2002 AC Heat portion not working

Goosecreeklarry · 12-12-2015, 06:20 PM

Hi: We just noticed that the heating side of our 3124 isn't working and we are going to probably need it sometime soon for our first cooler weather outing.Did we miss a blown fuse or something? I noticed the post about a recall on later models and a problem with a heating strip but don't know if that is applicable to our earlier model or not or even where to look. This isn't the propane heater but the overhead ac unit which has a heat feature as well. Aside from keeping the filter clean and the need for occasional freon in normal ac's, we admit to being HVAC dummies but are willing to try to figure it out. Thought I'd see if anyone had experience with this before we have to take it somewhere. Many thanks.

**inghamm** · 12-12-2015, 09:12 PM

I've just noticed mine is not doing very well either, so I'll be watching this post. Our last 2 trips have definitely been cold weather, but we've seen posts of people bringing little electric heaters, so we've done that and they have worked fine. Last trip it got down below freezing, so the second day we went to Walmart and bought a second one.

Padgett · 12-12-2015, 10:14 PM

Can't speak to others but the heat strip in my roof AC is only 5.6kbtu which is not much more than "warmish" with all of the air flow involved and the cooling fins it goes through first are OAT.

You are probably better off with a small space heater, just make sure it has a tip over switch.

scrubjaysnest · 12-13-2015, 06:06 AM

There isn't a separate breaker for the heat strip. It's feed from the one that feeds the A/C. You need to check for power at the heat strip and make sure the strip isn't open. Could also be the switch but that should show up with the power check. Use caution

**Kwantau** · 12-13-2015, 06:23 AM

Remember that the heat strip is an option when the unit is new and that yours might not have it installed even though the control switch will have it marked on the panel as a heat position. One way to find if it has the strip, is to remove the plastic cover panel and have a look. It sits right in the air intake. You can't miss it. If you don't want to do this, another way is as you stand facing the control knobs, is to remove the air intake grill on the right side of the TM and there is a small white plastic plug which the heating strip plugs into, and if you have the strip there is cable plugged into it that leads inside the unit from the heat strip. Hope that helps you.

Padgett · 12-13-2015, 07:30 AM

Or connect an ammeter to the AC line and look for about a 5A greater draw when you turn the heat on than just the fan.

Craigrrr · 12-13-2015, 07:49 AM

Would the unit still run if there was no heat strip installed? or would it just act as an open on the selector switch when turned to heat ?

Padgett · 12-13-2015, 09:09 AM

Fan is on one circuit, AC compressor and heat are seperate circuits but both go through the thermostat.

On mine, all is accessible if you drop the handler cover inside the coach. I do not know what unit Larry has.

TrailManorMan · 12-13-2015, 11:03 AM

The unit will run even if the heat element is bad, just won't produce heat.

**Bill** · 12-13-2015, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Padgett

Can't speak to others but the heat strip in my roof AC is only 5.6kbtu which is not much more than "warmish"

Right. The mfr describes it as a "Chill Chaser", not a heater, and the owner's manual tells you not to expect too much from it.

Bill