Why does my RV air conditioner not start up (EP 15 ) not run?

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

⚡Capacitors contain / store⚡ high voltage ⚡! Short terminals with a rubber handled screw driver. I still used rubber handled pliers just in case there is still stored power!
Possible that if motor occasionally won't start, but does start after you rotate fan a bit, motor could have a dead spot and motor will need to be replaced. If it always needs a spin once you have turned it on, it's probably the capacitor. (probably 2 most common issues)
🔶 Check out my other RV camping videos in the series: ruclips.net/p/PLgeVnQRQkbzAsmAaCU0QzGXLWNaC-JOc6 🔶

[@cgking2349]

What if I can get my fan to kickstart but when I went inside it’s not blowing air but motor is going

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Charles Mckie , best bet is talk to a rv dealer. They will be able to get the exact parts for your specific unit.

[@kosmos60]

I am do glad that you mentioned the safety aspect of removing a capacitor, when I saw your video I was literally diying inside. You must always discharge or use rubber to disconnect.

[@carllarsen]

your video was helpful. it motivated me to call the repair guy

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Thanks Carl! I would probably feel the same after watching it. That was one of my first videos on youtube, (video 15) which was hard enough to try to repair, let alone try to video and make some commentary! Electronic repair is not my strong point (as you could tell...LOL) Some may want to try to figure these things out and hope it fixes the problem. There is specialized equipment for testing the CAP, but I didn't want to but that tool since it would never be used again.

[@mikebaker1044]

@@unclemarksdiyauto pop

[@alexmoreno2953]

@@unclemarksdiyauto d

[@jasonroland1074]

It’s 90 here in Florida and you just saved our butts !!!!! Thanks happy camping!!!

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

If that is indeed the problem. Motor could have a dead spot, but I would think it would not humm if that was the case. It is +32F here at the moment! Lol

[@jdubya54]

good video. i might have missed it but might be good idea to show how to discharge the capacitor you removed, in case it had and residual charge

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Nope, you did not miss it Jim. And your right, I should have discharged it as I was filming the video. Early video, (#15) I am slowly learning from each additional one I make. Yesterday was my 292 video (i think) Nov 1/21. I learned a few things in this one, like don't take for granted you will remember which wire goes where! Lol! Thanks for watching.

[@jermonken]

I’m not an expert, but I do know that capacitors can hold a serious bolt of lightning equaling thousands of volts⚡️that potentially can go through your body if you’re not careful. Always discharge them first. I recommend you add an addendum to this video about discharging capacitors - Ken

[@Mr.SuperDuper-idk]

No CAP 😂😂😂

[@sougougyoutoku]

Recently Polar cub of my campig car running　for about 11 years broke down. In Japan very few people know the trouble-shooting of American air-condithoner. Then I dicided to buy a new Mach8. But accidently I came across your video. So I chenged the start capaciter and the air-conditioner fixed immediately I appreciate this video and you. Thank you very much.Nice　work　d(^o^)

[@yolierice219]

Thank you Uncle Mark!! Gave the fan a little spin and walah! We have air 😘😘😘

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

You may have a dead spot in the motor & one day when you shut it off, it will stop exactly there, and you will need another spin! (It starts on it's own now, right?)

[@mtower235]

Man I appreciate it. I just fixed mine based off this at the lake even. I’ve never touched a AC before but I ain’t helpless lol. Again thx

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

I appreciate that! It was one of my first videos. I had an idea what I was doing, kinda. We never had anymore issues with it. Doing it myself saved us a bunch of money and keep us cool until we sold it for a bigger and newer trailer!

[@petemoss9693]

yep, always make a note or take a picture of where the colored wires go -

[@Audrey-fu7bi]

You saved our butts. We couldn’t afford an ac tech to come here AND it quit at 2am.
My husband came home from work to me sobbing because it quit in this 80° weather.
Thanks to you, he got to be the hero and fix our ac.
So, thank you, husband and Uncle Mark. Whew.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Glad that old video helped. I started a playlist of other RV repairs I have done. Stay cool Audrey!

[@Audrey-fu7bi]

@@unclemarksdiyauto ❤️

[@majorkee3001]

Typical wife having a meltdown in 80 degree weather... where do you live that 80 degrees is life or death 😂

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

@@majorkee3001 80F can be hot in a trailer! Especially at the right/wrong humidity! Lol!

[@majorkee3001]

@@unclemarksdiyauto trust me i know. Me and the wife live in one. I think that every minor inconvenience in a trailer feels life threatening because you are already so close to living in the wilderness. At least from a modern females perspective 😆 i dont mean it as bad as its coming off its just the truth

[@Farmer2492]

Hi i have a coleman TSR in my caravan when i turn it on theirs nothing no sound or anything any ideas what it could be will i check to see if power is going to it or do i spin the fan

[@CT9905.]

