cruisair ac not starting properly

[duality]

hope someone can help, i have a 16k btu cruisair with separate condenser. sometimes it is stubborn starting. i have to give the circuit panel box a tap and it will start, compressor, water pump and fan. originally i thought the low or high switch connection was bad because they are just punched down on the circuit board. but that would show a fault on the thermostat. i can hear the on board relays click on, but no action. on top of the box are 2 capacitors and a relay. i feel one or more of these is the culprit. anyone else have similar issues?

mike

 

[JamesG161]

i have a 16k btu cruisair with separate condenser.

I might help if you can Date your model.
Mine, 1997 vintage, had a "thermal start" for the compressor starting capacitor. Mine had same similar problems as you describe. That was replaced for a $20 "Hard Start" by my AC expert.
Now 1 year since the change, no problems! Mine AC (heat pump) is on 24/7 to keep my boat dry and above freezing during winter.
Jim...

 

[thinwater]

hope someone can help, i have a 16k btu cruisair with separate condenser. sometimes it is stubborn starting. i have to give the circuit panel box a tap and it will start, compressor, water pump and fan. originally i thought the low or high switch connection was bad because they are just punched down on the circuit board. but that would show a fault on the thermostat. i can hear the on board relays click on, but no action. on top of the box are 2 capacitors and a relay. i feel one or more of these is the culprit. anyone else have similar issues?

mike

I have been told by factory techs that loose boards can be a problem, and if you are tapping the box, that sounds plausible. Call them, it may be a very fast fix.

 

[duality]

yes its a 2001. i think its that relay attached to the top. i asked an ac guy and he thought it was a contacter not a relay.