your RV into a power source and making sure the plug is pushed all the way in. If the plug is in place, check the breaker at the power pole and flip it back on if necessary. Also, check the breaker switches in the breaker box inside the RV.
If the power supply is fine, the next step is to check the power supply to the RV by plugging something into a 110v outlet. If that works, the problem is likely not with the power supply. However, if there is no power, you may need to invest in a multimeter and test the voltage coming into the RV.
If your air conditioner is not turning on, it could be an issue with the battery in the remote. Try changing the batteries, and if that doesn't work, check if anything is broken in the remote. If the remote seems to be functioning properly, check that the electricity in the RV or motorhome is turned on.
If your air conditioner is not blowing cold air, it could be an issue with the thermostat. Check the thermostat setting and adjust the temperature if necessary. If the air conditioner is still blowing hot air, the problem may be with the thermostat itself. To fix this, disconnect the wires leading to the thermostat and attach them together, bypassing the thermostat. If the air conditioner starts working, you will need to buy a new thermostat.
If your air conditioner is not working and you have tried the above steps, the problem may be with the capacitor. The capacitor is used to store electricity and provide a boost to the compressor and fan motor. A bad capacitor can cause the unit to hum while trying to start, run for a short time before tripping the breaker, or blow hot air. You can use a multimeter to test your capacitor. A good capacitor will show a random value on the multimeter that decreases as the probe remains in place. It is easy to replace a bad capacitor. When ordering a new one, make sure to check the model number and required voltage of the old capacitor. Be sure to turn off the power before replacing it and pay attention to the wiring connections.
In summary, there are several things to check if your camper's air conditioner is not working: the power supply to the RV, the batteries in the remote, the thermostat setting, and the capacitor. By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue.
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Check the capacitors
If your camper rooftop air conditioner is malfunctioning, there may be an issue with its capacitors. Capacitors are small, cylindrical devices that store energy to energise the AC's motors. They are among the most frequently used and replaced parts in an air conditioner, so it's important to know how to test them.
Step 1: Check Your AC Capacitor Ratings
Understand the capacitor's working voltage and capacitance value. The working voltage indicates the maximum amount of voltage that can pass through an AC capacitor. Capacitors with voltage ratings of 370V and 440V are common, but 440V is usually preferred. A capacitor's capacitance value is measured in microfarads and indicates the maximum amount of energy it can store. A higher capacitance value means the capacitor can store more electrical charge.
Step 2: Turn Off the Power Supply to the AC Unit
Turn off the AC's power supply at the breaker panel. This is an important safety precaution to prevent the risk of electric shock. Double-check that the power is off using a circuit alert device.
Step 3: Discharge the AC Capacitor
AC capacitors store high-voltage electricity, so they must be carefully discharged before handling. Even after shutting off the power, capacitors may still hold enough power to deliver an electric shock. Use an insulated screwdriver to discharge the capacitor by placing it across the AC terminals.
Step 4: Test the Capacitor
Use a multimeter to obtain the capacitor readings. Place the meter's leads on the terminals of the discharged capacitor. Your reading should fall within six per cent of the rating indicated on the capacitor. If the reading is more than six per cent lower, the capacitor should be replaced.
Signs of a Failing Capacitor
- Unusually high energy bills
- The AC unit produces smoke or a burning smell
- The AC is running but does not produce cold air
- The AC makes clicking or humming noises when running
- The AC takes longer to begin a cooling cycle or won't start at all
- The air conditioner randomly shuts off by itself
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Check the thermostat
If your air conditioner is blowing out hot air, the first thing to do is check the thermostat. If you have set the temperature correctly and the AC continues to blow out hot air, the problem may be with the thermostat itself.
To fix this, disconnect the wires leading to the thermostat and attach them together, bypassing the thermostat entirely. If the AC starts working properly, the thermostat is broken, and you will need to buy a new one.
If the thermostat is working, the problem may be with the control board. If the control board is at fault, you will need to call in a professional to help.
