2004 JayFeather A/C compressor comes on and off sometimes

[AmyCT]

Hello,

I am a new owner of an old JayFeather. My AC works well for a period of time during the heat of the day. Then, at a certain point, the compressor begins coming on, then going off too quickly and the RV heats up. I have cleaned the filters, removed the shroud on top and cleaned the coils, and checked the compressor for any blockage. All are clear. It doesn't happen all of the time. Any Suggestions?

[Grumpy]

Could be the freeze sensor. Are you running the fan on high or low? If the coil starts to freeze up the compressor will shut off until the ice melts off.

[JFlightRisk]

Another thought, under a plastic cap on top of the compressor is a pair of small devices, one of which is called an overload protector. it may be shutting the A/C down due to the high temperatures outside, combined with the heat generated by the compressor itself. Not a very common part to need replacing, but it will cut off power until it cools down some. Just taking a stab in the dark.

It would be best to have a professional check it out. You can get a shock messing with stuff in there.

[AmyCT]

Thanks! I passed both of these messages on to my mechanic (i.e. my husband). We are running the fan on high, and he did ensure that the coil is not freezing up.

Now he is going to investigate the overload protector idea. Please keep any thoughts coming. Knowing my dear spouse, he will exhaust every avenue before admitting defeat and taking it in. Thanks again!

[craigav]

I would also suggest to check the voltage if you have a meter to do so. Some RV parks in the heat of the summer and in particular when a lot of RV's are running their A/C's, the voltage can be low (less than ~106v) which can cause the compressor to heat up even more than it would otherwise... not too mention too low of voltage can damage the compressor. Just something to check, low voltage isn't usually an issue with most RV parks, but could occur and something to be mindful of. ~CA

[Scott_Trailer_Newbe]

Is this a Dometic system with a Dometic T-Stat? If so this is a known problem and so far I have never found a reasonable fix. Seems to happen under low loads. Because I have never found a solution I either turn the T-Stat down a degree or two, or just turn it off until the AM when the sun comes up and the load returns.

[AmyCT]

Good idea! Checked it and voltage is good

[AmyCT]

OK, some new information on this ongoing problem. We have checked out all great ideas listed above. We have thoroughly cleaned the coils. The AC works perfectly with the shroud off. When the shroud is on, it works well for a while. Then it begins to cycle, cutting off in decreasing amounts of time.

[RogerR]

Have you check the thermostat? It may be bad or the AC fan is blowing cold on it and triggering it off than back on when it warms up.

Turn it on and wrap it with a dry towel to keep cold air off it. If that is the problem you may need to change vents or location.

[stinger608]

Show this AC hack to your husband:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWUqQnEw-8Y

Him being a DIY person, he will probably try something similar or the same. :-)

[AmyCT]

Well, my husband figured out the problem. I was an airflow problem on the AC itself. The hot air from the exhaust side of the condenser coil was not leaving the shroud. Instead it was rolling around the sides of the condenser and being picked up by the condenser fan. He placed foam inside the shroud on either side of the condenser coils to keep the exhaust air from recirculating back to the fan. Stinger608's video is a great hack for this problem. My husband plans to improve the whole system by implementing that AC hack. Thank you all for the excellent feedback. I appreciate the help!

[Tahoejuice]

What is the fan by the breaker and fuse box for?

[Skyline]

Originally Posted by Tahoejuice

What is the fan by the breaker and fuse box for?

I believe the fan your talking about is for the cooling the charger converter.