Cockpit/Dash A/C not cooling as it should. Input Requested!

[Bchtravlr]

On our last trip in October, we noticed as we headed south, that the cockpit/dash A/C unit was not cooling as we remembered in the past.

We are 4 weeks from our next trip, which will be to S Florida, and was wondering if others have had similar problems with a 17 DS or similar, so we might be able to find a simple solution we can solve locally. One option is to have the Freon checked and charged if low, however I see that as a patch and not a repair.

Newmar Customer Service said the 1/2 of the system belongs to Spartan, and 1/2 belongs to Newmar, so a Newmar dealer service is likely to be our best diagnostic and repair solution. However those are at least 6-8 hours away. I am hoping for an appointment at North Trails RV in Jan while in the area, however they are booking Feb service appointments currently and I am on a waiting list.

Thanks in advance!

[deandec]

Originally Posted by Bchtravlr

On our last trip in October, we noticed as we headed south, that the cockpit/dash A/C unit was not cooling as we remembered in the past.

We are 4 weeks from our next trip, which will be to S Florida, and was wondering if others have had similar problems with a 17 DS or similar, so we might be able to find a simple solution we can solve locally. One option is to have the Freon checked and charged if low, however I see that as a patch and not a repair.

Newmar Customer Service said the 1/2 of the system belongs to Spartan, and 1/2 belongs to Newmar, so a Newmar dealer service is likely to be our best diagnostic and repair solution. However those are at least 6-8 hours away. I am hoping for an appointment at North Trails RV in Jan while in the area, however they are booking Feb service appointments currently and I am on a waiting list.

Thanks in advance!

I suspect your dash AC cooling system is just like every other vehicle's.

1. What is the temperature of the air exiting the dash vents?
2. What is the ambient temp of the rig?

You should see at least a 20 degree difference in the temp readings with doors and windows closed. (Vent air being cooler.)

If not, get a automotive AC gauge set attached to the AC low pressure port to determine if the refrigerant level is at the correct psi.

If not, add refrigerant to the system to the specified level.

This should achieve at least a 20 degree temp change at the dash vent.

If not. You need an AC specialist to check the system. (Newmar if in warranty.)

If the system achieves the cooling result but later fails, you probably have a refrigerant leak. See the automotive AC specialist or insert some UV dye to the system to find the leak point to be repaired.

Another possibility is a failed AC compressor or compressor clutch mounted on the engine and likely belt driven.

1. Check the belt tension. If too loose, the compressor will not work adequately. Tighten the belt.

2. Check the compressor wheel. The whole wheel should spin when AC is selected at the dash.

3. If the center of the wheel does not spin, then the Compressor clutch has failed or is not getting an electrical signal. See a AC specialist.

Except for warranty the AC repairs could be DIY or done by any automotive AC shop.

["007"]

You will find information on the EVAN's unit in this link and also QT's #3 second section.
Other items in unit can cause a problem and not just Freon.

[Dutch Star Don]

Buy yourself one of these…..https://www.amazon.com/OEMTOOLS-2435...hermometer+car

After driving with the A/C on high for 20 minutes ad the dash fan at the second position, insert the above thermometer, into the center vent. Anything under 40 degrees is good. Anything over that, you might night a recharge.