Eric Hepker
New member
TIPS FOR TROUBLE SHOOTING DOMETIC 4 BUTTON COMFORT CONTROL SYSTEMS
Many RV Manufactures used the 4 button control system in their coaches from ’97 to 2003ish until Dometic introduced the 5 button conversion kits. Hendrix RV Services (William Hendrix) have refurbished over 2,000 and they are still working! On occasion we may see one back to be refurbished again. That is the beauty of the 4 button systems-we can still repair- unlike the newer solid state systems. Visit: williamhendrix.com. Eric Hepker 303-718-6624
If you have one of our refurbished thermostats available on Ebay (seller Wylo761-2) it has been tested 100% for all functions for multiple zones. So if you are having problems,- It is something other than the thermostat. Here are some things to check, (OR - If you’re having problems with your original thermostat).
If the thermostat will not activate- There is usually no 12 volts available at the thermostat. Check the 3A fuse in the Control Board - verify the RJ-11 (telephone type) connector at the control board is plugged in firmly. Take the thermostat off the wall and check for 12V on terminals behind the ON/OFF switch- you must have 12V there on the center terminal with the switch OFF- and on the left terminal with the switch ON.
If you can not go to Zone 2- (Zone change is done by pressing the top 2 buttons and releasing at the same time) IF Zone 1 does not display (small “1”) and the Zone 2 DIP switch is ON, there is a fault with the communication cable (phone cable) from Zone 1 to Zone 2 and the thermostat cannot detect Zone 2 which is necessary to show the zones on the display. Un-plug and replug the RJ-11 connectors to wipe the contacts clean. If no change, run test cable from Z-1 to Z-2 with the thermostat connected to Z-1. If no change with the test cable there is a fault with Z-2 control board. The communication cable is different (parallel wired) than the standard phone extension (series wired). I can provide a 25’ communication test cable, for $25 plus $5 shipping.
If the Air Condition will not come on- First select a fan speed and if the fan does not come on in about 6 seconds the possibilities are: a dead spot or bad fan motor (rotate the fan blade and try again)- be sure 120V is available on Black wire in the junction box. IF 120 volts available reset the breakers. If 120V is available probably a faulty control board. After getting the fan to function, select COOL and set a low temp. The compressor should start in 2-3 minutes- If not- possible bad compressor or faulty control board, also AVAILABLE on Ebay.
If the Furnace will not display- The Control Board must receive 12 volts from the furnace on either one of the blue wires at the control board. Check the furnace fuse, If OK possible break in the com line or bad furnace board. Shorting across the two blue wires should make the furnace come on if voltage is present on one of the blue wires and IF the furnace board is OK.
If you have a Heat Pump and it gives heat when the controls are set for Cool, this is usually stuck reversing valve of the Freon system. First verify the reversing valve electrical coil getting 120 volts from the control board- if no 120v, bad control board. If YES 120V, tap on the reversing valve while the compressor is running to see if it will activate and start to cool. If the valve is permanently stuck compare cost of repair to a new air condition. Run the air condition each month to keep the reversing valve lubricated.
IF YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE WITH ELECTRICAL TESTING, TAKE THE COACH TO AN AUTHORIZED DOMETIC SERVICE CENTER
4-BUTTON Duo-Therm Dometic Thermostat part#3106463.007
Control Board Electric Kit part#3106481.009 - Board only part#3106482.015
Many RV Manufactures used the 4 button control system in their coaches from ’97 to 2003ish until Dometic introduced the 5 button conversion kits. Hendrix RV Services (William Hendrix) have refurbished over 2,000 and they are still working! On occasion we may see one back to be refurbished again. That is the beauty of the 4 button systems-we can still repair- unlike the newer solid state systems. Visit: williamhendrix.com. Eric Hepker 303-718-6624
If you have one of our refurbished thermostats available on Ebay (seller Wylo761-2) it has been tested 100% for all functions for multiple zones. So if you are having problems,- It is something other than the thermostat. Here are some things to check, (OR - If you’re having problems with your original thermostat).
If the thermostat will not activate- There is usually no 12 volts available at the thermostat. Check the 3A fuse in the Control Board - verify the RJ-11 (telephone type) connector at the control board is plugged in firmly. Take the thermostat off the wall and check for 12V on terminals behind the ON/OFF switch- you must have 12V there on the center terminal with the switch OFF- and on the left terminal with the switch ON.
If you can not go to Zone 2- (Zone change is done by pressing the top 2 buttons and releasing at the same time) IF Zone 1 does not display (small “1”) and the Zone 2 DIP switch is ON, there is a fault with the communication cable (phone cable) from Zone 1 to Zone 2 and the thermostat cannot detect Zone 2 which is necessary to show the zones on the display. Un-plug and replug the RJ-11 connectors to wipe the contacts clean. If no change, run test cable from Z-1 to Z-2 with the thermostat connected to Z-1. If no change with the test cable there is a fault with Z-2 control board. The communication cable is different (parallel wired) than the standard phone extension (series wired). I can provide a 25’ communication test cable, for $25 plus $5 shipping.
If the Air Condition will not come on- First select a fan speed and if the fan does not come on in about 6 seconds the possibilities are: a dead spot or bad fan motor (rotate the fan blade and try again)- be sure 120V is available on Black wire in the junction box. IF 120 volts available reset the breakers. If 120V is available probably a faulty control board. After getting the fan to function, select COOL and set a low temp. The compressor should start in 2-3 minutes- If not- possible bad compressor or faulty control board, also AVAILABLE on Ebay.
If the Furnace will not display- The Control Board must receive 12 volts from the furnace on either one of the blue wires at the control board. Check the furnace fuse, If OK possible break in the com line or bad furnace board. Shorting across the two blue wires should make the furnace come on if voltage is present on one of the blue wires and IF the furnace board is OK.
If you have a Heat Pump and it gives heat when the controls are set for Cool, this is usually stuck reversing valve of the Freon system. First verify the reversing valve electrical coil getting 120 volts from the control board- if no 120v, bad control board. If YES 120V, tap on the reversing valve while the compressor is running to see if it will activate and start to cool. If the valve is permanently stuck compare cost of repair to a new air condition. Run the air condition each month to keep the reversing valve lubricated.
IF YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE WITH ELECTRICAL TESTING, TAKE THE COACH TO AN AUTHORIZED DOMETIC SERVICE CENTER
4-BUTTON Duo-Therm Dometic Thermostat part#3106463.007
Control Board Electric Kit part#3106481.009 - Board only part#3106482.015
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