Complete repair guide for the Forest River Cedar Creek – AC Capacitor & Fan Motor Service. Follow these steps to diagnose and fix the issue yourself.
Parts & Tools You’ll Need
- RV AC dual run capacitor (Dometic/Coleman-Mach)
- Rooftop AC fan motor
- RV AC thermostat / control board
- AC evaporator/condenser coil cleaner foam
- Rooftop AC shroud / outer cover
- AC roof gasket & self-leveling lap sealant
- Fin comb / coil straightener tool
- Non-contact infrared thermometer
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Step-by-Step Repair Guide
Step 1: Diagnose AC System & Safety
Before starting, turn off your RV’s main power breaker and disconnect the AC unit’s 120V power supply to ensure electrical safety. Use your non-contact infrared thermometer to check current cooling performance, and listen for unusual fan noises or grinding sounds that indicate motor failure or capacitor issues.
Step 2: Access Rooftop AC Unit Safely
Climb onto your Cedar Creek’s roof using a sturdy ladder and secure yourself with appropriate safety equipment. Locate the rooftop AC shroud and use a socket wrench to remove the fastening bolts holding the outer cover in place.
Step 3: Replace Dual Run Capacitor
Photograph the capacitor’s wire connections before disconnecting them to ensure proper reassembly of your Dometic or Coleman-Mach unit. Unbolt the old capacitor from its mounting bracket, install the new dual run capacitor in the same orientation, and reconnect the wires using the same terminal positions.
Step 4: Service Fan Motor Assembly
Inspect the fan motor for debris, corrosion, or seized bearings by attempting gentle rotation with your hand. If the motor is damaged, disconnect the electrical connectors and remove the mounting bolts to extract the old unit, then install the new fan motor and reconnect all wiring.
Step 5: Clean Evaporator & Condenser Coils
Apply the AC evaporator and condenser coil cleaner foam according to product instructions, allowing it to dissolve accumulated dirt and biological growth. Use your fin comb tool to gently straighten any bent aluminum fins on the coils, being careful not to puncture the refrigerant tubing.
Step 6: Reinstall Shroud & Reseal Roof
Position the rooftop AC shroud back onto the unit and secure all fastening bolts to manufacturer specifications. Apply RV AC roof gasket material and self-leveling lap sealant around the shroud’s perimeter and all penetration points to prevent water leaks.
Step 7: Test System Performance & Monitor
Restore power to your AC unit and allow it to run for 15-20 minutes while monitoring temperature output with your infrared thermometer. Verify that the fan motor operates quietly, the thermostat control board responds correctly to temperature changes, and the system achieves proper cooling without unusual noises or vibrations.
Recommended Parts
| Part | Link |
|---|---|
| RV AC dual run capacitor (Dometic/Coleman-Mach) | View on Amazon |
| Rooftop AC fan motor | View on Amazon |
| RV AC thermostat / control board | View on Amazon |
| AC evaporator/condenser coil cleaner foam | View on Amazon |
| Rooftop AC shroud / outer cover | View on Amazon |
| AC roof gasket & self-leveling lap sealant | View on Amazon |
| Fin comb / coil straightener tool | View on Amazon |
| Non-contact infrared thermometer | View on Amazon |