If you have a Coleman Mach AC in your RV, you can rest assured that you have a high-quality appliance. But, as with any electrical appliance, it can malfunction. This can happen when the AC fan does not work. What could be wrong, and how do you fix this issue? We turned to the experts who gave us the information below to help you.
Your AC fan may not be working due to various reasons, including:
- Lack of lubrication or worn motor bearings
- Misaligned fan blades
- Faulty fan motor
- Damaged capacitor
- Faulty electrical contractors
- Faulty relay board
- Faulty thermostat
Keep reading as we go through the potential problems that could make your AC fan stop working. We will also provide solutions on how to make it work again and discuss how to maintain your AC so that it may give you good service for longer.
Why Your Coleman Mach RV AC Fan Not Is Working And What To Do
You may panic if you're with your family in your RV, and the AC Fan does not work. We will discuss what causes this problems and provide solutions.
Lack Of Lubrication Or Worn Motor Bearings
The bearings in your AC motor can be loose or may be worn out. Bearings reduce friction, slowing down the wear and tear of parts. They also help your motor rotate smoothly, so the fan rotates without issues.
But did you know that lack of lubrication or using the wrong lubrication accounts for 36% of failure of bearings? If you do not lubricate them as required, your bearings could fail.
If you have not oiled your AC for quite a while, then all you may need is to lubricate it. You can use a lubricant like the one shown below. After this, have a maintenance schedule to lubricate it often and don't forget to read the manual.
Check out this lubricant oil on Amazon.
On the other hand, if you start hearing strange noises, like a grinding sound, have it checked. It could be due to worn bearings.
The sound warns you early that a problem with the bearings needs fixing. So before you head out with your RV, check the motor bearings or call a technician to check them. The bearings or, in some instances, the whole motor may need to be replaced.
Misaligned Fan Blades
Sometimes one or more blades can come out of alignment. For example, it can bend or crack, causing it to scrape against the metal as it spins. You will most likely hear noises as it moves inside the AC.
It's even possible to see the damaged blades through the vents. If this is the case, call a technician who will recommend the blades be balanced or replaced.
Check out this Coleman Fan Blade on Amazon.
Faulty Fan Motor
Strange grinding or high-pitched sounds coming from your AC is a sign that your motor is faulty. You should have it checked before it malfunctions.
Fan blades that do not spin could mean the motor has burnt out. You can tell if this is true when a burning smell comes out through the vents. In this case, you'll need to replace the motor with a new one like the one shown below.
Have a look at this fan-motor on Amazon.
Damaged Capacitor
A capacitor works like a battery. It stores electrical energy that starts up the fan and keeps it rotating. Due to this fact, the fan will continue running smoothly.
But when it is damaged, it cannot store much energy and will not have enough power to run the fan efficiently.
One of the signs that your capacitor is failing is when you use more electrical energy than usual. This is because it has to use more power to run. When you start noticing this, call a technician.
A faulty capacitor, when removed from your unit, will be swollen or may be leaking oil. Your technician will replace it with a new part like the one shown below.
Check out this Coleman capacitor on Amazon.
Faulty Electrical Contactors
Electrical contactors pass on electrical energy to the rotary switch that turns to activate your fan motor. With time, the contactors can become indented, preventing the flow of electricity to the fan motor. This causes your fan to not rotate.
The electrical contractors could also get stuck in an upwards or downwards position. If they get stuck when up, the electrical current will not flow between components, and your fan will not move.
If they get stuck when facing downwards, the electrical current will continue flowing even when the cooling cycle should end.
When your AC behaves this way, it may be time to replace the rotary switch.
Faulty Relay Board
The relay board is a crucial part of your AC. It provides an electrical current to the various components of your air conditioner, including the fan motor. If the board malfunctions, the fan may not spin.
It is possible to misdiagnose the problem, thinking the relay board is faulty. But, first, ensure that the capacitor and motor are in good working condition. If they are, the board may be faulty, preventing the compressor from working.
The compressor uses refrigerant to transform the liquid into a gas and vice-versa to cool the air. A relay that is not working will not provide enough power to the compressor. Instead, it will provide electrical power intermittently to the compressor.
This means your appliance will work for a while and then stop. When this happens, call a technician who will either repair it or replace it.
Check out this relay switch 0n Amazon.
Faulty Thermostat
A faulty thermostat no longer connects to the air conditioner. This means that your AC may not have any damage, and only the thermostat will need repairs. However, a thermostat that is not working can be the reason your AC unit has problems.
For example, an improperly calibrated thermostat will cause the cooling cycle to end before its time. This puts pressure on the compressor and affects other parts of the unit, such as the motor. Thus, the fan motor could burn in the process.
It's not easy to know that your thermostat has a problem. Any issues with your AC first appear as though other parts of the AC are not working well.
How To Maintain Your RV AC To Last Longer
An RV AC can last between 3 and 5 years. But if you travel a lot with your RV, your AC may not last up to 5 years. However, below are some maintenance tips that you can follow to prolong the life of your AC:
- Camping or traveling in high humidity areas can cause condensation inside your AC unit. Therefore, when you are not using the appliance, leave the vents open to allow the condensed moisture to evaporate.
- Lubricate your AC often so that it can work more smoothly and efficiently.
- Cover your AC unit if you will not be traveling with your RV for a while or when it's the off-season. Invest in a good quality cover like the one below to protect your AC from the weather elements such as UV rays, snow, rain, or dust and debris.
- Clean the filter once or twice each month. Cleaning removes any debris and particles that may clog your filter. A clogged filter can prevent the free flow of air, causing your AC to work harder. The components may tear and wear out faster, shortening the lifespan of your appliance.
- Don't overburden your AC. Don't run it throughout the day if you don't have to.
Check out this RV AC cover on Amazon.
Final Words
Your Coleman Mach RV AC can malfunction just like many other AC, so it is beneficial to know some of the problems that could make the fan stop working and what to do about these issues.
We have also discussed maintenance tips that can help extend the life of your AC.
You are welcome to read more of our previous posts below:
How Do You Reset An Rv Air Conditioner
How Much Propane Rv Furnace Uses