4 RV Refrigerator Repair Troubleshooting
- Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit. For a propane controlled fridge, check thee thermocouple to ensure flow is smooth. ...
- Your Coach Isn’t Level Or Hasn’t Been Used. Ensure the coach is level. ...
- No Cooling Fuel Source. Wear gloves and check the cooling unit to ensure heating is uniform in the center, absorber and the boiler.
- Leaking Cooling Unit. ...
Full Answer
How to maintain your RV refrigerator?
We recommend the following:
- Keep an eye on the evaporator inside your refrigerator. ...
- Don’t let your freezer become an ice block. ...
- Check the outside condenser coil and propane components at least once a year, especially if you haven’t used your refrigerator in awhile or if you’re experiencing problems. ...
- Keeping track of your maintenance with an online tool such as Maintain My RV.
How to troubleshoot a Dometic RV refrigerator?
- Turn off your RV circuit breaker and charge your battery.
- Make sure you have the suitable type of light working on the “12v” system.
- Open your fridge and light your lamp in the mixer.
- If you see the light, your refrigerator is getting its power.
- If you do not see the light, your refrigerator does not get power.
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 do you troubleshoot a refrigerator that is not cooling?
- Be sure the fridge is plugged in and getting power. ...
- Check the thermostat to make sure it hasn’t been turned way down by mistake. ...
- Be sure the vents on the back of the freezer compartment aren’t blocked by boxes of ice cream or frozen vegetables—the vents have to be clear for cold air to ...
- Vacuum the coils under or behind the fridge. ...
Can an RV refrigerator be fixed?
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.
How do I fix my RV refrigerator not cooling?
Air Circulation 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.
What would cause an RV refrigerator to stop working?
If your fridge isn't running, the first thing you should check is whether your propane or electricity is out. To fix a propane issue: Check the tank and make sure that the valve is turned on. Check the excess flow valve.
How much does it cost to fix an RV refrigerator?
Many large RV refrigerators can cost well over $2,000 new. With labor charges at about $100 an hour, combined with the $1,400 or so the replacement parts would cost, it makes better sense to just buy a new refrigerator.
How do you reset a refrigerator in an RV?
1:143:13A Dometic Refrigerator has a RESET button! Who knew?! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to see a plug in a 110 plug in the where the refrigerator plugs into you're going toMoreYou're going to see a plug in a 110 plug in the where the refrigerator plugs into you're going to see a fuse box.
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 do you burp a propane refrigerator?
Rock the unit backwards about 45 degrees, hold for three minutes or so, then rock forward to about 45 degrees, and again hold for about three minutes. Plug the unit in or fire it up with propane, wait about four hours, and check to see if it's cooling.
Can you add Freon to a RV refrigerator?
They are sealed and can't be refilled. However, the Absorption refrigerator's cooling unit can get a replacement in case of any harmful leakage. I would recommend you get a professional diagnosis before replacing your cooling unit. It might be difficult finding the correct cooling unit for your fridge.
How do you unclog an RV refrigerator?
0:523:26How To Unclog RV Refrigerator Drain Tube - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut I used a poker to get all this cleaned out and then I used my air compressor. I got it runningMoreBut I used a poker to get all this cleaned out and then I used my air compressor. I got it running off my van I got a air compressor in there. And I just put it in 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 won't my RV refrigerator get cold?
Another common reason that you may be having trouble with RV refrigerator cooling units is if your RV hasn't been used in a while. When the fridge is off, the chemical coolant fluid isn't flowing, and sediment can build up, stopping operation.
How much does it cost to replace the cooling unit in an RV refrigerator?
A brand new RV refrigerator, which runs on either electricity or propane, was about $4,000. But then there is the issue of getting it in the motorhome: new installs require removal of either a slide out or the windshield. A cooling unit ordered directly from Norcold was $1,400.
Why won't my RV refrigerator get cold?
The Fridge Works on Gas but Not Electric If it is, and the RV refrigerator is not getting cold, then the heating element needs to be replaced. If it is not providing power, you'll first want to check the 120V power circuit to make sure there is power to the fridge. No power? Check the circuit and breaker.
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 the refrigerator is 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 you unclog an RV refrigerator?