If your AC won't stop running, this could also be a problem with the thermostat. Check your thermostat and/or circuit board. If the thermostat is broken, you will need to replace it with a new one. If the circuit board is affected, you will need to hire a professional.
If your AC is not blowing any air at all, check your fan capacitor and compressor capacitor. If these are fine, check that power is being transmitted to the thermostat by checking if your 12-volt appliances are functioning. If the unit only works when the thermostat wires are connected, the thermostat is faulty and will need to be replaced.
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Check the control board
If your camper rooftop air conditioner is not working, it is important to check the control board. The control board, also known as the circuit board, is responsible for controlling the various functions of the air conditioner, such as turning it on and off, adjusting the temperature, and so on. A faulty control board can cause the air conditioner to malfunction or stop working altogether.
To check the control board, follow these steps:
- Turn off the air conditioner and disconnect the power source. This is an important safety precaution as you will be working with electrical components.
- Locate the control board. It is usually found inside the air conditioner unit, which may require removing the outer cover or shroud. In some models, the control board is located near the front passenger side of the unit, while in others, it may be under an inner insulating cover.
- Inspect the control board for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Look for things like burnt-out components, broken wires, or bent pins/blades.
- If you notice any issues, try cleaning the connections and terminals and then plugging the wiring back in. Sometimes, a faulty connection can cause the control board to malfunction.
- If the control board appears to be damaged beyond repair, you may need to replace it. Contact the air conditioner manufacturer or a reputable dealer to source a replacement control board.
- Before installing a new control board, make sure to take note of the dip switch settings and wiring connections. You will need to match these settings on the new control board to ensure proper functionality.
- Install the new control board by following the manufacturer's instructions or seeking guidance from a professional. Control boards typically involve several wiring connections, so it is important to get this step right.
- Once the new control board is installed, restore power to the air conditioner and test its functionality. Adjust the settings, turn it on and off, and check if it is cooling properly.
Remember, working with electrical components can be dangerous, so if you are unsure or uncomfortable at any point, it is best to consult a professional technician for assistance.
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Check the fan motor
If your rooftop camper air conditioner is not working properly, there are a few things you can check before calling in a professional. Firstly, check if the fan motor is working. The fan motor is responsible for circulating air across the condenser and evaporator, and if it's not functioning properly, it could result in weak or non-existent airflow.
To check the fan motor, start by inspecting it for any dirt or debris buildup. If it looks dirty, give it a quick cleaning. You can also try oiling the fan motor to see if that resolves any issues. If the fan motor is making unusual noises, it could be due to a lack of oil or a more serious problem.
If cleaning and oiling the fan motor do not resolve the issue, you may need to test the motor with a multimeter to check for any electrical problems. Before testing, ensure that the power to the air conditioner is turned off to avoid electrical shocks. Set your multimeter to the low ohms scale and check the resistance between each set of wires connected to the motor. You should also check the resistance between the black and brown wires, as well as the black and purple wires. This will help you determine if there is an issue with the motor coils.
If you suspect that the fan motor is stuck, try freeing the motor shaft by turning it by hand. In some cases, you may need to use pliers to loosen it. If the shaft is stuck, it could be preventing the motor from starting.
If your fan motor is not working properly and you are unable to fix it yourself, it may be time to call in a professional or consider replacing the motor. Remember to exercise caution when working with electrical equipment, and always make sure the power is turned off before handling any components.
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Frequently asked questions
First, check the battery in the remote. If that doesn't work, check for any breaks in the remote. If the remote is fine, check that the electricity in your camper is on.
Check the thermostat. If the temperature is set correctly but the air is still hot, the problem is likely a broken thermostat. You will need to buy a new one.
Check the gasket near the roof of the unit. Ensure all the bolts are secure. If the problem persists, you will need to replace the gasket with a new one.
Remove the cover of the unit and check the rubber shock absorbers. They may be out of place and brushing up against the fan or compressor coils.