This is a Great “how not to” video!

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Thanks for the support. It was one of my first attempts at posting a video and trying to fix something as well. Don't be discouraged, CT9905. Try to post some and eventually you too can have a few screw ups, and maybe even a few more wins!

[@Mr.SuperDuper-idk]

There’s a reason why there’s a box around that ⚡️ capacitor ⚡️

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

So right, Mr.SuperDuper!

[@JohnTheFrugalFatGuy]

My ac is driving me crazy. I replaced the small cap (since the diagram is too badly weathered) but this year the fan doesn't start when I spin it by hand so maybe it's the motor or the other cap. But I'll fix it myself if it kills me. Nice vid.

[@MrTruthAddict]

A part number or specs would be helpful. I need this exact part but I guess I'll keep looking, smh

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Any rv place should be able to get one for you. I had a hard time figuring out which one it was too. I believe your old capacitor should have specs right on it.

[@5417080154]

@Wayne Burlingame Hi Wayne, where did you post them? Do you have a website or RUclips channel? I Ned this exact same part for my RV air conditioner. Thanks.

[@TBrownRecords]

You made a helpful video

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Thank you. It is one of my first videos. #15. I am working on #150 now. Hoping they are easier to understand, better lighting, camera angles and better video. Thanks for watching!

[@dustinpool]

I've got a roof top ac , it had a for sure start cap that had blown....I replaced , and the motor would run kind of slow and stop... I tested run cap and it value was just in the verge of variance , so it seemed to work slightly but not all time , so I ordered a new one it test good. But the motor still spun slowly....but run consistently ...I went ahead and ordered a new motor thinking it might be windings....the new motor does the same ...it came with new run cap , so I've tried switching it ..no change, it tested good as well. I retested the capacitance of the start cap again just to see if it changed and it is right on the money at 7.5mfd , I started trying to isolate ...and it will run at normal speed perfectly if I disconnect the start capacitor after its started ... if I try turning on without start capacitor, it won't start up on its own but with a light spin will run just fine...I've tested this out in the previous motor as well. So this makes me believe there maybe something wrong with the start capacitor in some way that it's not discharging prooerly...I've not sure, what do you think? Am I over looking something?

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

How many wires coming out of motor? The start cap could have one side connected to a shared wire, and the other on it's own. Or you could have just two wires directly connected to the motor and up to 5 wires on their own going back to the blower speed control switch. I'll look and see if I can find a diagram.

[@dustinpool]

@@unclemarksdiyauto
The motor has 5 wires red black white , then two brown one with white stripe, the two browns goto the start capacitor. When it's all connected as it should the motor will start and run when you turn the power on , but it runs slow, if you disconnect any lead from the start cap, then it runs at normal speed, of course if I try and turn power with the start cap unplugged it won't start on its own and needs a gentle spin but runs at normal speed. If you try to reconnect a lead it will slow it down . I'm not sure what else to try , I thought about ordering another start capacitor to see if there is going on with the one that I have.

[@halod]

dustinpool sounds like your wiring the capacitor wrong

[@dustinpool]

@@halod your right , I had a second motor shipped out, the company was very accommodating, when I installed the new motor I realized at some point of taking things apart and putting it back over and over I switched the run and start capacitors. I switched them back and it worked perfectly. ..goes to show even those of us who work on this stuff quite often sometimes still make mistakes in the heat

[@firefighter13035]

How do you know the capicator was bad
My fan works but compressor takes all juice in camper and don't kick on the microwave goes out

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Capacitor gives the fan a kick to start turning over. If fan works, cap is good. Wondering if your compressor is bad if it throws the breaker? Or is breaker weak? Can you get someone to test how much current power your compressor is drawing? Those are my 2 ideas to do first.

[@jdubya54]

as an early video, that was great. The subtitles were perfect! Thanks. will be looking for more

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Thanks again Jim. Check out my channel. Lots of repair videos.

[@chadfessenden4365]

Why isn't there a ground wire terminal on new capacitors? My old one has one. Do I not need to ground it?

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Chad Fessenden, I’m not an electronics expert. Maybe you just don’t have the correct replacement? Their are different types. A lot have two. Can type has an oil type electrolyte. One is used for fan motor. Like a bump start. Others are dual plastic container. One section for cold start another section for hot start. Make any sense? That’s how another subscriber with electronics background explained it to me...

[@tarrantcountykid]

It could be the ground is the outside wall when attached to the bracket which means it should be mounted before any hot wire connections are made. A capacitor holds a high charge and will discharge when needed. Any used capacitor should be discharged before handing it.

