basement air

[jkallen]

Airxcel 46515 basement air installed about 3 years ago. When I turn it on the inside blower starts, about 30 seconds later the thermostat clicks, then compressor 1 may or may not start. I'd say maybe one out of 15 times it starts - runs fine, is cold. Compressor 2 never follows even when compressor 1 does start. I have followed diagnostics down to checking relays. Don't know how to test relays and couldn't find one locally so I took the relay from compressor 2 and moved to to compressor 1. compressor 1 still did not start. It doesn't seem likely that both relays would be bad but I suppose it's possible. I also tried replacing the lifelife which didn't help either Next on diagnostics is check run capacitor @ check motor windings for open ground? Don't know how to do this either. A/c is out of motorhome and open, but wiring is still connected. Any advice appreciated! Can't seem to get anyone locally to work on it......

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Airxcel 46515 basement air installed about 3 years ago. When I turn it on the inside blower starts, about 30 seconds later the thermostat clicks, then compressor 1 may or may not start. I'd say maybe one out of 15 times it starts - runs fine, is cold. Compressor 2 never follows even when compressor 1 does start. I have followed diagnostics down to checking relays. Don't know how to test relays and couldn't find one locally so I took the relay from compressor 2 and moved to to compressor 1. compressor 1 still did not start. It doesn't seem likely that both relays would be bad but I suppose it's possible. I also tried replacing the lifelife which didn't help either Next on diagnostics is check run capacitor @ check motor windings for open ground? Don't know how to do this either. A/c is out of motorhome and open, but wiring is still connected. Any advice appreciated! Can't seem to get anyone locally to work on it......

Could be a faulty or intermittent starting capacitor. Not expensive and easy to replace. Also, make sure the voltage doesn't drop at the unit when the compressor is starting. Compressors don't like to start under low voltage conditions.