Reversing valve stuck - replace whole unit?

jckc779 · 05-13-2011, 09:45 AM

My Dometic Heat Pump/AC is stuck on heat pump. The shop is telling me they have to replace the whole unit. Anybody else experience this? Is the reversing valve not a replaceable item?

03 Diplomat

**"007"** · 05-13-2011, 11:55 AM

Your reversing valve could have a loose plug or a solenoid causing a problem.
Go to section C-13 PG-34 will explain. Looks to me you can replace it if need be.

TXiceman · 05-13-2011, 06:50 PM

First make sure that they properly checked it and it is not an electrical or solenoid coil problem. If the valve is actually bad, it will probably be easier to just replace the unit. It can be replaced, but it will be expensive if you have to pay to have it done.

Ken

**RV Wizard** · 05-14-2011, 03:15 AM

Most rv repair shops do not do sealed system repairs. If in fact the valve is physically stuck, they will only replace the entire unit. You can save the unit if you want to get it repaired elsewhere but be prepared to spend half the cost of a new unit.

wa8yxm · 05-14-2011, 07:50 AM

I agree with Mr. Wizard (Well he is a Wizard don't you know

)

However, if you have a good refrigeration place in town,, THEY will know how to replace the valve..

But first check for loose connections as someone said.. The valve consists of two major assemblies.. One may be easily replaced (or not) and that is the magnetic coil.. To test the coil use your good old mlut-meter. Remove the wires from the coil and check the resistance (Ohms) open circuit = bad.. I'm not sure what good is.

If the wires have come loose you may not even need to do that test.

But if the coil shows somethign less than open circuit, and the wires are attached properly.. Visit a good refrigeration place.

ralper · 05-14-2011, 11:07 AM

If the actuating coil is functioning, hit it with something (not too hard) to jar it. It might just be stuck and needs to be loosened up. I did this on heat pumps a few times. It is always worth a try and costs nothing to do.

Perry White · 05-14-2011, 11:13 AM

Usually a bad solenid coil. It fails in heat mode.

**RV Wizard** · 05-15-2011, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perry White

Usually a bad solenid coil. It fails in heat mode.

I agree, most of the time it is a bad coil. You can verify by turning the unit on for cooling and test for voltage at the coil. If I remember it is a 120vac coil. If you have voltage, check for amperage of the coil or ohm it out. If 0 amps or infinite resistance, coil is bad. If you If you have amperage and a good rap on the valve body does not move the shuttle valve, the reversing valve will have to be replaced.