How to Wire a Coleman Motorhome Start Capacitor

In addition to manufacturing camping supplies like tents, sleeping bags and portable stoves, Coleman also manufactures air conditioner units both for the home and for recreational vehicles. The Coleman roof-mount RV air conditioner uses a run capacitor to power the fan. The start capacitor stores an electronic charge that is used when the compressor fan kicks in. If the fan runs but the air does not blow cold, the start capacitor may need to be changed.

Ladder
Nut driver
Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Disconnect the power to the air conditioner unit.
- 2
  Climb to the roof of the RV with a ladder and use a nut driver to remove the screws holding the air conditioner cover in place. Lift the cover off and set it aside.
- 3
  Locate the start capacitor. It is a cylindrical-shaped piece that resembles an overgrown D-battery. It is mounted near the fan and is usually silver in color.
- 4
  Lay the screwdriver tip across the capacitor terminal leads to release any charge that may be stored in the capacitor.
- 5
  Mark the terminal leads with a crayon so they are connected to the right terminals on the new capacitor. The terminal leads are "Fan," "Herm" and "C" for common.
- 6
  Unscrew the connections to the old capacitor with the screwdriver. Set the new capacitor in place and connect its leads using the screwdriver.
- 7
  Set the AC cover back in place and replace the retaining nuts. Restore power to the air conditioner and run it to test the new capacitor.

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