2015 Thor Axis NON Working Cabin A/C

[Harleylc]

We have had constant issues with the A/C blowing warm air in the cabin while driving our 2015 Axis since a few months prior to warranty expiration. It has never been fixed and no one seems to have the solution. We have had CW, Ford and independent RV mechanics look at, flush it, add new hoses, freon, etc. and to this day it still does not work. I have searched these forums and am surprised that we are the only lucky owners to have this frustrating issue. We have called Thor corporate and they are convinced it’s a Ford issue and how the cab was put together. Ford claims it’s a Thor issue. We are the consumer of a Thor product, stuck in the middle, heading into yet another summer with non working cabin a/c. Any and all recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Yes, we sometimes run the overhead a/c unit out of desperation but would like to get it fixed. We are in S Dakota so unable to drive to Elkhart, IN!

[OldWEB]

It sounds like you have had a few 'experts' look at it, but it is good asking the squirrels here at the nut factory if they have any ideas.
My first question is "You say it blows warm air. Is that vent temperature air or warm, engine heated air? So if you turn the temperature control from cold to hot, does the temperature also change?"
Another question, "If you leave the A/C on, does the compressor cycle 'on' and 'off' while the engine is running?" It should do this on Defrost too as the A/C compressor is used in that position also. The cycling is an indication the compressor is actually compressing the gas and turns off when the optimum pressure is reached.


Thanks

[16ACE27]

Did you take it to an automotive air conditioning shop?

[Harleylc]

When turned to a/c cold it blows warm air, not hot or as if heater is on but similar to outside air. When on vent it blows about same temp of air. Yes, the a/c shop flushed it and charged it. It worked for a couple of trips and went back to not working. It’s a mystery apparently. Not sure about the defrost option. I will investigate and report back.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Harleylc

When turned to a/c cold it blows warm air, not hot or as if heater is on but similar to outside air. When on vent it blows about same temp of air. Yes, the a/c shop flushed it and charged it. It worked for a couple of trips and went back to not working. It’s a mystery apparently. Not sure about the defrost option. I will investigate and report back.

Sounds like a refrigerant leak.

[OldWEB]

I am more curious if the compressor would pick-up and drop-out using Defrost, to see if it could be a control issue.

When you turn the the control from "Off" to "A/C", you should hear the compressor clutch pick-up.
I also agree it is most likely a leak, just that it is a simple find if they (repair peeps) have been looking into this problem and negligent of them if they did not do a thorough check before recharging it.

[Beau388]

For the stripped Ford chassis used by Thor, all dash air conditioner parts are supplied by Evans Tempcon, except for the Ford refrigerant compressor. Most RV techs cannot trouble shoot or leak check the chassis A/C system. Check with your local school bus garage and see who works on their buses.

[Muggs]

One thing worth checking is spade connectors on pressure switch on left hand side of engine compartment looking at engine. It is a high/low side pressure switch and spade (crimp on push) connectors loosen with wires hanging on them. I had issue with a/c compressor dropping out while driving and that cured it. Had to tightenthem again a year latter.

Is worth double checking as I skipped it the first few times I had issue. I put 2 and 2 together because it stopped cooling after big bumps.

[galOnTheGo]

I didn't see a reply to "is the compressor staying on, coming on, cycling?"
is the system leaking or is it charged? if it is not leaking, charged, try
putting a hot wire to the compressor, that should put in on, running. if it doesn't come on, I suggest the compressor is bad, need to be checked. if it does come on, stay on, the air should be at least cool. something to check, test. let me know what happens.

[JoeDS]

Originally Posted by Harleylc

We have had constant issues with the A/C blowing warm air in the cabin while driving our 2015 Axis since a few months prior to warranty expiration. It has never been fixed and no one seems to have the solution. We have had CW, Ford and independent RV mechanics look at, flush it, add new hoses, freon, etc. and to this day it still does not work. I have searched these forums and am surprised that we are the only lucky owners to have this frustrating issue. We have called Thor corporate and they are convinced it’s a Ford issue and how the cab was put together. Ford claims it’s a Thor issue. We are the consumer of a Thor product, stuck in the middle, heading into yet another summer with non working cabin a/c. Any and all recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Yes, we sometimes run the overhead a/c unit out of desperation but would like to get it fixed. We are in S Dakota so unable to drive to Elkhart, IN!

I have a 2017 24.1 . The AC has never worked correctly. Thor has worked on , I have worked on it, and a local Large vehicle truck shop has worked on it.
Ive have several connection problems including one non crimped fan connector.
The "freeze" relay (turns off compressor when evaporator gets too cold) went bad one winter, froze up permanently one 5 degree night.
The low pressure sensor leaked.
The expansion valve stuck due to some particles on the system (from the factory install)
The fresh air ducts tubing shorted to the battery.
And finally found that the factory never finished attaching the A/C housing (for the fan and coils) to the firewall . It had 2 screws at the top only which left it open to the engine compartment on three sides plus where the refrigerant/hot water tubing/hose come into the unit there was no seal. Wide open. No way the cooling could win over the 200 degree engine compartment heat.


Taking it back to the shop next week. Refrigerent leaked out!


4 years now and still no AC.

[JoeDS]

PS, sorry for you problems. Good luck.


One very important thing to pass on to your repair shop. My unit is a 24.1 Vegas. To get access to the unit you have to remove the right front wheel and fender splash guard as well as the cover access plate for the battery in the passenger compartment.

[kaj0133]

In all these repairs is there a Ford side air conditioner filter anywhere? Thx in advance

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by kaj0133

In all these repairs is there a Ford side air conditioner filter anywhere? Thx in advance

No. Evans Tempco dash A/C (used in the stripped chassis) does not offer a system with filter.