Starcool not cooling when on shore power

jshrader · 07-13-2015, 08:30 AM

Hi Folks!

Any Starcool geniuses out there?

I have a Starcool in an '05 Ford SMB that's gone rogue - It works dynamite on 12V driving down the road - however, when you plug it into to 30A shore power, it blows warm.

I've attached an image of my wiring panel - as an electrical novice, the 2nd relay from the left looks suspicious with the discolored wire going to it ...

Before I break out the drill, and remove it from the panel (thanks to whoever riveted it in there) - I thought I'd check with any experts here - everything else checks out with the Starcool manual (other fans, etc. running, clicking, and so on.

I'd appreciate any advice!

Thanks,

Joe

**daveb** · 07-13-2015, 09:19 AM

Can you hear the 110v compressor kick on when you turn the thermostat down to the lowest setting?

jshrader · 07-13-2015, 09:26 AM

Yes I can - moving the thermostat temp control from max to min causes the compressor to kick in ....

**daveb** · 07-13-2015, 09:36 AM

There is a check valve that must operate so the two systems tie together. I don't have a schematic on it but I had a friend who deals with A/C units replace mine when I ran into the same condition. Maybe it's an electrical issue not sending a signal for it to open/close. Just guessing so don't let it throw you off on your troubleshooting. I'd also check the freon level especially if a dealership or shop has done any work on the A/C system. I had to put a tag on the valve stating the correct amount to put in.

jshrader · 07-13-2015, 09:58 AM

A Ford Dealership just check the freon level, and noted it was Ok -

But - would the 'gage' he was using show a different freon level if the Starcool unit was turned on? versus leaving it off ...

I'm wondering, I don't think he knew to turn the Starcool on if that was required to get a good level reading.

**daveb** · 07-13-2015, 10:08 AM

Ford will almost always put the incorrect amount in during a service. You need to ask them what the pounds were. I think the system requires 4.9 pounds but I'd just call SMB west to confirm. Like I said I had to put a tag on the valve but even at that I had to make sure the shop knows what the correct amount is. What makes me mad is if they pull it out, they never look how much they took and then charge me again for what they stole from me when recharging the system.

jshrader · 07-13-2015, 10:13 AM

Thanks for the insight, I'll give the guys in IN a call & find out what the total # is supposed to be ....

4x4sporty · 07-14-2015, 09:06 AM

Mine would not work on our last trip and it was the circuit breaker on the top left,it didn't look tripped but it was.
Also make sure your thermostat is set to cool mine has to be Off for the dash air to work and on cool for shore power to work.

**daveb** · 07-14-2015, 11:58 AM

I'd still address that lug no matter what you find.

Scalf77 · 07-14-2015, 05:45 PM

Attached is the starcool manual. If that relay was not working, you would not be hearing the 120 volt compressor come on. The solenoid valve is controlled by the same line that turns on the compressor, so I think my first guess would be along what Dave said about the valve, if it was stuck in the van mode, that would probably produce the result you are getting.