[@firefighter13035]

How do you know the capicator was bad
My fan works but compressor takes all juice in camper and don't kick on the microwave goes out*

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Thinking the compressor is shot. Seizing up etc? It should not throw the breaker! Cap gets the motor spinning. If cap is bad, fan will not fire up!

[@rudy1574]

Recommend to take a pic before taking wires apart

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

You bet, Rudy. I have learned a lot (I hope) over the years of making these videos. (That was video #15) I have never made that mistake again. And so simple to snap a photo now a days with a camera on every phone.

[@Gump23]

I changed the capacitor and I still have to spin my fan to get it to come back on what else could it be ?

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Humm, Every time, or just sometimes?

[@Gump23]

Every time I turn it off after I changed the capacitor the him will be there and the fan will turn slowly until it gets going or I spin it and it works good after that but now it’s started freezing up

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

@@Gump23 I am not a expert on air conditioners so my knowledge is limited. Keep doing some research and hope you figure it out.

[@johnm8078]

I've got almost the same unit and the fan works fine except that the compressor stopped working. Does anyone know how to test the compressor?

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Obviuosly I am not a air conditioning tech. Wonder if these are like cars where if out or low on freon, pump won't cut in? If it is, I imagine this will have to be looked at by a professional. (Just a thought.)

[@robertrozzell6770]

I noticed you removed all white (common wires) first. With so many white wires that might be a universal capacitor?

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Robert Rozzell, good question. I am not sure. Others have stated their capacitor is different, so I guess every application may be different. I would make sure of specs on old one before ordering anything.

[@RVFreeDa]

Thank you! Thank you! That’s what I think is wrong with mine. Wish I could get up on the roof. So that’s a capacitor and you bought it from a local store? Thanks again.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Rv stores. On line, and others. I would get specific info off of your first. Capacitors come in many sizes and capacitance specs. I think it cost me $20 CAD. Probably could have found it even cheaper... be safe!

[@RVFreeDa]

UncleMarks DIY Automotive Fix it channel Thanks, I have the Manuel. It’s an old unit but I can’t afford a new one now.

[@RVFreeDa]

UncleMarks DIY Automotive Fix it channel Didn’t work. It’s the motor. Dang!

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

RVFreeDa, dang! But it would start if you would spin it? If so, must have had a dead spot...

[@hienqsang]

Mines doesn’t hum at all just nothing help please? I greatly appreciate it

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Hien, I am not a air conditioner expert. Easy stuff would be making sure a breaker has not tripped. Then checking if there is power getting to the unit. Im sorry, but that is as far as I can help you this time!

[@j-deezy321]

Should post this under comedy LOL

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Hope my newer ones are better...That was one of the first, 160 videos ago!

[@j-deezy321]

UncleMarks DIY Automotive Fix it channel I did appreciate you making a video and showing people a simple fix. But it was funny keep up the good work brother

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

J-Deezy, I meant no offence either! I have learned a lot since that video, but it seems that thing happen you don't expect, so a bit of planning helps. Would be easier if it was scripted like a tv show! Lol. I am trying to think them through a bit before going ahead and shooting the videos. I hope the next 200 are a big improvement. Time will tell! Thanks for any input you have! Lets face it, sometimes these low budget videos will suck, but hope that is rare! Lol!

[@TheXev]

On the Duo-Therm tag inside the bottom of the unit there, what model number does it list for you? I have a model 57912.010 that appears identical to yours, but in the capacitor box there was no big black capacitor in mine (although I have the holes punched to put one there). My fan has stopped operating too, but the motor is still getting power and isn't rotating. After cutting power, the fan blades can freely move, but not with power. @_@

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Not sure the model number, but will re-title this video to include that number.

[@TheXev]

@@unclemarksdiyauto Thank you so much. I am curious if it is a part of the same series as mine. It looked identical in assembly above and below, and most of my wiring diagram is missing. I am attempting to contact Duo-Therm to get my exact wiring diagram though.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

@@TheXev I will have a link to the schematics soon. I can email you a copy if you send me a note to [e-mail] Sorry this took so long. I had sold trailer & had no access to schematics.

[@DesignedbyWill2084]

Some people are no good at cheating. I always take several pictures from different angles to get the hidden connections.

[@queenstownkid]

good fix uncle

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Wow! You looking up some old videos! (I is in trailer playlist)

[@queenstownkid]

@@unclemarksdiyauto wanted to see this video from the 1 you posted today

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

@@queenstownkid ah, makes sense.

