What is Error Code E5 on the Atwood Air Command

Updated 03/24/2025 | Published 07/20/2021

Question:

We haver a code E5 Is this a sensor?

asked by: Delonta B

Expert Reply:

From information avaialble to me, the error code "E5" on your Atwood Air Command Rooftop RV Air, # AT15028-22, is for a compressor overload. Reset this by removing power for several minutes.

expert reply by: Michael R

Tom

5/26/2024

Power down for a while works, even just leaving it on, sometimes it will just start working again hours later. But this is not a solution. What is causing the E5 to happen again and again. Obviously, any error isn't normal. Is there no known solution? It didn't do this for the first 4 years of owning it. I have replaced the thermostat because the old display would not read what error it was, and cleaned the cooling fins because someone said that might be the problem, no resolve.

Jameson C.

5/29/2024

@Tom It's most likely a start capacitor is shot based on what you described since it keeps repeating. A local HVAC guy should be able to help with that.

Tom

7/9/2024

@JamesonC I tested the start capacitor and it's 58 out of 60 +/- 5% so it's good. I found somewhere else that E5 means the coil is overheating and needs to be cleaned. I cleaned it, (again, this time I repeated the process 3 times) it looks so good it appears new at this point. I also tested the compressor and that too tests as it should. Put it all back together and I am still having the same problem. Any other ideas? Replace the whole main board or sensor perhaps?

Jameson C.

7/9/2024

@Tom I wish we could be more helpful but since Atwood is out of the AC business they don't have a tech support system for the AC units. Best solution I can think of would again be to find an HVAC guy look at it and see if there's something he can help with.

See All (5) Replies to Tom ∨

Atwood E.

3/20/2025

When i turn the ac off by remote it keeps wanting to cycle over and over with power off. It cycles runs for 5mins then shut off on its own. This just started this afternoon out of the blue… What would be a good plug n play replacement for this unit? It’s ducted unit and has heat option on the T state on wall. Thanks Gary

Kate F.

3/20/2025

@AtwoodE Hello Gary, I am very sorry to hear that you are having issues with your Atwood AC. Your Atwood Air Command is acting up, turning on and off even when it’s supposed to be off. This is usually a sign of a bad control board, a faulty thermostat, or a sensor issue. Since it just started happening out of nowhere, it’s probably an electrical problem. A better solution is to replace it with the Dometic Penguin II High-Capacity with Heat Pump (15,000 BTU, White) # DMC68ZR. It’s a direct swap for your setup, works with ducted systems, and has both cooling and heating. Plus, the heat pump is more efficient than the old heating elements. The Penguin II is a well-supported unit, so getting parts and service in the future won’t be a problem. It also has a low-profile design, which helps with efficiency and roof clearance. You will also want to grab a new thermostat, the Dometic CCC2 Single Zone thermostat # DMC79FR. I would act fast because the AC units for RV's swapped to a new refrigerant this year, the # DMC68ZR is still the R-410a refrigerant which is why you can make the swap. With new systems with the R-32 refrigerant would require for you to get a new air distribution box, because the new refrigerant cannot work with the old air distribution boxes. Let me know what you think about this set-up.

Helpful Links

tv-demo-dometic-replacement-thermostat-single-zone-rv-air-conditioner-dmc79fr.aspx

tv-demo-dometic-rv-air-conditioners-penguin-ii-15000-btu-single-zone-white-heat-pump-dmc68zr.aspx

Gary G.

3/21/2025

@KateF what dometic air distribution box would I use For ducted and wall T stat? Thanks

Kate F.

3/24/2025

@GaryG Hello Gary, for the thermostat you will want single zone Black # DMC79FR or White # DMC95ZR. I had to reach out to Dometic about the air distribution box, since you have a ducted system you will actually need a return air grills/ADB which I am currently in the process of getting it added to the site. I will let you know as soon as it is approved, it usually takes about 2 business days. I appreciate your patience.