Starcool not cooling when on shore power

[jshrader]

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-SMB]

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

 

[jshrader]

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

 

[daveb-SMB]

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]

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-SMB]

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]

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

 

[C190P]

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-SMB]

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

 

[Scalf77]

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.

 

[jshrader]

Wrapping up this thread -

The problem was a ground wire off the solenoid under the hood had come loose, and was 'wandering' around.

Once the ground wire was secured, all systems went back to normal.

I appreciate the assistance!!

Joe

 

[dorothyt7]

I know this is an old thread but thought I'd ask ....
Does anyone happen to know a part number or way to get a replacement for the Solenoid Valve? Thanks!

 

[daveb-SMB]

I know this is an old thread but thought I'd ask ....
Does anyone happen to know a part number or way to get a replacement for the Solenoid Valve? Thanks!

Have you actually called Danhard? They should be able to give you the info you need. As I mentioned in a different thread, I'll be talking with my mechanic tomorrow. I'll see what he says.

 

[TimRiker]

Old thread... Same story, dash AC blows cold on 12v. On shore power, thermostat set to cool, I can hear the compressor kick in when I lower the temp, and turn off when I raise the temp. Blower runs, but no cold air in the back.

Thanks for the PDF!

Where is the solenoid? I have not yet checked the fuse panel. It sounds like there is a fuse for the solenoid. I'd plan to check the fuse, and verify there is power to the solenoid.

Modified RB30 has the fuse panel under goucho behind driver's seat.

 

[dorothyt7]

Hey Tim on my 95 The solenoid was right behind the grill under the hood in front and tied into the evap coil / panel.
I will try to get you a picture

 

[doublevan2]

Interested in results - photos especially - location of solenoid valve, under hood (?) or wherever ? Thanks ! Good luck with getting all corrected !

 

[bigriver-SMB]

Another Starcool not cooling on shore power

Here is what mine is doing... when I turn the thermostat to cool it pops the 20 amp breaker shown as 12v condenser in the manual (third one down in the starcool fuse block). I'm not sure if my next step is to replace the associated relay or where else I might look.

 

[Scalf77]

Joe,
The biggest possible culprit is a frozen fan in auxiliary condenser ( the one under the driver side door). I would see if it free moving or stuck, or disconnect from the circuit and see if it doesn't blow. The thermostat will turn that on, open the solenoid valve, and pick the relay for the compressor. I very much doubt it would be a relay.

Edit:
Actually the auxiliary condenser fan is powered via it's own relay and fuse path

 

[bigriver-SMB]

Thanks Greg... turns out the fan will spin freely but there is a short between ground and pos in the unit evidenced by reading across both with DVOM. I've been wrestling with getting the shroud off in order to get at the fan but seems like clearance to frame won't allow it. Anyone pulled one of these before and, if so, how?

 

[doublevan2]

Dremel !? Just kidding - good luck with it Joe - take video for the rest of us ! Russ