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Topic: Aux compressor solenoid - clicks but no start (Read 373 times) previous topic - next topic

Aux compressor solenoid - clicks but no start

My aux compressor won't turn on.  I have an inline fuse and when I install the fuse, the solenoid (I assume?) clicks, but the compressor (usually) doesn't start.  On occasion when it has started tonight, it only ran for a minute or two, then shut off.

I noticed the problem when the last slide would not come out - amber light wouldn't stop blinking.  I checked the compressor and saw that it was at 0 psi.  I've been able to get it going a couple times for a couple minutes each and now we're holding at 60 psi, but I'm not having luck getting it to kick on again.

Right now, my dilemma is that I'm here until Sunday morning - I need to get it fixed by then so I can get the slides back in.  I can get a video of the sound if that helps, hopefully it's just a solenoid swap. 

I didn't see anything on here regarding the compressor not starting, and this is not the purge valve - this is the solenoid at the base of the compressor shown in the attached pic.
Steve and Cassi
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 42'

Re: Aux compressor solenoid - clicks but no start

Reply #1 –
With the fuse out, use a small screw driver and rotate the motor by turning the fins which are available through the slots on the end of the motor. Mine did the same thing, ultimately I had it replaced this spring. Seems like there was a " dead" spot on the windings.  It also helps if you build air using the big engine.

Good luck,
Don
Don and Cheri
Aiken, SC
2005 U270 36ft.

Re: Aux compressor solenoid - clicks but no start

Reply #2 –

If you've checked your fuses, then I would check  that 12 V Essex Relay (HWH Part RP5512) you show in the picture.  I had that fail  which prevented the compressor from running.  That, in turn, caused the normally open solenoid on the bowl to be continuously closed and burned that up.  So I would unplug the fuse until you replace that Essex Relay.  I was able to get a replacement at the local auto parts store and I ordered a spare from Amazon. Emerson 120-105711 DC Power Solenoid  Easy swap.

If the relay doesn't solve the problem, I'd check the pressure switch. Telemecanique Sensors 9013FHG2J27  If the normally open solenoid on the bowl is is clicking, that indicates to me its signaling the compressor to start, so I think the switch itself failing is unlikely.  Could be a loose or bad wire?  Maybe get out the multi-meter and see if your getting 12 volt output from it.  It's not a complicated replacement or expensive part, so may want to give it a try anyway,

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Joe Phebus and Jaime Trujillo
2002 U270 3410  Build: 5953 Motorcader # 18595
2100 W Solar, 600 AH Battleborn Batteries,  Victron Multi-Plus II 3000 Inverter, Cerbo GX, & MPPT Chargers
1992 Geo Tracker

Re: Aux compressor solenoid - clicks but no start

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Joe Phebus –
I was able to get a replacement at the local auto parts store and I ordered a spare from Amazon. Emerson 120-105711 DC Power Solenoid,  Easy swap.

I'm having a hard time locating a good replacement.  Mine says White Rodgers 120-105111, which when I look it up says it's 12V 100A continuous duty single pole, normally open.  Of course, I can't find that locally, but I have one getting delivered to my house tomorrow.  The guys at O'Reilly and Napa don't seem to be able to cross reference it to something compatible.  Do you happen to have notes on what you were able to get going with?
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Steve and Cassi
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 42'

Re: Aux compressor solenoid - clicks but no start

Reply #4 –
Quote from: stevej –
I'm having a hard time locating a good replacement.  Mine says White Rodgers 120-105111, which when I look it up says it's 12V 100A continuous duty single pole, normally open.  Of course, I can't find that locally, but I have one getting delivered to my house tomorrow.  The guys at O'Reilly and Napa don't seem to be able to cross reference it to something compatible.  Do you happen to have notes on what you were able to get going with?
That appears to be a regular type of solenoid that completes the circuit with signal trigger. Can't you jump the 2 large posts across and rule the solenoid out? If compressor won't start and run probably bad compressor. A good replacement compressor is the Air Zeneth, 1/3rd the cost. Check the posts on this. Jim. 
Jim and Dona
2002 U295 36'
Lily, blue healer. Our fury person
Manx mid travel Ecotec turbo
2022 Bronco badlands Sasquatch
Trail 90 and 110cc

Re: Aux compressor solenoid - clicks but no start

Reply #5 –
Quote from: fourdayoff –
That appears to be a regular type of solenoid that completes the circuit with signal trigger. Can't you jump the 2 large posts across and rule the solenoid out? If compressor won't start and run probably bad compressor. A good replacement compressor is the Air Zeneth, 1/3rd the cost. Check the posts on this. Jim.

It's the solenoid!  When I jumped the compressor, it fired up.  Maybe I'll just wire in a switch for now so I can manually control the compressor so I can limp home and replace the solenoid with the new one on order.

The only thing I need now is to provide power to the purge valve solenoid, probably toss in a manual switch for it too.
Steve and Cassi
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 42'

Re: Aux compressor solenoid - clicks but no start

Reply #6 –
Quote from: stevej –
It's the solenoid!  When I jumped the compressor, it fired up.  Maybe I'll just wire in a switch for now so I can manually control the compressor so I can limp home and replace the solenoid with the new one on order.

The only thing I need now is to provide power to the purge valve solenoid, probably toss in a manual switch for it too.
Steve, make sure the signal wire is getting current. Also the purge valve only gets power when the compressor is running, N/O. Jim.
Jim and Dona
2002 U295 36'
Lily, blue healer. Our fury person
Manx mid travel Ecotec turbo
2022 Bronco badlands Sasquatch
Trail 90 and 110cc

Re: Aux compressor solenoid - clicks but no start

Reply #7 –
Quote from: fourdayoff –
Steve, make sure the signal wire is getting current. Also the purge valve only gets power when the compressor is running, N/O. Jim.

I'm trying to get my head around all the wiring. I'm probably going to bypass everything first thing tomorrow morning so I can close the purge and run the compressor. I'll get the slides in, let it charge to 100 psi, then head home and put the new solenoid in.

We're in a tailgating lot and a game starting soon, so I've resigned to fixing this in the morning.

Thanks to all for the help, this is the best community!
Steve and Cassi
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 42'

Re: Aux compressor solenoid - clicks but no start

Reply #8 –
Steve, not sure if you need it or if it will help, below is the wiring schematic for that compressor set up.
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: Aux compressor solenoid - clicks but no start

Reply #9 –
Awesome Mark, thank you, I can work with that!
Steve and Cassi
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 42'

Re: Aux compressor solenoid - clicks but no start

Reply #10 –
Quote from: stevej –
I'm having a hard time locating a good replacement.  Mine says White Rodgers 120-105111, which when I look it up says it's 12V 100A continuous duty single pole, normally open.  Of course, I can't find that locally, but I have one getting delivered to my house tomorrow.  The guys at O'Reilly and Napa don't seem to be able to cross reference it to something compatible.  Do you happen to have notes on what you were able to get going with?

 The one from Amazon is the same I found at the auto parts store.  I just ordered the same item we installed as a spare. (the Emerson).  It has the same specs as you noted.

Glad you got it resolved. 
Joe Phebus and Jaime Trujillo
2002 U270 3410  Build: 5953 Motorcader # 18595
2100 W Solar, 600 AH Battleborn Batteries,  Victron Multi-Plus II 3000 Inverter, Cerbo GX, & MPPT Chargers
1992 Geo Tracker