'07 Essex AC Problem

[markpj23]

So this could be the start of something awful.... one of my AC units is now tripping the ckt breaker. Fans will run but breaker trips when the compressor tries to start.


Yes I do have the E-Plex system but everything seems to be working as it should.


Where do I start? I believe these are the original Penguin 15K heat pump units that came with the coach, but I see receipts for adding the 'hard starting kit' so I assume the starting capacitor mod was done.


Anyone have a troubleshooting guide?

[TexasBounder]

Try running the unit by 1st turning the temp up to 90 -- then turn on the high cool. After the fan runs for about 30 sec slide the temp slowly down to 70 deg. It it still trips try the same method when using the Gen. This process will help determine if it is a bad blower motor causing the amp spike or if it is the compressor. Or possibly low shore voltage causing the Tripped breaker.

[Rev. Roy]

A third but unlikely cause is a bad breaker. It is extremely rare but can happen. If you're comfortable enough, you can put a meter on the breaker and turn on the AC to see what amps are being pulled. If it trips without pulling the amperage rating of the breaker, then replace the breaker. If it pulls more amps than rated, you've likely have a bad compressor. In the dozens of times I have done this for people, I don't think I've changed more than one or two breakers.

[Xmcdog]

Ohm out the compressor. It may be burnt out. You should get a small resistance between each pin on the compressor. They do vary usually between 1 and 7 ohms. Also between each pin to ground. The copper pipe on the compressor is a good ground. You should also try a new hard start. However it is likely a siezed compressor.

Circuit breakers do fail as well. Not often but they do fail.

Good luck

[Dutchstar411]

Originally Posted by markpj23

So this could be the start of something awful.... one of my AC units is now tripping the ckt breaker. Fans will run but breaker trips when the compressor tries to start.


Yes I do have the E-Plex system but everything seems to be working as it should.


Where do I start? I believe these are the original Penguin 15K heat pump units that came with the coach, but I see receipts for adding the 'hard starting kit' so I assume the starting capacitor mod was done.


Anyone have a troubleshooting guide?

If it's a Hard Start Kit I would go with that. Have someone reverse it if possible by removing it. If it's the simple two wire, just remove the two wires from the original capacitor, but make sure you discharge it by shorting the three different tabs on top with a insulated pliers or screwdriver.

[markpj23]

So after some investigation it looks like the compressor is kaput. And awaaay we go... !


Isn't there an issue with the Penguin II units and the E-plex interface being different than for the original Penguin units?