APPLIANCE TROUBLESHOOTING
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There can be a lot of things to remember “how to do” when using a recreational vehicle and common user-oversights can prevent you from fully enjoying the many features of your RV. Occasionally, a minor adjustment or quick maintenance step will help solve a simple technical issue.
Many sections of the owner’s manual include basic troubleshooting tips that can alleviate minor technical issues. Some of these tips are listed below.
Please note: These troubleshooting tips are general in nature and may not apply to your specific vehicle or its equipment.
| BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS |
A/C will not turn on or does not operate properly:
- Verify thermostat is set to COOL and turned ON.
- Verify 120VAC circuit breaker is turned ON and NOT tripped.
- Verify air conditioner filter is clean and unobstructed.
- There might be a leak in the Air Distribution Box allowing warm outside air to mix with the cool air. Reseal if necessary.
- Verify condenser coil is NOT blocked, damaged or dirty.
- Close blinds, avoid heat-producing appliances, keep entry door closed, utilize awning to improve cooling.
SEE OWNER’S MANUALS FOR OPERATION AND DETAILED TROUBLESHOOTING |
| BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS |
Furnace does not ignite, cycles frequently, blows cold air:
- Verify thermostat is set to HEAT and turned ON.
- Verify FAN is set to AUTO.
- Verify propane tank is NOT empty and that valves are turned ON. Both LP tanks need to be turned ON to allow auto change over to work properly.
- Verify 12VDC furnace fuse in power converter is NOT blown and replace if necessary.
- Verify adequate 12VDC power to furnace. Check voltage on monitor panel to verify battery is fully charged. It might be necessary to charge battery. If possible, plug RV into 120VAC shore power.
- Low battery. Verify sufficient water level in battery.
- Verify RV’s battery disconnect is ON allowing 12VDC power to flow.
- Verify return air grill is unobstructed. Remove anything stored in furnace compartment that could block airflow.
- Verify exhaust tube has NO obstructions.
- Verify heat outlet registers are OPEN and register openings are unobstructed.
SEE OWNER’S MANUALS FOR OPERATION AND DETAILED TROUBLESHOOTING |
| BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS |
Dometic (Atwood) furnace Troubleshooting:
SEE OWNER’S MANUALS FOR OPERATION AND DETAILED TROUBLESHOOTING |
| BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS |
Refrigerator not working or cooling properly:
- Verify applicable control buttons are correctly set.
- Verify RV’s 120VAC circuit breakers and GFCI receptacle are NOT tripped.
- Verify RV’s 12VDC fuses are NOT blown.
- Verify refrigerator is plugged into 120VAC outlet if applicable.
- If using 12VDC, verify house batteries have adequate charge. Check voltage on monitor panel to verify battery is fully charged. It might be necessary to charge battery. If possible, plug RV into 120VAC shore power.
- Verify RV’s battery disconnect is ON allowing 12VDC power to flow.
- Verify refrigerator unit is level.
- If using propane gas, verify gas tanks are NOT empty and are turned to ON position. Both LP tanks need to be turned ON to allow auto change over to work properly.
- Allow sufficient time for proper cool down (normally 8-10 hours) and load with pre-cooled food.
SEE OWNER’S MANUALS FOR OPERATION AND DETAILED TROUBLESHOOTING |
| BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS |
Water heater not working or producing hot water:
- Will not ignite – verify power switch is turned ON at control panel.
- Will not ignite – verify 120VAC circuit breaker (if equipped) is turned ON and NOT tripped.
- Will not ignite – verify LP gas supply is not empty and source is turned ON. Both LP tanks need to be turned ON to allow auto change over to work properly.
- Will not ignite – reset gas and/or electric reset buttons that may have tripped from high temperature.
- Will not ignite – verify RV’s battery disconnect is ON allowing 12VDC power to flow.
- Will not ignite – verify there are no obstructions in exterior burner tube and exhaust.
- No hot water – verify there is a functioning water source: Either the city water connection or the on-board fresh water tank (with a functional water pump) must be available to supply water.
- No hot water – verify winterization valves are CLOSED so water pump can draw water from fresh tank.
- No hot water – verify water heater bypass valves are in NORMAL (or OFF) mode to allow a supply of water.
- Low water temperature – verify electric element switch is turned ON at outside panel (Suburban only).
- Leaking Pressure Relief Valve – this is usually a normal occurrence and NOT an area of concern. See manufacturer’s Owner’s Manual for details.
SEE OWNER’S MANUALS FOR OPERATION AND DETAILED TROUBLESHOOTING |
| BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS |
Gas Range not lighting or operating correctly:
- Burner not lighting: Verify gas supply is turned ON.
- Burner not lighting: Verify sufficient gas supply in bottles.
- Burner not lighting: Battery power insufficient on igniter, if equipped. Replace battery.
- Burner not lighting: Clogged burner ports. See owner’s manual.
- Burner not lighting: Control knob set to wrong position for ignition.
- Surface burner only has partial flame: Clogged burner ports. See owner’s manual.
- Surface burner only has partial flame: Moisture is present on burner. Allow to dry.
- Orange burner flame: Dust particle sin main line. Allow the burner to operate until flame turns blue.
- Orange burner flame: Salt air in coastal areas creates an unavoidable orange flame.
SEE OWNER’S MANUALS FOR OPERATION AND DETAILED TROUBLESHOOTING |
| BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS |
Microwave not operating:
- Verify microwave is plugged into a 120VAC outlet.
- Verify microwave door is completely closed.
- Verify 120VAC circuit breaker is turned ON and NOT tripped.
- Verify GFCI receptacle is NOT tripped.
SEE OWNER’S MANUALS FOR OPERATION AND DETAILED TROUBLESHOOTING |
