Well, that wasn't it

Kmikesell · 05-03-2022, 01:29 PM

I recently learned (from reading the brain trust of this forum...THANK YOU), that the reason my Fridge didn't work on AC (and neither did the water heater)was due to the heating element in the water heater being shorted out. After replacing the heating element for the heater and plugging in to 120V AC, I was pleased to feel the cooling fins of the fridge doing their cooling best....

...But not so for the water heater.

Even after 2.5 days of AC power, the water had assumed ambient temp. My next thought went to the circuit breaker in the heater itself and/or the AC switch located SSSSSSSSSooooooooooo inconveniently inside the heater.

My question is, how do I troubleshoot those two elements to find the missing link. Or, is there another easier solution I am unaware of?

Kory

**rickst29** · 05-04-2022, 09:25 AM

That heater's Service Manual is here: https://www.trailmanorowners.com/for...1&d=1649256291.

Kmikesell · 05-04-2022, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickst29

That heater's Service Manual is here: https://www.trailmanorowners.com/for...1&d=1649256291.

Thanks Rick! I think I know enough about electrical systems to figure this out. If I have to make a trip to the hospital, I'll let you know.

IF I do need to replace a switch or cut off, I would just order them from Dometic..Right?

**rickst29** · 05-04-2022, 10:49 AM

Dometic doesn't sell directly, but both "online" and "brick and mortar" RV repair places can order these parts for you. Some also stock and sell the parts directly over Internet. Use your DVM carefully, and your only "trip to the hospital" should be to visit OTHER PEOPLE being treated there.

ThePair · 05-04-2022, 03:24 PM

Any chance you didn't press the "reset button"? The thermostats have reset buttons and I know that when I replaced my heater element I panicked until I reset the button and then it worked fine.

Simple fix if that's all it is...

Kmikesell · 05-05-2022, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThePair

Any chance you didn't press the "reset button"? The thermostats have reset buttons and I know that when I replaced my heater element I panicked until I reset the button and then it worked fine.

Simple fix if that's all it is...

Yep checked it TWICE! (pushed really hard the second time JIC).

Thanks for the reminder though
Kory

Wavery · 05-05-2022, 11:54 AM

Did you do a continuity check on the new water heater heating element? That's the usual problem with the AC side of the water heater.

I have learned over the years that when you install a new part and the thing (whatever it is) still doesn't work, check the new part first to be sure that it isn't defective before you start searching for other issues. If the issue is a defective new part, you will drive yourself crazy chasing down an alternative issue, that doesn't exist.

Kmikesell · 05-05-2022, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wavery

Did you do a continuity check on the new water heater heating element? That's the usual problem with the AC side of the water heater.

I have learned over the years that when you install a new part and the thing (whatever it is) still doesn't work, check the new part first to be sure that it isn't defective before you start searching for other issues. If the issue is a defective new part, you will drive yourself crazy chasing down an alternative issue, that doesn't exist.

That is a really good idea! BUT if there is no continuity wouldn't the fridge not work as well? (Which it didn't prior to the installation of the heating element.)

Kory

Kmikesell · 05-06-2022, 09:04 AM

A little history.

Just after purchasing my NTM 2720 SL I plugged temporarily into shore power, almost and immediately the GFCI on the circuit "popped". I struggeld to find out why, and came to this forum for answers.... And I got great info.

I was told that it was probably due to the heating element of the water heater was burned out and that by disconnecting the two electrical leads the short would be eliminated and I could replace the heating element at my leisure.

Since most of my camping is w/o hook-ups, this seemed like a good temoprary solution. The next time I had the TM on shore power, DW tried to "prep" the fridge and cool it off to store items for out next trip, she noticed the fridge was not getting cold on shore power. I informed her that the fridge and WH were on the same circuit and that when I replaced the heating element, the fridge would work on shore power.

So I replaced the heating element, went off to the wilds of Evanston WY for a weekend getaway, (w full hook-ups). Now the fridge worked on AC but the W/H never got above ambiant temp.

As mentioned before, I DID turn the switch on. I DID check the two W/H push button circuit breakers, and it's still not heating of the water.

So this is where I am at the moment. TM is in storage, and I have a camping trip planned in two weeks. Prior to that trip I will bring the TM home (Can't park any trailer on the streets for more than 24 hours) and will be putting up a 100 Watt solar panel system and addressing this issue... Although I don't have a full hook-up trip planned for the rest of the year, it would be nice to have this issue resolved and off the "to do list".

Kory

Shane826 · 05-06-2022, 03:46 PM

Wavery- If they are wired as per the schematic, the fridge is definitely linked to the water heater.