How to Fix an RV Fridge That Isn’t Cooling (Troubleshooting Guide)
- Understanding Your Fridge. The first step is understanding how your fridge works. Don’t worry we won’t get to...
- Common RV Refrigerator Problems. Now comes the hard part. Replacing something that isn’t broken won’t change anything...
- Other Less Common RV Refrigerator Issues. When it comes to RV fridges...
Full Answer
How to remove a refrigerator from a RV?
Instructions for Removing Your RV Fridge
- Measure your Fridge. If you’re going to replace your fridge with a new one, you’re going to need all the necessary measurements.
- Take Out the Frame. The next thing to do once you’ve gotten the dimensions is to take out the frame. ...
- Take Out the Exterior Frame. ...
- Turn Off the Gas. ...
- Pull Out the Caulking. ...
- Take Out the Old Fridge. ...
How to troubleshoot a Dometic RV refrigerator?
How to reset a Dometic RV refrigerator
- Turn off all electrical power connected to the fridge.
- The reset button is usually on the inside of your fridge, so it should be easy to spot. ...
- Release the button and wait for 10 seconds before pressing it again
- Repeat the process and wait for 5 seconds.
- Finally, repeat steps 2, 3, and 4.
- That should reset your fridge.
How to install a refrigerator in a RV?
- Choosing a compatible new unit
- Removing the old refrigerator
- Cleaning and preparing the space
- Placing and securing the new unit
- Finishing touches
How to clean a Dometic RV refrigerator?
- Re-attach the burner cover. The burner cover is fixed in place when it audibly clicks into place.
- Screw the burner cover back in place
- Re-insert the condensation container
- Re-attach the ventilation grill
Can RV refrigerators be repaired?
Can RV Refrigerators be Repaired? Absolutely! If you're having an issue with your RV fridge, don't lose hope. Even if you can't troubleshoot the issue yourself, you can always call in a professional to repair your RV refrigerator.
What would cause an RV refrigerator to stop working?
First, you need to make sure your fridge is actually running properly. Check that the burner is clean and operating properly by removing the shield and looking at the flame. If it's not running, it could be a thermostat issue where it thinks the fridge is cool but it's not.
How do I fix my RV refrigerator not cooling?
The refrigerator will not be able to deliver the cooling it should if the rate at which ammonia and hydrogen burn is slower than the rate at which the surrounding air warms up. The best thing you can do is install a fan behind the RV refrigerator's opening area and make sure this fan has a higher PRM.
How much does it cost to repair a RV refrigerator?
It is crucial to know the average repair costs to pay depending on the RV you own, whether it is a motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, pop-up camper, or truck camper. The average cost for refrigerator repairs is $600-$3,500 for a motorhome or travel trailer and $500-$1,500 for a truck camper or pop-up camper.
Is there a reset button on an RV refrigerator?
1:443:13A Dometic Refrigerator has a RESET button! Who knew?! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to find a little switch in here a little reset switch it's hard to find hard to see.MoreYou're going to find a little switch in here a little reset switch it's hard to find hard to see.
How do you reset a refrigerator in an RV?
6:017:07Dometic Fridge Failure. How To Reset It. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd after three or five seconds you will hear a bleep once it bleeps let go and that is the fridgeMoreAnd after three or five seconds you will hear a bleep once it bleeps let go and that is the fridge reset.
Why Is My RV refrigerator not getting cold but freezer is?
So if the freezer is working fine but the refrigerator isn't, you probably have airflow problems. In many cases, the freezer moves cool air into the fridge using a diffuser. Sometimes, the diffuser duct gets clogged up with ice, and you can verify this by listening to the evaporator fan.
Why is my fridge not getting cold?
Clogged coils can cause poor cooling. Check to make sure nothing is stuck in the condenser fan and that it spins freely (models with coils on the back won't have a fan). To do this, unplug the fridge and pull it out. Clean the fan blades and spin the fan by hand to see if it's stuck.
How do I know if my RV refrigerator cooling unit has failed?
3:0640:14How To Determine If Your RV Refrigerator Cooling Unit Has FailedYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWork its way out of the the pressurized vessel it's not pressurized anymore. So yellow residue it'sMoreWork its way out of the the pressurized vessel it's not pressurized anymore. So yellow residue it's your cooling unit if you smell an ammonia strong ammonia smell either inside or outside here.
