Traveling in an RV allows you to take many creature comforts from home on the road. One of these is a Coleman air conditioner. A Coleman air conditioner not only cools, dehumidifies and filters the air in an RV, it can also work as a heater with the addition of a heat strip. Sometimes, a Coleman RV air conditioner can malfunction. In such cases, there are a number of ways to determine the problem.
Compressor
One possible problem with a Coleman RV air conditioner could involve the compressor or fan. In such cases, check the AC voltage. The voltage must be over 103.5 volts to run the unit. Test it by plugging the voltmeter into a receptacle and then turning on the air conditioner. Wait two minutes for the compressor to kick in before checking the voltage.
Voltage
A Coleman RV air conditioner may also be out of power. If there are no lights on the thermostat, the unit may not be getting any 12-volt (DC) power. Check the 12-volt fuses or circuits. If the DC voltage isn't working, plug the RV into shore power as soon as possible. This simply means the battery is dead. If the compressor won't run but the fan does, or the compressor intermittently goes on, check the voltage. The problem may also stem from poor air flow. This is caused by a dirty filter, a dirty condenser or a leaking air duct.
Filter
Some problems you cannot fix on your own. A qualified mechanic should be called in to inspect a compressor that won't run. This could be caused by a faulty condenser, which is difficult to reach. Poor air flow, short cycling, a dirty filter or freezing, may be the cause. If the unit leaks any fluids, a mechanic should check that the gasket is sound and that the unit is tightly mounted. A mechanic should also clean the condensation holes.
References
Writer Bio
Melissa Warner is a freelance writer and editor in Milwaukee, Wis. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including "The Irish American Post" and "The London Student." Warner received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communication from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee.
