Entegra Accolade – AC Capacitor & Fan Motor ServiceSave

Entegra Accolade – AC Capacitor & Fan Motor Service

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The most expensive mistake RV owners make is replacing parts before they’ve diagnosed the actual problem. I’ve walked up to rigs where the owner has already swapped three components and the real issue is something a five-dollar fuse or a loose connector would have fixed. Diagnosis first. Always diagnosis first. On the Entegra Accolade, the rooftop AC system takes a beating — heat cycles, road vibration, and years of runtime turn capacitors brittle and fan motors sluggish, and when that unit stops cooling in the middle of July in Arizona, the temptation is to just start throwing parts at it. This guide will walk you through the way I actually approach this job in the field: test before you touch, confirm the failure point, and only then put hands on the components — because nine times out of ten, a proper diagnosis is the difference between a forty-dollar capacitor fix and an unnecessary compressor replacement that didn’t need to happen.

Parts & Tools You’ll Need

Step 1: Diagnose AC Performance Issues

Begin by testing your Entegra Accolade’s air conditioning system while parked in shade with the engine off. Turn on the AC to maximum cooling and use your non-contact infrared thermometer to measure the temperature of air exiting the ceiling vents—you should see 20-30°F cooler than ambient temperature. If airflow is weak or temperatures aren’t dropping, the issue likely stems from a failed capacitor (which prevents the fan motor from running) or a worn fan motor itself.

Step 2: Power Down and Remove Shroud

Switch off the main breaker on your RV’s electrical panel and verify power is off using a multimeter at the AC unit terminals. Once confirmed, locate and remove the rooftop AC shroud by unbolting the four to six corner fasteners with a socket wrench—these are typically 10mm bolts. Carefully lift the shroud straight up to expose the capacitor, fan motor, and compressor assembly without stressing any electrical connections.

Step 3: Test and Replace Dual Run Capacitor

Locate the dual run capacitor (a cylindrical component with two or three terminal posts) and photograph its terminal configuration before disconnecting. Using a capacitor discharge tool or an insulated screwdriver, safely short the terminals to ground any residual charge, then use a multimeter set to capacitance mode to verify it’s failed—a working capacitor typically reads within 5-10% of its rated microfarads (usually 45-55 µF). Install the replacement RV AC dual run capacitor by reconnecting wires to matching terminals, ensuring connections are tight and waterproof.

Step 4: Inspect and Service Fan Motor

Check the fan motor shaft for rust or corrosion and listen for grinding or squealing sounds by gently rotating it by hand—a healthy motor rotates freely with light resistance. Use a fin comb/coil straightener tool to straighten any bent cooling fins on the condenser coil surrounding the motor, as restricted airflow overworks the motor and reduces cooling efficiency. If the motor is frozen solid or produces grinding noises, replace the RV rooftop AC fan motor by unbolting the mounting bracket (typically 8-10mm bolts) and carefully disconnecting the wiring harness.

Step 5: Clean Condenser and Evaporator Coils

Spray the AC evaporator/condenser coil cleaner foam liberally across both the condenser coil (visible on the roof unit) and evaporator coil (accessible when the shroud is off) and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes. Using a soft brush or compressed air, gently remove loosened debris, dust, and algae buildup—never use high-pressure water that could bend fins or force contaminants deeper into coil passages. Clean coils improve heat transfer efficiency by up to 30% and reduce the workload on your replacement fan motor.

Step 6: Reseal and Reinstall Shroud Assembly

Before reinstalling the shroud, inspect the existing AC roof gasket for cracks, hardening, or gaps—replace it if any damage is visible by peeling away old material and cleaning the surface with a damp cloth. Apply a bead of self-leveling RV AC sealant around the perimeter gasket mounting surface and carefully lower the shroud back into position, aligning bolt holes. Thread all fasteners hand-tight first, then use a torque wrench or socket wrench to secure them evenly in a star pattern at 12-15 ft-lbs to prevent warping or uneven sealing.

Step 7: Verify Cooling Function and System Balance

Restore power at the main breaker and set your RV AC thermostat/control board to maximum cool with the fan on high speed, then allow the system to run for 10 minutes before measuring vent temperatures again. Confirm that air exiting all ceiling vents reaches 20-30°F below ambient temperature and that you hear steady fan operation without rattling, grinding, or squealing from the roof unit. If performance falls short of expectations or the system cycles on and off frequently, review all terminal connections and wiring for loose or corroded contacts before scheduling further diagnostics.