How long do RV refrigerators last?
RV refrigerators typically last 10 to 18 years, and the average life of a refrigerator is 14 years. Many factors influence the life of fridges, including the type of refrigerator and environmental factors.
Why Is My RV fridge not working on electric or gas?
Why Is My RV fridge not working on electricity? Your RV fridge will stop working on electricity because of a bad control board. If you have no tripped circuit breakers, it could also be that you have a shorted electrical refrigerator heating element. If you have a newer RV, you likely have a two-way fridge.
How do you troubleshoot a refrigerator?
Refrigerator Troubleshooting GuideMake sure the refrigerator is plugged in securely.Check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.Test the power outlet for current.Inspect the electrical cord for damage.Eliminate use of an extension cord, if any is being used.Check the outlet voltage.
How RV Refrigerators Work
There are 2 brands of refrigerators commonly found in RVs: 1. Dometic RV refrigerator 2. Norcold RV refrigeratorBoth operate under the same princip...
Troubleshooting An RV Refrigerator
When an RV refrigerator starts failing (not cooling as well as it should), it means the fluid is no longer circulating properly through the cooling...
When RV Refrigerators Aren’T Used
More often, the problem with an RV refrigerator is time combined with lack of use.As RV refrigerators age, the ammonia liquid can create sediment t...
Repairing vs Replacing A Non-Working RV Refrigerator
It has been said that if you remove the refrigerator from the RV and turn it upside down for a period of time, it may start working again. I’ve nev...
Other RV Refrigerator Repair Issues
There are a number of reasons that a refrigerator will not function at all. Typically, those problems can be repaired at a reasonable cost.For exam...
How does an RV refrigerator work?
RV refrigerators use a cooling solution out of water, liquid ammonia, and hydrogen gas. The solution is heated in a boiler to separate the chemicals. The ammonia and hydrogen gasses flow through evaporator coils to draw heat out of the inside of the refrigerator. They come back together with the water in a condenser chamber.
What is the best name for a RV fridge?
To learn more about your refrigerator, it’s always a good idea to read through the owner’s manual. The two biggest names for RV fridges are Dometic and Norcold. If you need a copy of your manual, you can download a copy from their websites.
Why does my RV refrigerator light blink?
If it’s on or blinks, that means the pilot light isn’t staying lit. There is a simple solution for Dometic refrigerator troubleshooting check light issues.
What is the vent cover on an RV?
On the exterior of your RV, you’ll see a removable panel with three-wide slits running horizontally. This panel is your refrigerator vent cover. Behind this panel are the inner workings of your fridge. The lower panel allows fresh air to come in to cool the hot components. The upper side panel lets warm air escape.
What is the difference between a two way refrigerator and a three way refrigerator?
The boiler is heated either by electricity or a propane burner. Two-way refrigerators use either AC current or propane. Three-way (which are more common) versions use AC, DC, or propane.
How big is an RV refrigerator?
They handle the road, and their use of propane while traveling is more efficient for power needs. RV fridges now come as large as 18 cubic feet. Whichever version of refrigerator you choose, make sure you keep up with the maintenance. Keep the interior and the exterior vent cover space clean.
How long does it take for a refrigerator to cool?
The main refrigerator cools as the air flows through the rest of the interior. When you first start up the fridge, it can take around 8-12 hours to get it to the optimal temperature of 43° Fahrenheit in the main section, and 34°F in the freezer.
What to use to warm RV fridge?
But if your RV ends up in such conditions and the cooling unit on the back of the refrigerator freezes, you can use a space heater or even a high wattage (think 60 watts or more) lamp to slowly warm the back of the fridge until the cooling unit thaws.
What happens if you leave your RV fridge unused?
If you’ve let your RV refrigerator sit unused, it can form ammonia sediment build-up. Unfortunately, this is nearly a death sentence for your fridge. There might not be much you can do in regards to RV refrigerator repair if this is your problem.
Why is my fridge not working on propane?
