Entegra Aspire – AC Capacitor & Fan Motor Service

Complete repair guide for the Entegra Aspire – AC Capacitor & Fan Motor Service. Follow these steps to diagnose and fix the issue yourself.

Parts & Tools You’ll Need

Step 1: Diagnose AC Issues and Prepare Workspace

Before climbing to the roof, test your Entegra Aspire’s AC system by setting the thermostat to cooling mode and listening for the compressor and fan motor to engage. If you hear humming but the fan won’t spin, or the system won’t cool above 72°F, you likely have a failed capacitor or motor. Turn off the RV’s main electrical disconnect and let the system sit for 15 minutes to discharge any residual voltage in the capacitor before touching any components.

Step 2: Access and Remove Rooftop AC Shroud

Climb to the roof and locate your Dometic or Coleman-Mach AC unit mounted above the bedroom or main living area. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the four to six fasteners securing the rooftop AC shroud/outer cover, then carefully lift it away to expose the fan motor, capacitor, and coils. Set the shroud aside in a safe location where it won’t slide or get damaged—you’ll reinstall it after service.

Step 3: Test and Replace the Dual Run Capacitor

Locate the cylindrical dual run capacitor (typically 45-50 microfarads) mounted near the compressor line or motor housing. Using a non-contact infrared thermometer, note the capacitor’s temperature; a reading above 140°F indicates heat stress and likely failure. Before removal, use an insulated screwdriver to discharge the capacitor by touching it across both terminals, then disconnect the wire spade connectors and note their positions (take a photo if needed) before installing the new RV AC dual run capacitor in reverse order.

Step 4: Inspect and Clean Evaporator and Condenser Coils

With the shroud removed, spray the AC evaporator/condenser coil cleaner foam generously across the aluminum fin surfaces, working from top to bottom to allow drainage. Allow the foam to sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with a low-pressure water source or compressed air to remove debris and algae buildup. If you notice bent fins, carefully straighten them using a fin comb/coil straightener tool, working gently to avoid puncturing the tubes.

Step 5: Remove and Test the Fan Motor

Disconnect the motor’s wire connectors and unbolt the fan motor from its mounting bracket using a 1/2-inch socket (typically three bolts). Spin the motor shaft by hand—it should rotate freely without grinding or resistance; any roughness indicates bearing failure. If the motor spins freely but didn’t run during your initial test, the capacitor replacement likely fixed your issue; if it’s locked or rough, install the new RV rooftop AC fan motor using the same bolt pattern and ensure all connectors are fully seated.

Step 6: Reseal and Reinstall AC Shroud Assembly

Before reinstalling the shroud, inspect the AC roof gasket for cracks, hardening, or gaps—replace it with a new gasket if it shows signs of deterioration. Apply AC roof gasket & self-leveling sealant around the shroud perimeter where it contacts the roof, then carefully position the shroud and secure it with the original fasteners, tightening in a cross pattern to 12-15 foot-pounds. Wipe away any excess sealant with a damp cloth and allow it to cure for at least four hours before testing.

Step 7: Test System Performance and Verify Repairs

Return to the RV interior, switch the AC to cooling mode, and set the thermostat to 68°F to verify the compressor and fan engage smoothly without humming or grinding sounds. Use the non-contact infrared thermometer to check that the return air temperature drops to 50-55°F within 5 minutes and the condenser coil temperature reads 105-115°F under normal operation. Monitor the system for 20 minutes to confirm stable cooling, even airflow from all vents, and no unusual noises—if any issues persist, recheck your capacitor and motor wire connections.