2019 R23 air conditioner Error code E-2

[Nickc]

I am the second owner of a 2019 R23 with factory installed Webasto FCF 10,000 BTU air conditioner. This is the third season I have used it have used on the Long Island Sound NY and up until recently it has performed well.
Typically, I have the cave mounted AC controller set for 72 degrees (Ambient Temp typically 77-85). FAN set to AUTO and MODE is set to * COLD. The last time I used the AC (before today)- Pressing the AC control ON button would not activate the system – but after I pressed the on button a couple of more time—in about 10 seconds system activated – ran for ten minutes and then shut off with no error codes
Today, after checking the intake sea strainer was clear and opening top to AC unit under seat to check compressor drain pan to confirm drainage to the tee connection at the v-berth sink drain was flowing out the v-berth drain- I was able the activate the AC and it ran normally for 90 minutes before it shut down with Error code E2 (per Webasto install. Manual “Evaporator freezing protection”). While the unit was running, I was able to confirm the steady stream of water from outboard discharge, and steady flow of cold air. I did not notice icing on evaporator fins (but system had run for about 60min after I closed top of AC unit- so not sure what it looked like when it shut down with the E2 code).
Any thoughts on the significance and meaning of E2 error code and fixing it would be much appreciated.

 

[knotflying]

I am far from an Air Conditioner expert, but I believe the coil may be freezing. There should be a setting that will intermittently defrost the coil. Sometimes when there is excessive humidity or the unit has to run long to get things cool, the coil starts to accumulate ice. I also seem to remember that a loss in coolant can cause icing as well.

 

[CaptT]

This is from the manual. Defender has these posted on their site under product specifications. There is also a lot of information on troubleshooting.
Terry

5.7 Error Codes
When there are faults within the system, an error code will be displayed on the display controller: Power off the unit
and contact professional service.
Error code Description
E1 Compressor high pressure protection
E2 Evaporator freezing protection
E3 Compressor low pressure protection
E6 Communication error
F0 Ambient temperature sensor error
F1 Evaporator temperature sensor error
5.8 Key Lock
1) Pressing and key simultaneously for 5 seconds, all keys will be locked. Then pressing and key
simultaneously for 5 seconds again, all keys will be unlocked.
2) After all keys are locked, the controller would not response to any operations. And wired controller will display
“EE”for 3 seconds when users press the key.
5.9 Checking Voltage Function
When numerical value displayed on the Nixie tube does not flicker, pressing and FAN key simultaneously for 5
seconds, then you can check the current voltage. The display will last for 5 seconds before it exits automatically. If you
have controller or other key to control the signal during this period, the display will exit directly.
5.10 Starting Interval Setting
◆ If there are several A/C units in a vessel, you can set starting time interval between one by one.
◆ After powering on controller, press the and FAN key simultaneously for 5 seconds, This allows you to
set starting intervals. Display will flash every 0.5 second. Then, pressing key or key to set up
interval number. To finalize, press the and FAN key simultaneously for 5 seconds to confirm the number.
If you do not confirm, the number you set up will flash for 10 seconds, then revert back to previous setting.
◆ The value displayed is the figure of interval time, each interval time is 20s, for example the set up value is
128, it means that the actual setting interval time should be 128×20=2560s.
◆ Power on the controller, press the button and fan speed button simultaneously, then press the
button and fan speed button simultaneously for 5 seconds, it will display the figure of interval time for 5s.
◆ The controller must be turned off and back on for the startin interval to execute.
◆ The setting range of starting interval value is 0-255; accordingly, the setting range of starting interval time is

 

[Nickc]

I will check out Defender for Webasto operational manual... I also seems to a bunch on videos on installation ...If all else fails ....hopefully a Webasto dealer to diagnose problem in NY area.

 

[Nickc]

May have solved my E-2 ("Evaporator Freezing Protection" code)...
.. wonder if there is any factory and/or AC techs out there to comment...
I opened up totally enclosed AC seat cover and noticed that when I got ac running in the AUTO FAN mode that there was some frosting on evaporator/fins. I reset fan to HIGH (not AUTO)... and ran it the last 2 days when cabin temps was in the 90's for at least 2 hours each day with no shut down and no frosting on evaporator.. problem solved.
Could it be that while on FAN -AUTO and since AC compartment is totally enclosed and only drawing air from hull and/or immediate ac cooled enclosure--- that while on FAN AUTO--there is AC temp. sensor in the enclosed AC that is prematurely lowering the fan to a lower setting --- causing the premature shut down of th AC unit an causing E-2 code?

 

[knotflying]

Having the unit open may have helped, but when you are troubleshooting and do two things differently at the same time you can't determine what correction worked. Turning fan on auto means it will only run when the unit is calling for cooling. If it were me I would set fan to constant run and set the defrost mode and close things up and see what happens.

 

[CaptT]

Nick, Running the fan on manual continuously is a very common way to prevent icing in a RV. When we used our motor home in Florida's hot humid summers we ran the fan when we thought it may ice up and it worked well.
Another thing we looked for on a RV ac, and I'm not sure if boat ac units have one, is where the icing sensor was located. In many cases it wasn't positioned correctly in the center of the Evaporator fins. I've never had my Cutwater ac apart yet, (knock on wood), to check and see if this is true on a boat. Interestingly my boat does have a Dometic unit, the same company that made my motor home's unit.

 

[Nickc]

Tks Capt T....thats what I am seeing on my boats ac... I found the solution to my problem similar to your RV... cabin of boat the last few days up here is 92+ with high humidity & running fan on high does the trick of keeping the evaporator from freezing.....just want to dig deeper to find out where the temp sensor is.. got to recheck installation specs or contact Webasto tech.

 

[CruisingElvinRay]

For the record, we’ve been in SC with mid-90 degree temps and the A/C running pretty much 24/7 on our 2021 R-23. No icing or errors. Keeping the salon relatively cool in the low-to-mid 70 range. We keep the curtains closed and the canvas on, with the skylights and hatches blocked as well.

It’s 9:00 EDT and the temp is 82, with a “feels like” temp of 91.


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[Nickc]

Elvin Ray..conditons similar to NY now... just curious What is your fan set to- auto or high?& what mode? cold or auto?

 

[CruisingElvinRay]

Cold high. Haven’t used the auto settings. We also use it for heat during our winter (what we consider winter down here) boating. It gets quite a workout.


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[Nickc]

TKS...guess I won't be using auto settings any more... but it was interesting getting to learn a lot more about my ac system on the boat...e.g.-confirmed the 2 condensation pan outlets are t'ed together and then t'ed into v-birth sink drain to hull fitting....among other things

 

[NwRecon]

I would also recommend keeping the air intake open so the air can recirculate. To get good air flow out, you need good air in also. in the cave there is a 3-4 inch gap between the A/C Heater compartment floor and the port side wall of the boat. I believe that is where the unit pulls air in. Make sure the cave is not stuffed with gear that would block or restrict that air flow in.