If your fridge works on propane but not on 110V power, there is an electrical problem. You should first check for a tripped circuit breaker. That is the most likely culprit and an easy DIY fix. Check for a tripped breaker in your RV’s electrical compartment.
What happens if a breaker is tripped?
If your fridge still doesn’t work off 110V power after resetting a tripped breaker, there is likely a bigger electrical problem causing the breaker to trip. You are now looking at a possible electrical heating element or RV control board gone bad.
Why does my RV refrigerator smell?
If you open your RV refrigerator and smell ammonia, it is likely that the evaporator portion of your cooling unit is leaking. Immediately shut off your refrigerator and keep the door closed. Be sure to open doors, windows, and vents on your RV to increase ventilation and remove the odor. This isn’t a DIY project.
How to get rid of mold in RV refrigerator?
How to Remove Mold. The easiest way to remove mold from your RV refrigerator is to use a solution of 1 cup of bleach mixed into 1 gallon of water. Put that into a spray bottle and spray it on the mold, but don’t wipe it off right away. Let the bleach water sit for at least a good 10-15 minutes, so it can do its thing and kill the mold.
How to get rid of mold in a bathroom?
Let the bleach water sit for at least a good 10-15 minutes, so it can do its thing and kill the mold. If you don’t want to use bleach, you can spray vinegar on the mold. However, it may take a bit more scrubbing than with bleach water to get all the mold off.
Why does my RV have mold in the refrigerator?
Mold will usually form in a humid environment. If you do not use the RV for a long time, unless you take precautions, you may find mold in the refrigerator when you return. The reason for this is that the refrigerator door has been closed for a long time. A simple solution is to obtain a mold less door holder to keep the refrigerator door half-open when the RV is not in use.
Why is my RV refrigerator not cooling?
If you stop the RV on the slope for more than 20 minutes, it may cause permanent damage. This is because the coolant liquid will accumulate in two points in the pipe, thereby making the coolant flow’s circulation efficiency. In the end, the cooling capacity would also be reduced.
Why does coolant sluggish in cold weather?
The reason is that the coolant becomes sluggish in cold weather and does not circulate well, reducing the overall refrigeration level. You can perform the following operations:
How to tell if refrigerator has 120V AC?
The usual check is whether the fridge has a 120 V AC switch inserted. Usually, in the rear vent, you will see a PowerPoint that needs to be plugged into the refrigerator. Another thing that may happen is that the GFCI circuit breaker may trip. If so, you only need to reset them to make the refrigerator rerun manually.
What does it mean when RV refrigerators leak ammonia?
If this occurs in your RV refrigerator, then all signs indicate ammonia leakage. Ammonia is used in the evaporator part of the propane refrigerator and is an integral part of the refrigeration process.
Why does my refrigerator light turn yellow?
It is basically to show that normal refrigerator functions are being interrupted. It may happen when you unplug the 120 V AC outlet. You will see the yellow inspection light flash briefly until the refrigerator automatically restarts under propane. Other reasons may cause your inspection light to turn on:
Where is the igniter on a propane refrigerator?
The igniter is a small part of the control panel. When you switch the refrigerator to propane, it provides a spark to ignite the burner. It usually appears in the rear vent (outside the RV), and you will hear a click from the igniter until the burner lights up. Today, most RV propane refrigerators have an igniter, while other types entail systems where you manually ignite the burner with a match.
How long does it take to damage an RV refrigerator?
Your RV has to be level enough so you feel comfortable walking around inside. This will be enough to satisfy the refrigerator. In only 20 minutes you can damage your RV refrigerator if left running while parked on a steep slope.
When was RV refrigerator repair last updated?
by Donna Flanagan. Last updated on March 26th, 2019 at 03:14 pm. Originally published on June 20th, 2015. RV refrigerator repair is something we never want to have to do. It’s can be intimidating, and seems like a daunting task for the average RV owner.
How to tell if a refrigerator is leaking?
Check to see if there is a yellowish or greenish stain on the back of fridge near the burner. If you see the stain, chances are you have a leak. 2. The Refrigerator Works on Propane but Not on 110V Power. Check all the circuit breakers and fuses. Check the outlet on the back of the refrigerator.
What does it mean when your RV refrigerator smells like ammonia?
