8 Common Dometic Duo Therm Problems (Troubleshooting)

It’s a common tradition for Americans to go across the country in their RVs every year. Traveling in an RV is like carrying your home with you. Dometic is a renowned company that has been providing a wide selection of accessories for years. It is a Swedish group that manufactures many products that are mostly focused on recreational vehicles.

They have outshined the rest of the companies on the market because of their versatility and functionality. They also offer Air Conditioners that are easy to install and reliable enough to stand the test of time. However, it can get really frustrating if issues arise with your RV AC and it stops working, especially in the middle of the night.

The good news is that one can resolve most of the problems with RV AC on one’s own. This article holds the necessary information that you need to troubleshoot the unit with the lowest possible costs.

Dometic Duo Therm Troubleshooting

1. Testing Duo Therm Thermostat

Keep the switch on and check the range of DC volts. It should be more than ten and less than 30. A reset system operation will tell you if the wiring is having any issues. It can also reveal the problem with the thermostat itself.

An error with the display screen is a sign that your device is not working properly. If you face the same problem even when there is the right configuration, you might have to get a replacement for the device.

2. Unit Won’t Turn On Or Stay On

Very often, users face the problem of their AC unit not starting at all. Or even if it does, it’s for a short period of time. It turns off every time your RV hits a bump on the road.

There might be a button that is switched off, or your unit might not be getting power correctly. If all the connections are switched on, but you are still having the same issue, then proceed to take off the air conditioner from its main connection.

There is a cracked solder joint in the on/off switch that can get cracked and cause the problem of turning off after a while for AC. To prevent its cracking, resolder the switch with the help of a small 25- watt soldering iron.

Sometimes there might be an error with your outlet that can also give you similar problems. Use a voltmeter to ensure the current values on the socket are correct. If not, then use a spare connection nearby to switch on your device. It should now start working fine.

You can then get your previous connection fixed to start using it again. Usually, if your outlets use a fuse in them, then these can be replaced. If not, then you will have to get the entire connection replaced.

In rare cases, the user might even have to get the wirings for their outlet replaced. Though, you should contact an electrician for these to ensure the socket is replaced currently. It can get really hazardous and dangerous to change these on your own.

3. Reset Thermostat

Sometimes people can get error codes or problems with their air conditioner units. This is a clear sign of a configuration error. In that case, you need to reset the device. This will remove all the changes that you have made to the system.

Additionally, the device should revert to its factory default files. The process deletes anything that can be causing this issue along with it. You can then proceed to set up your files again and use your air conditioner without any more problems. Keep the device switched on while doing the reset settings.

You can then hold down the down, up, and time buttons on the device at the same time. Keep them held down for a few seconds. You will then notice that the vents on your air conditioner have started to move around. This indicates that the process has started, and you should now wait for some time. The unit should be reset after a while, and you can then start using it.

4. Gas Leakage

Most problems with air conditioners are related to electrical or configuration errors. Though, some people might run into a gas leakage with their unit.

These devices contain a volume of gas in them that cools down the air for the unit. Once this has been leaked out, you will notice that only warm air is being pumped out.

In that scenario, you should contact a repairing agency for air conditioner units . You also get the option of getting in touch with Dometic directly.

They will check the tank and fix where the air was leaking from. They should then also be able to fill it back in for you. The process should take some time, but once it is done. Your unit will start pumping cold air again.

People who have their devices under warranty should contact the company directly. They will most likely be provided with a free repair but make sure that you go through the guidelines beforehand.

5. Poor Working Of Push Buttons

It is a common sight to see the poor working of push buttons. The major reason behind their problematic performance is the accumulation of dust beneath the buttons. Storage of dust is obvious because your RV is on the road a lot.

You can start the inspection by looking for rubbers below the push buttons. They attract dust like magnets. You should also check the other areas and then proceed with the cleaning.

Switches are the first component to go through cleaning. After that, remove the PC board and press the tabs with the help of a small flat screwdriver. Move on to cleaning the contacts by using spray contact cleaner. Now, put the top back on the switch and see if your pushbuttons are fixed.

6. AC Cooling At the Wrong Temperature

Sometimes you observe that your AC is not showing the regular operation under the required temperature. Now, that’s a hard step of troubleshooting, but you can solve this by yourself.

The cause of AC cooling to the wrong temperature is the error with temperature sensing. It gets really complex to resolve, but you can give it a try.

Take a start by checking the room temperature with a thermometer. Make sure you have taken the temperature measurement before the start of the duo therm thermostat.

You need to note down the temperature when the thermostat stops. Now compare both the temperatures. An accuracy of ±3 degrees Fahrenheit is a must-have. If not, you can start working on the solution.

Switch off the thermostat and turn on the AC. Turn it off after a while and switch on the thermostat alongside. Run a factory reset. The solutions of different AC units dry depending on their type.

If your AC unit is a rear unit, you need to get a new upper board. On the other hand, install a remote sensor if you own a front unit without a remote sensor. In the case of a front unit with a remote sensor, use an ohmmeter to do the checking and then find a replacement for the thermistor sensor and upper board.

7. Fixing The E1 Code On Thermostat

E1 code is a sign of poor communication between the power module boards and the CCC 2 thermostat. It contains the zone that has encountered the loss of communication. The details of the lack of communication are shown on the display screen.

It is also possible for an additional zone to lose contact and then blink right next to the original code. You can easily resolve this issue by doing the system reset protocol. Another solution involves the tracing of the cable starting from the duo therm thermostat and leading to the Air Conditioner.

Assess both of the connections and make sure none of them is loose. As soon as you disconnect the cable, reset the system. If there is a failure in any component of the system, replacing the thermostat would be a great idea.

In case your Dometic thermostat is under warranty, it is better not to touch the thermostat or AC. The reason is that accidental breaking can void the warranty, and you will have to spend dollars on the costly repairing. If you don’t want to go through all the procedures, just go to an expert technician to carry out the troubleshooting as soon as you see the code.

8. Replacing The Duo – Therm Thermostat

If you intend to replace the duo-therm thermostat with a household thermostat, do know that the latter runs on batteries. RV thermostats use DC power, while household thermostats use AC power.

Make sure that both the thermostats have the same terminals. The process is simple as you need to disconnect the basic electrical work first and then attach the new terminals.

An important thing to remember while making the replacement is to put a label on the wires and keep them from sliding into the pit in the wall. These basic steps can save you tons of work in the replacement procedure.

You shouldn’t set the new thermostat to work before testing the appliances. There is a high chance that some thermostats won’t start even with the correct hooking up of wires. Therefore, it is recommended to seek professional guidance before attempting this.