0:523:26How To Unclog RV Refrigerator Drain Tube - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut I used a poker to get all this cleaned out and then I used my air compressor. I got it runningMoreBut I used a poker to get all this cleaned out and then I used my air compressor. I got it running off my van I got a air compressor in there. And I just put it in here.
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 My RV Refrigerator Work?
First off, however, let’s simply take a look at how your RV refrigerator works. It’s likely that your RV fridge is a bit different than the residential model you’re used to in your home.
What is an RV refrigerator?
Most RV or camper refrigerators are dual-fuel absorption refrigerators. An absorption refrigerator doesn’t use a compressor or freon as a residential refrigerator would. It uses propane or electricity to heat a combination of water, ammonia, and hydrogen inside the cooling unit.
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 RV refrigerator isn't level?
If it isn’t level, the ammonia liquid will not flow properly to the evaporator coils.
Why does my RV refrigerator smell like ammonia?
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.
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.
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.
How long does an RV refrigerator last?
Three-way (which are more common) versions use AC, DC, or propane. RV refrigerators last, on average, between 15-20 years. It usually comes down to how long the electric wiring keeps up. Most of the cooling starts in the freezer part of the unit.
Why won't my RV refrigerator detect heat?
If that isn’t the problem, it could be the ceramic housing is cracked or dirty. RV refrigerators don’t use thermocouples to detect the heat. Instead, there’s a sensor with a ceramic piece on the end of it. If there is a buildup of carbon or the piece is cracked, the sensor won’t detect the flame correctly and will shut off the gas. It’s cheap and easy to replace.
How to reset a Norcold refrigerator?
Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to reset your unit. It may be a simple push of the Dometic or Norcold RV refrigerator reset button or turning the fridge off and on. Older refrigerators may have to be manually reset. The manual should have a step-by-step guide to walk you through it.
Why is my Norcold refrigerator not working?
If your Norcold or Dometic refrigerator is not working at all after you pulled it out of winter storage, check the cooling components behind the vent cover. If your RV sat in negative temperatures over the winter, the cooling liquid might be frozen.
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 refrigerator and a RV refrigerator?
Modern home refrigerators use Puron as a substitute for Freon as a refrigerant. RV refrigerators use a cooling solution out of water, liquid ammonia, and hydrogen gas.
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 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 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.
What happens if you don't have voltage on RV refrigerator?
If you have no voltage at the element, your problem may lie in the circuit boards of the refrigerator. This is the time to take it to a qualified RV dealership and have the problem looked at by professionals.
What type of gas does an RV refrigerator use?
Most RV refrigerators operate on either 110v AC or propane gas. Some also operate on 12v DC, as well.
How to check if a refrigerator is 110V?
The first step is to verify you have 110v AC at the refrigerator. Check circuit breakers and fuses , but most importantly you need to check the outlet at the back of the refrigerator to make sure voltage really is there. Using a multimeter is the best choice, but plugging something like a lamp or a blow dryer into the outlet will also verify that voltage is present. Verify that there is 12v DC at the refrigerator because it uses both levels of electricity to work.
What does it smell like when a cooling unit is punctured?
If the cooling unit is punctured, you will smell a strong ammonia odor.
When to fill a beer cooler with ice?
When the beer feels warm and the butter is melted, then it’s time fill the cooler with ice and make a last ditch effort to save the food.
Can a compressor pump freon?
There is no compressor pumping freon through coils. Instead, heat from either an electric element or a small flame causes a percolating action that circulates an ammonia mixture through cooling tubes. In many ways, this is a simpler (easier to troubleshoot) method of cooling with its own built-in backup system.
Does a 3 way refrigerator need an electric heating element?
3-way refrigerators that will also operate solely on 12v DC have an extra electric heating element. Confirming voltage at the heating element is done in the same way as testing the 110v AC mode of operation (mentioned above).
Why is my RV refrigerator not working?
If the temperature drops well below freezing, this can happen. If your RV has been sitting outside in the freezing cold overnight, this might be why your refrigerator isn’t working. Run the heat inside and wait for the unit to defrost.
What is DC power in RV refrigerators?