If you smell ammonia you have a leak. This is a service tech repair job. Ammonia will make your eyes water and affect your breathing. This usually means the cooling unit is in trouble. Turn off the refrigerator as quickly as you can if you suspect an ammonia leak. This repair needs a service tech to determine if it’s repairable, or you need to purchase a new RV refrigerator.
What to do if your gas stove doesn't light?
Vacuum out the area around the burner. If it doesn’t light at all, you will have to vacuum out the entire burner area. The jet most likely has debris blocking it.
What happens if you don't find voltage on refrigerator?
If voltage is detected in only one wire but not the other, the element may be burned out. A burnt out heating element will need replacing. Amazon has a great option right here. If you don’t find any voltage at the element, the problem may be in the wiring or circuit board of the refrigerator circuit board.
What is the difference between a two way and three way RV fridge?
RV fridges run on gas generally and will have an option to switch from gas to electricity. The fridges fall into the categories of two-way and three-way fridges. A two-way fridge is a fridge that will switch between LP gas and AC depending on which of the two is available.
Why is it important to keep the fridge level?
Besides keeping the fridge level you will want to make sure that your fridge is being properly ventilated. This is necessary for the proper cooling functions involved in evaporation refrigeration.
What does it mean when you smell ammonia in a refrigerator?
If you smell Ammonia then you have a problem. Absorption type refrigerators use a combination of water, liquified ammonia, hydrogen gas, and sodium chlorate in the cooling coils to transfer heat. If you smell ammonia then the heat transferring coils have leaked, this will require professional care.
What happens if you run a fridge for a long time?
If you run the fridge for a long time while it isn’t level, even by a few degrees, you run the risk of damaging the fridge. Since there are less moving parts in an absorption refrigeration system they are generally easier to fix, so you’ll have a good chance of identifying your fridge’s issue.
Where is the thermocouple on a refrigerator?
The thermocouple is attached to the main gas valve in the back of the refrigerator and connects to the gas burner with a tube. If your looking for a Thermocouple to replace the faulty on in the fridge there is no need to struggle finding one Amazon has a great option for you. Just follow this link.
What to do if the gas light doesn't go on?
If the light doesn’t go on at all then check to make sure you have fuel and that the valve is on to release gas to the fridge. After confirming this you can vacuum the burner area up to the burner port. Remove the metal shielding around the burner and use a vacuum to clean the area around the flame.
How to keep a camper fridge running?
You may think the coach is level only to discover your fridge is having issues. Grab a ruler, measuring tape, or even a level and take it outside. Check the angle on the camper coach. Adjust as necessary. In the future, be conscientious of the angle of the coach. This will keep your camper fridge running at its best.
Why is a camper refrigerator important?
This keeps your food and beverages cool so you can enjoy a good homecooked meal on the road. That’s why, when your refrigerator is on the fritz, it can be incredibly distressing. Now you have to watch as your food gradually goes bad.
What is the cooling unit in a camper refrigerator?
Your camper refrigerator contains a cooling unit. This keeps the food in the fridge chilly and the items in the freezer frosty. The unit is cooled via a combination of water, hydrogen, and ammonia, also known as cooling solution.
What is a pilot light on a refrigerator?
That means the fridge will include a burner jet, also known as a pilot light. The pilot light is responsible for triggering the fridge burners. That said, sometimes this doesn’t happen. You may light the pilot light in the morning, only to return to the fridge in the afternoon and find it’s burned out.
How to read temperature in fridge?
Put this in the fridge and close the door. Now wait. The temperature should read about 43 degrees Fahrenheit in a 12-hour period. It’s okay if it’s a little lower.
How to fix a fridge pilot light?
To fix it, access the fridge’s gas valves. For now, power these down. Then reset them. If you have a newer model fridge, you can do this all by pushing the power button. If not, you’ll have to reset the fridge manually. Once your fridge is up and running again, you should see the pilot light go on.
Can you run a camper refrigerator on AC?
For many models of camper refrigerator, it’s advised that once you surpass 5,550-feet altitudes, you should run your fridge on AC power instead of gas. The altitude can put a strain on liquid propane. If you fail to make the switch as you approach higher altitudes, your burners can…well, burn out.
