How Do You Reset An RV Air Conditioner? [4 Easy Steps]

When your RV air conditioner isn't cooling your camper like it used to, it can be uncomfortable on the road, especially in hot weather. One of the easiest ways to remedy this is by resetting your RV air conditioner. But how exactly do you do this? We've conducted thorough research and consulted experts to give you the answer.

The simplest way to reset your RV air conditioner is by using the reset button on the device. In cases where there is no reset button, you will have to reset your AC by following these steps:

1. Turn off your air conditioner.
2. Shut off the device at the breaker.
3. Test the breaker.
4. Wait 30 minutes before switching the unit back on.  

Read on as we go into resetting your RV air conditioner and what issues this might fix. We'll also discuss other problems that could prevent your AC from functioning correctly. 

How To Reset Your RV Air Conditioner With The Reset Button

How you reset your RV AC depends on the make and model of the device. Some air conditioner units have a reset button to make this task easier. 

The location of the reset button varies from model to model, but it's typically easy to find.

Most reset buttons are red, marked as "Reset," and located on the back along the bottom of the unit.

Some models have the reset button on the inside of the unit. In this case, the button is usually behind the service panel. Switch off the breaker before you look for the button inside.

To reset your RV air conditioner:

1. Turn off the unit.
2. Press down on the reset button continuously for 3-5 seconds.
3. Wait 10-15 seconds.
4. Press down again and hold it for 3 seconds.
5. Turn the unit back on.

This will reset your AC, so check if it runs normally again. 

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How To Reset Your RV Air Conditioner Manually

If your RV air conditioner doesn't have a reset button, you must perform a few more steps to reset it.

The good news is that this is a fairly easy task. Here are the guidelines for resetting your RV air conditioner manually:

1. Turn Off Your Air Conditioner 

First, you need to cut off the power supply of your AC. Turn it off, and unplug it. 

2. Shut Off The Device at the Breaker

Locate the circuit breaker in your RV. Its location varies according to the model of your RV, but circuit breakers are usually on a wall and placed close to the floor.

Once you locate your breaker, look for the switch that powers your HVAC system. Shut it off. 

This step will also allow you to see if your breaker has tripped. A tripped breaker has the switch in the middle of the "on" and "off" positions.

3. Test the Breaker 

You can skip this step if you don't want the process to be complex, but this will help determine if your breaker has gone bad and ensure the problem is with your breaker.

You'll need a multimeter or voltmeter and a flathead screwdriver for this step.

1. First, open the circuit breaker and remove the metal frame around it with your screwdriver.
2. Next, set your multimeter to AC voltage.
3. Place the black lead on the terminal screw and the red lead on the ground screw.

The voltage should read at 120V or 140V. If your multimeter doesn't display this voltage or doesn't read anything at all, it means there's no power supply. 

So if your AC doesn't work after a reset, you may need to replace it.

After this test, screw in the metal frame and close the circuit breaker. 

4. Wait 30 Minutes Before Switching the Unit Back on  

Wait 60 seconds before switching the breaker back on. Then, wait at least 30 minutes before turning on your AC by setting your thermostat to "cool."

Doing this will give the internal system time to dissipate the power, so your chances of a successful reset will be higher. 

Be sure to check out: RV AC Fan Not Working – What To Do?

Why Should You Reset Your RV Air Conditioner?

There are a few scenarios in which resetting your RV air conditioner is necessary or useful.

The first is when your AC doesn't seem to be blowing cool air—even if the thermostat is set to a low temperature—or if the AC won't start. A reset can be the easiest way to have it function normally again. 

Another scenario is when you experience a sudden power outage. Once your power is restored, your circuit may become overloaded.

This could result in problems with your AC's ability to function correctly. Resetting your AC is the solution to this issue. 

In addition, when your circuit breaker trips from overloading, short circuits, or ground fault surges, you must reset your AC after fixing the breaker. 

You might also like: What Can Go Wrong with the RV’s Air Conditioning System?

Why is My Air Conditioner Not Working in My RV?

Plenty of issues could keep your RV air conditioner from working correctly. Among the most common problems with RV air conditioners are:

Blown Fuse

Overloading from overuse during hot weather and power surges can lead to a blown fuse.

A typical sign that your AC is suffering from this issue is if it won't start or won't blow cool air but omits a humming or buzzing sound.

You can check to see if you have a blown fuse by using a multimeter. If this is the problem, you must replace the fuse or have the replacement job done by a professional.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

If your AC won't turn on or keeps running nonstop, your thermostat could be to blame.

To confirm whether this is the problem, use a thermometer to compare the temperature of the air your AC is taking in and the air it's blowing out.

You can also use a multimeter to check the power supply of the thermostat. If this is the problem, you must replace the batteries on your thermostat or the device itself. 

Defective Motor 

The motor of your AC is responsible for running the fan, which blows cool air out of the device. Signs that your AC motor has gone bad include a fan that won't start or fan blades that rotate at an extremely slow pace.

A faulty motor can also cause your AC to short cycle. For this issue, you will need a professional to repair or replace the motor. 

Dirty or Frozen Coils

Frozen coils can cause your AC to turn on and off continuously. To fix this issue, turn off the unit to allow them to thaw out.

You can prevent this from reoccurring by keeping your AC at a low temperature and setting the fan at high speed. 

On the other hand, dirty coils can keep your AC from blowing cool air. The solution to this problem is simple: use a brush or mix a mild detergent with water to clean the evaporator coils.

Problems With Wiring

Loose, frayed, and dead wires can cause your AC to stop working.

A whole host of issues, such as old age, power surges, wear and tear, excess friction, and more can cause problems with wiring.

Fixing this problem can be dangerous, so you'll need to contact a professional to carry out repairs or replacements. 

Be sure to read: How Much Does It Cost To Replace An RV Air Conditioner?

Do RV Air Conditioners Need to be Recharged?

Yes, RV air conditioners must be recharged by refilling the refrigerant to keep them running correctly.

Signs that your RV air conditioner needs recharging include slow cooling, high electric bills, blowing warm air, and hissing sounds.

It's best to check your AC's refrigerant levels regularly to prevent problems with its operation. 

Watch this video below to find out how to test the freon levels in your RV air conditioner:

Can You Add Freon to a Camper Air Conditioner?

Yes, you can add refrigerant to your RV air conditioner.

For this task, you will need a coolant, a coolant gauge, a thermometer, a socket wrench, and gloves. The good news is that you can add freon to your RV by yourself. 

In Closing

Resetting your RV air conditioner is an easy solution for getting your RV air conditioner to work correctly again.

You can do this by using the reset button or by resetting it manually by resetting the breaker.

If a simple reset doesn't get your RV air conditioner to start or blow cool air, check for other issues with the unit and call a professional to help you conduct repairs.