Complete repair guide for the Fleetwood Bounder – AC Capacitor & Fan Motor Service. Follow these steps to diagnose and fix the issue yourself.
Parts & Tools You’ll Need
- Fits for Dometic 3312195.000 Air Conditioner RV AC Motor Capacitor 60/5 MFD, Heavy Duty Air Conditioner Capacitor Replacement, Compatible with Dometic 3312195000 RV Air Conditioner Models — RV AC dual run capacitor (for Dometic or Coleman-Mach)
- HHQ RV Air Conditioner Motor with Capacitor, Direct Replacement for Coleman Mach RV AC Fan Motor, Replaces Fasco D1092, 1/3 HP, 115 Volts, 1675 RPM, 5-Year Warranty — RV rooftop AC fan motor
- 3106996022 3106996.022 Heat & Cool Thermostat Relay Analog Control Circuit Board Kit for Dometic RV Air Conditioner (White) — RV AC thermostat / control board
- CRC (05084-12PK) Brakleen Non-Chlorinated Brake Parts Cleaner – 14 oz., (Pack of 12) — AC evaporator/condenser coil cleaner foam
- LEDBarz RV Air Conditioner Shroud Cover Screws (10 Pack) for Dometic RV Brisk II and Penguin II Roof Top Air Conditioner, Replacement Parts for Dometic 3310724.0040000002 — Rooftop AC shroud / outer cover
- Dongxw Self Leveling RV Roof Sealant White, 4 Pack Camper Roof Sealant, Lap Sealants for RVs Roofs, Waterproof Flexible RVs Sealants and Caulk for Trailer, Maintenance, Repair — AC roof gasket & self-leveling sealant
- AMI PARTS FCR6 Fin Comb Set for Air Conditioner FCR6 Coil Fin Comb Ring Straighten Evaporator Condensor — Fin comb / coil straightener tool
- FKM Infrared Thermometer Gun Non-Contact Laser Temperature Gun,-58°F~986°F(-50°C~530°C) AdjustableEmissivity,Digital Thermometer Gun for Industrial,Kitchen Cooking,Oven,Automotive,HVAC,Not for Human — Non-contact infrared thermometer
Step 1: Diagnose AC System Failure Points
Start by turning on your Fleetwood Bounder’s AC system and listen for unusual grinding, squealing, or complete silence from the rooftop unit. Use your non-contact infrared thermometer to measure the temperature difference between the air entering the return vent and exiting the supply vent—a healthy system should show a 15–20°F difference. If you’re hearing noise without cooling, or getting no airflow at all, you likely have a failing capacitor or fan motor; if cooling is weak but the fan runs, your coils may need cleaning first.
Step 2: Safely Disconnect Power and Access Unit
Turn off the AC breaker at your RV’s main electrical panel and verify the system is de-energized by attempting to power it on—nothing should happen. Climb onto your roof using a stable ladder and locate the rooftop AC shroud (typically a white or tan plastic cover); unbolt the four corner fasteners and carefully lift off the shroud to expose the fan motor and capacitor beneath. Place the shroud on a clean, flat surface to prevent damage or debris contamination.
Step 3: Remove and Test the Dual Run Capacitor
Locate the cylindrical dual run capacitor (usually rated 40+5 µF at 370V for Dometic or Coleman-Mach units) mounted near the compressor. Before touching it, discharge any residual electrical charge by using an insulated screwdriver to short the two terminals together for 2–3 seconds. Photograph the wire positions, then disconnect the two spade terminals and unbolt the capacitor mounting bracket; if your multimeter shows the capacitor is reading 0 µF or significantly below its rated value, replacement is necessary.
Step 4: Replace Fan Motor and Inspect Bearings
Disconnect the fan motor’s wire harness and remove the three bolts holding the motor to the mounting bracket. Spin the old motor shaft by hand—if it doesn’t turn freely or feels grinding, the bearings are worn and replacement is confirmed. Install the new RV rooftop AC fan motor by reversing the removal steps, ensuring the shaft spins freely and the motor sits flush against the mounting bracket; tighten all three bolts to 12–15 ft-lbs.
Step 5: Clean Evaporator and Condenser Coils Thoroughly
Spray the AC evaporator/condenser coil cleaner foam across the entire coil surface, working from top to bottom to ensure complete coverage; let it sit for 10–15 minutes to break down dust, pollen, and algae buildup. Use a soft brush or the fin comb tool to gently straighten any bent fins, being careful not to puncture the tubing—bent fins restrict airflow and reduce cooling efficiency by up to 30%. Rinse the coils with clean water from a spray bottle and allow them to air dry completely.
Step 6: Install New Capacitor and Seal Roof Opening
Mount the new RV AC dual run capacitor in the original location, reconnecting the spade terminals in the exact positions you photographed (typically one terminal goes to the compressor and one to the fan motor). Replace the AC roof gasket around the shroud base and apply RV AC self-leveling sealant in a continuous bead around the gasket perimeter to prevent water leaks. Lower the rooftop AC shroud back into position, align all four corner fasteners, and tighten them in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even pressure.
Step 7: Test System Performance and Verify Cooling
Restore power at the main electrical panel and turn the AC system on, allowing it to run for 5–10 minutes before taking measurements. Use your non-contact infrared thermometer to confirm the temperature differential is back to 15–20°F, and listen for normal fan operation without grinding or squealing sounds. Check the rooftop gasket and sealant for any water intrusion by inspecting the ceiling area below during your next rain, and verify that your thermostat/control board is displaying the correct temperature and responding to setting adjustments.