Penguin A/C isssue

[CBWELL]

Rooftop Penguin A/C ran fine yesterday. Turned it on today and all I am getting is a "hum" and no fan running. It is the original in a 1994 trailer, and the control board was replaced 7 years ago. Does this sound like the capacitor is gone? Is the capacitor replaceable on these old units with the new easy start? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Jeff7176]

We had a similar issue with an AC unit at a house we owned awhile back. It was the capacitor, and was replaceable on it. Not sure about the Dometic, but it seems like it should be a replaceable part.

[Belegedhel]

yes, sounds like a cap, and yes, it should be replaceable with an EasyStart--but you should probably check the tech support line with the company. I have found them to be very responsive.

[wulfraat]

There is a start cap inside the easy start enclosure. Call micro air.

Compressor could be siezed as well.

[CBWELL]

Thanks for the replies. This unit always has the fan start first, and the compressor would start about 2 minutes after the fan. We are on the road now but should be home in 2 days, so will get up and remove the shroud and see what I can. Somehow I seem to remember that the capacitor was on the board when it was replacedyears ago. Maybe just as wise to replace the unit completely!!

[wulfraat]

Originally Posted by CBWELL;

Thanks for the replies. This unit always has the fan start first, and the compressor would start about 2 minutes after the fan. We are on the road now but should be home in 2 days, so will get up and remove the shroud and see what I can. Somehow I seem to remember that the capacitor was on the board when it was replacedyears ago. Maybe just as wise to replace the unit completely!!

Fan starting first is normal behavior in cool mode. In heat pump mode compressor starts first I believe.


There are 2 capacitors with those earlier penguin units. A start cap and a smaller run cap.

When you install east start you remove the start cap, and wire in the easy start unit in its place. Inside the easy start unit is a start cap who’s current is controlled by a microprocessor board.

If you are having starting issues it’s likely either the compressor motor itself (they can go bad) or it is possible that the start cap in the easy start failed…. It happens.

Depending on the version of easy start you have there are leds that show status / error codes. If you have an earlier version you need to open the unit to see the lights.

Easy start support is great, not sure if Matteo (lead engineer) is still there but they can help likely. [emoji4]

Be careful up on the roof!

[CBWELL]

Problem has been solved!! Took the cover off today, turned off the power, went to the "parts cupboard" and got a start capacitor that I bought years ago for a friends project that never got completed. Put in the new capacitor. and everything worked as normal. Just glad I didn't have to search for a new A/C unit, as they are hard to find in Canada. Thanks for all the input!

[wulfraat]

Originally Posted by CBWELL;

Problem has been solved!! Took the cover off today, turned off the power, went to the "parts cupboard" and got a start capacitor that I bought years ago for a friends project that never got completed. Put in the new capacitor. and everything worked as normal. Just glad I didn't have to search for a new A/C unit, as they are hard to find in Canada. Thanks for all the input!

Awesome. Good work! Simple fix