Community Forums

Calpop45 · 08-22-2019, 01:31 PM

2018 DSDP on Spartan chassis: Dash air has not provided cool air since day one. At Newmar 30 days after coach pick up at dealer, Service told me that the engine fan was not ramping up properly when a/c was requested, and that was a Spartan problem. Fast forward to June, 2019: again at Newmar for end of warranty issues. Again we’re told that it’s a fan problem. Went immediately to Charlotte, MI, where we were told that the Freon level was low but that the fan was ok. No mention of other problems...like a leak. Filled the system with refrigerant and sent us out the door.
Guess what? Again we have warm air! A quick check by a certified a/c tech shows only 1/4 lb of refrigerant instead of the required 4.5 lbs.
Without opening any evap covers, I have checked the obvious fittings with a black light for evidence of the dye that Spartan says they put in, but with no luck.
Suggestions?
Do the refrigerant lines run through the frame, or are they visible (and checkable)?
Any guidance would be appreciated.

Dav L · 08-22-2019, 01:35 PM

Look for dirt near any of the AC fittings and clutch coil. This would be evidence of where the leak would be as the oil departs with the freon and attracts dirt.
Without that, dye can be added on next temporary charge. Surprised the certified AC technician didn't already do that when they recharged as they didn't fix anything.
Or, go to a real AC place that has a leak detector.
The odds are the lines are fine but a fitting is leaking or the compressor.

You have been getting the run around.
RV AC is nothing special. Just like Auto AC. Pretty basic.
Tell Newmar you'll get it fixed locally and send them the bill.

Calpop45 · 08-22-2019, 08:21 PM

Run around? Yes...by Newmar and Spartan! The tech I had look at the system did not recharge the system at my request because I did not want to jeopardize any warranty coverage. He simply used his black light to check for the dye that Spartan said they put in, and that was all. Had he found a problem, I would have had him fix it.
Does anyone know if there are multiple fittings in the system, other than the ones at the compressor? I know about the refrigerant connections in the front of the coach, but are there more connections inside the Evans Tempcon black plastic box? If so, how do I access them?

DC21 · 08-23-2019, 09:53 AM

If they have not already done so, have them test the Thermo Switch, its a Newmar part in the dash air system that has a high failure rate.

"007" · 08-23-2019, 10:31 AM

I post this in another thread with same problem.

Dav L · 08-23-2019, 11:05 AM

If it were mine and I didn't DIY, I would take it back to the certified AC specialist, have them check the voltage at the compressor coil, and if not 12volts when the AC is ON and engine is running, then check that switch. Next would be check pressures for a charge. If low, do a visual on the many connections.

Each part of the system has a connection to the next part of the system. Look at the zillion posts on what constitutes an AC system for details.

If no charge, have them add dye and charge the system. It should work for a period of time. If the leak is big, a few minutes. If small, a few years. Either way, if the charge goes away again, you will have dye in the system where a UV light can help find the leak for a real fix.

I would inform Newmar to put it on record. If you need a component (like an AC compressor), maybe they can send it to you for your technician to replace.

lce3 · 08-23-2019, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calpop45

2018 DSDP on Spartan chassis: Dash air has not provided cool air since day one. At Newmar 30 days after coach pick up at dealer, Service told me that the engine fan was not ramping up properly when a/c was requested, and that was a Spartan problem. Fast forward to June, 2019: again at Newmar for end of warranty issues. Again we’re told that it’s a fan problem. Went immediately to Charlotte, MI, where we were told that the Freon level was low but that the fan was ok. No mention of other problems...like a leak. Filled the system with refrigerant and sent us out the door.
Guess what? Again we have warm air! A quick check by a certified a/c tech shows only 1/4 lb of refrigerant instead of the required 4.5 lbs.
Without opening any evap covers, I have checked the obvious fittings with a black light for evidence of the dye that Spartan says they put in, but with no luck.
Suggestions?
Do the refrigerant lines run through the frame, or are they visible (and checkable)?
Any guidance would be appreciated.

Sorry to hear about your problem. We just left Nappanee and that was one of our problems they fixed. We had a leak and something wrong with the "dryer" (?). It's working great now.

The tech, and his boss, had to dry across town to the paint shop and they were cooking on the way over. I think that helped them recognize the problem.

Hope you get it resolved.