[@queenstownkid]

@@unclemarksdiyauto my a/c last year worked great first time i ran it shut it off came back 4 hours later compessor wouldnt start ...was not a happer camper 1200.00 later new a/c

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

@@queenstownkid ouch! When toys break, it gets expensive! Hope for no issues for 2021!

[@jacksonbrooks8010]

Is that a small black capacitor in the middle..? I need the name of it plsssss

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Video is from 5 years ago. I am thinking it is a stabilizer for surge protection?

[@jacksonbrooks8010]

@@unclemarksdiyauto ok . Do u happen to have access to it still to possibly get a part number..? Thanks

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

I don't. The only thing I have is a copy of the wiring schematics: ruclips.net/video/undD8uN8JCw/видео.html

[@jacksonbrooks8010]

@@unclemarksdiyauto thanks mate

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

@@jacksonbrooks8010 sorry I could not be of more help.

[@ricardosom7766]

I have a question, hopefully you the video guy or any of your viewers here can give me an idea if my problem could be the same as yours to fix. My ac just went out a day ago, when I turn it on it has 2 options “auto and fan” the fan works but not the auto.
Do you think changing the capacitor will take care of it?

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

I think this will NOT fix your problem. Obviously the start CAP works because the fan works. Might there be something wrong with your thermostat? Could also be something up with the other electronics. Here is a test. Turn auto on and thermostat to coldest setting. If it is a start CAP, if you spin the fan by had, it will start. Hope this is of some help, Ricardoso.

[@ricardosom7766]

@@unclemarksdiyauto thank you very much. I’ll give it a shot.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Let us know what you find out!

[@ricardosom7766]

@@unclemarksdiyauto okay here’s the update. I went up there “roof” cleaned the unit as best as possible, vacuum and blower to dust it all off. After that I stared it up with the face all the way down to I believe is 20 it’s started normal, it’s cools the room, takes a little more time than it usually did, and it’s also not as cold as it used to be.
What should be the next step there?
Lie I said before it wasn’t working on “auto” just ON. Now it works on both but not cool/cold enough.
Thank you.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

@@ricardosom7766 It is possible due to outside temp and humidity could make it seem that "today" it is not as cold, or it feels colder. Did you also clean the filter that is inside? Otherwise, I have no suggestions as I am not a air condition tech. As to how cold the air is coming out of the unit, the best way to tell is by using a thermometer at the unit. Then there is no guessing. Not sure how cold it should be at the unit, in a car it can be around 40 to 45 Fahrenheit at the vents. (Aprox)

[@benfox5861]

I can’t test i I’ll just swap parts and hope for the best 🤦

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Does it start up if you spin the fan with it on, Ben?

[@user-rm5ig6td3l]

Not very helpful BECAUSE..... you didn't trouble shoot anything else before taking roof unit apart.
I KNOW there's gotta be a "start with the easy, obvious stuff first" checklist.
No way jumping streight to this.
Thanks for nothing people on my shoes.
Glad it apparently did help some folks.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

The trouble shooting was that it would only start with a spin. It never would start on it's own. These use a start capacitor to do it. Since it started with a spin, chances are pretty high that was the issue, and it was! (I am not a air conditioning tech) What would you have done?

[@ajrendon82]

What did you replace fan motor or capacitor?

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

The capacitor.

[@eddiebrittanedavis]

@@unclemarksdiyauto is that why the fan wasnt turning but ac still kicked on? Having same issues

[@eddiebrittanedavis]

@@unclemarksdiyauto just bought camper and it hums on ac but no air or fan spinning

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

@@eddiebrittanedavis possibly.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

I replaced the capacitor. Will the fan run if you give it a spin?

[@CacD47]

Dont quit your day job lol

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Don't worry, I won't!

[@dmanmoto]

Some guys should not be making videos

[@charchar9014]

You gotta start somewhere. You only get good at things by doing them. It takes a lot of courage to build up your skills on a public forum. Clearly, by reading the other comments, he helped a lot of people.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Thanks CharChar! It was one of my first "Me trying to fix the problem & save me money" videos. One thing it DOES show is that things can go wrong (Me not labeling something that looked easy). I hope others learn from my mistakes. I have learned since making this & watching it a few times. A few things I would have done different.

[@charchar9014]

@@unclemarksdiyauto RUclips is one of the best resources for DIYers. As a new RV owner I’m incredibly grateful that people like you make these videos that I can learn from. Not sure I’m brave enough to tackle my AC problem on my own right now, but at least I’m educated enough to have an idea of what the problem is and not get scammed when I call on a mechanic. Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Keep it up!

[@charchar9014]

@richard harrison because I’m smart enough to take responsibility for my own choices. I’m not going to mess with life threatening mechanics based off one video. And if I did it would be my fault, not his. He doesn’t have a gun to my head.