Three-way refrigerators use DC power in addition to these. DC power means electricity runs in one direction, rather than reversing the current. With AC power, the electricity constantly reverses direction. Now you know how your RV refrigerator stays on.
What is the difference between a two way refrigerator and a three way refrigerator?
The refrigerator inside is either a two-way or a three-way. These terms refer to the energy sources that run your refrigerator: propane, AC power, and/or DC power. Most RVs have two-way refrigerators, which use propane and AC power. Three-way refrigerators use DC power in addition to these.
What does it mean when your refrigerator is fried?
If your refrigerator works on one type of power but not another, this means that your cooling unit is functional. This is good news, as a fried unit might mean a new refrigerator is in order. If your refrigerator runs just fine on propane but not electricity, you have electrical issues.
Why is my refrigerator yellow?
If you see yellow everywhere, your cooling unit might be done for. The yellow residue is the result of the ammonia wearing down the steel tubing. STEP 3.
How to tell if ammonia is in a refrigerator?
One of the signs of ammonia sediment is a refrigerator that gets warmer over time. The build-up of ammonia stops regular circulation, like a clog.
What to do if your pilot light doesn't stay lit?
If you see that the burner (also known as pilot light) catches but doesn’t stay lit, replace the thermocouple.
Can you repair an RV refrigerator?
Over time use, vibrations and other causes of damage may make it necessary to do a complete RV refrigerator replacement. Though you could repair the damage, it could cost just as much as an RV refrigerator replacement.
Can you remove a refrigerator from an RV?
When removing the refrigerator during an RV refrigerator replacement, it is best to lie some padding down to protect the floor. Once removed, you will be able to install your new refrigerator and enjoy your next road trip.
Do you need to measure the refrigerator before installing a new refrigerator?
Before installing a new refrigerator you need to measure the current one to verify if it will make it through the door or if you will need to remove a window of the RV to get the old refrigerator out.
How to check if RV refrigerator is working?
There are a few common issues with RV fridges that you can check for on your own before you call in the big guns. If you are concerned about the operation of your RV refrigerator from Norcold or Dometic, be sure to check the following: 1 Does your RV fridges have the correct ventilation? If not then make sure that you clear any obstructions to the vent on the back side of your refrigerator. 2 Is the RV refrigerator level? This is something that you can check routinely that will help you keep your RV fridges running properly. 3 Is your fridge receiving the correct amount of heat? Be sure to check for this while on electric to be certain.
Why does my RV refrigerator smell?
If RV fridges are leaking ammonia you may notice the smell around your particular unit. You could also check to see if there are any traces of a yellow or green powder surrounding the back of your refrigerator by the burner. This could mean that there is a leak in the cooling coil and that needs to be replaced.
Does Mobile RV Solutions work with Norcold fridges?
Mobile RV Solutions works with all models of Norcold and Dometic RV fridges to fix cooling units and make sure you have a working fridge as soon as possible. The RV specialists here will be able to properly diagnose any issue with your fridge and get you the repair you need quickly.
Does an RV fridge work with propane?
Rather than a compressor pumping Freon through coils, heat from an electric or gas source causes a percolating that will help to send an ammonia mixture through cooling tubes. Most RV fridges work with either propane gas or 110 VAC.
Can you use propane gas in an RV fridge?
Most RV fridges work with either propane gas or 110 VAC. This means that you should always have your RV fridges serviced and/or repaired by a professional RV refrigerator service technician. At Mobile RV Solutions, we are licensed, insured and we come to you for any RV refrigerator repairs or replacements.
Can you check a refrigerator on an RV?
There are a few common issues with RV fridges that you can check for on your own before you call in the big guns. If you are concerned about the operation of your RV refrigerator from Norcold or Dometic, be sure to check the following: .
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.
Why does my camper fridge stall?
Once you pull out the camper from storage and start using the refrigerator again, the cooling unit will stall. The sediment is prohibiting the liquid ammonia from flowing as it should across the unit. That means your fridge will seem barely cool, and then warm, and then warmer.
What happens if you don't use a camper trailer all year long?
If you don’t use your camper trailer all year long, you must be aware of the potential for ammonia sediment buildup.
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.