Calpop45 · 08-24-2019, 10:59 AM

Thanks for the info. Now that we’re out of Newmar’s warranty, I suspect they will no longer take any interest in our problem. I’ll have an independent shop look at the system and maybe we can coordinate with Spartan if the problem is in the parts they supplied to Newmar. I’m just very disappointed with both companies these days: Newmar points a finger at Spartan (twice), and Spartan seems to have no concern either. When I spoke with Chris at Spartan service, I asked, sarcastically, if the procedure was to do the minimum necessary and send the customer out the door. His response: “yeah, pretty much.”
Disappointed.

redbaron73 · 08-24-2019, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calpop45

When I spoke with Chris at Spartan service, I asked, sarcastically, if the procedure was to do the minimum necessary and send the customer out the door. His response: “yeah, pretty much.”
Disappointed.

I dont know if this was an accurate portrayal of your encounter with the service department, but if it was then it explains why you are getting poor service.

We all get frustrated, and we all have a lot of crud to deal with when getting things fixed that should never have been a problem. You are right to be upset and you are right that it should have been fixed the first time.

The problem is the guy that can help you doesn't understand your history and everything you have gone thru. You are just a number to him. He makes a 5 second judgement of how he is going to help you. Your attitude during this short period of time can either help or hurt your experience.

Last year I walked into a truck shop early Saturday morning needing to have a fan clutch replaced. I was behind a truck driver that was giving the service writer the business for delays and problems and being quite rude. Really got the guy worked up.

When it was my turn, I explained what was wrong and what I needed done. He said "what do you want me to do about it"...in a short toned still upset attitude. My response was simply "I would like to be put on the list for repairs and I will wait until it can be done".

He told me it could be a few days as they where short handed and his crew wasnt even returning calls. I thanked him and asked him to let me know if anything changed, and went to the lobby to wait.

Withing 45 minutes a tech came to ask me if it was a side radiator or rear. Since it was a side radiator, they agreed to so it right away.

I was on the road 3 hours after arrival.

The truck driver was still waiting....attitude helps a lot.

redbaron73 · 08-24-2019, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calpop45

Thanks for the info. Now that we’re out of Newmar’s warranty, I suspect they will no longer take any interest in our problem.

If you had the issue on record during your warranty period, Newmar will stand behind it no matter what. Even if not, Newmar has a long history of standing behind issues even after the warranty expires.

Calpop45 · 08-24-2019, 09:05 PM

Understood, RedBaron.
I have extensive experience with the public from years past, and fully understand the value of self control. Believe me, that was not the issue, as Chris and I have a cordial relationship.
The issue is that his service guys did not fix the problem, or even take the time to diagnose it. It could still be a Newmar part that has failed, but we don’t know because the techs didn’t follow through. This put Chris in an unenviable position that is not of his making.
In any case, I will call Newmar again on Monday to document the issue. If they wish to participate, and approve, I will ask a local certified ac shop to diagnose the situation.
Your input is appreciated.

lce3 · 08-24-2019, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calpop45

Understood, RedBaron.
I have extensive experience with the public from years past, and fully understand the value of self control. Believe me, that was not the issue, as Chris and I have a cordial relationship.
The issue is that his service guys did not fix the problem, or even take the time to diagnose it. It could still be a Newmar part that has failed, but we don’t know because the techs didn’t follow through. This put Chris in an unenviable position that is not of his making.
In any case, I will call Newmar again on Monday to document the issue. If they wish to participate, and approve, I will ask a local certified ac shop to diagnose the situation.
Your input is appreciated.

With our air conditioner warranty issue, it was entirely Spartan. Newmar had to get Spartan to take care of the issue while we were in Nappanee. Hopefully Newmar will support pushing Spartan to take care of it.

We have had a couple of Spartan issues now and they have been more than helpful.

Good luck with it!

redbaron73 · 08-24-2019, 09:57 PM

From what I hear, you have hit the jackpot if this is truly a Spartan issue. The warranty provided by spartan is second to none and part of the reason they can demand a premium.

Although it is rare to have a catastrophic failure on a spartan chassis, they will bend over backwards to make it right.

You should have a number to Spartan in your window, and with a simple phone call, you will be immediately directed to the closest dealer that will fix it all under warranty without you paying a single dime out of pocket.

It doesn't hurt to contact Newmar as well, but with the premium spartan chassis that should be an unnecessary step.

If for some reason you cannot get spartan to act quickly enough, you might solicit the help of one of the Spartan insiders here on the forum.

I have never owned a Spartan so I do not have first hand experience.

Calpop45 · 08-24-2019, 11:35 PM

Good ideas. I have a semi-local Spartan certified shop that has done work for me on previous coaches and has been very helpful with coordination between Newmar and the chassis manufacturer, Freightliner, in that instance. I’ll call them.
Using 007’s links, I have located and traced the major components of the ac system without seeing anything obviously wrong. The only place I have not traced is where the supply and return lines are inside huge bundles of wires, cables, and “stuff”. Looks like it’s not a diy project.
Thanks to all.