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Refrigerator Problem

Yahoo Message Number: 79611
Greetings all,

Well, my Dometic refrigerator quit working on a recent trip on the Oregon coast. I was driving Hwy 101, a very rough, curvy and hilly stretch. When I got into my space for the night (in Newport), the fridge just got warmer and warmer. It was on propane during the driving, but it switched to a/c as I hooked up to my 50 amp hookup. All obvious things are working, ie. breaker, 12vdc fuses. The burner lights and the coil appears to cool in the back of the unit (only on propane), but no cooling where I need it. Both AC and propane seem to be operating normally, just no cooling. Any ideas? (This is a 2003 Allure 40' Cascade w/tag) On another note, I just got 8 new Michelin 12R 22.5 XZA* tires installed at the front end of this trip. I used Superior Tire in Eugene, and the Michelin Advantage program through FMCA. I could not be happier with the whole process. I saved almost $1700.00 over the Bob Dickman estimate from Junction City. I was a die hard Les Schwab fan for twenty-five years, so it was difficult to use someone else for this huge purchase, but that is a lot of money to save! Thanks in advance for any ideas on the refrigerator problem. I'm not convinced I want to switch to a residential Samsung, especially because I have only the original number (2) of 8d house batteries (AGM) and adding enough to handle the extra load would be cost prohibitive at this point ($600.00 per battery added, plus). Thanks again.........
Brucep9 '03 Allure w/tag 30852

Re: Refrigerator Problem

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79617
Unless you do a LOT of dry camping the Samsung will not overtax your two 8D batteries. It probably draws no more than 100 watts, and that is not constant. 100 watts at 12 volts equals about 8-10amps for 12 out of 24 hours is about 120 amp hours per 24 hour period. Most who dry camp have either solar of a generator that will supplement the batteries daily, when cooking in the microwave or running the AC.
For those of us who have change to residential refer the only complaint I hear is why didn't we do it sooner.
The cost to switch is about the same as a new cooling unit for the Norcold.
The reduced fire hazard may be worth the cost to change even if the old unit was working.

Bob Wexler
SOB

Re: Refrigerator Problem

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79630
The service documentation for my older RM7030 Dometic indicates that the refrigerator thermometer would cause your symptoms of no cooling on either fuel or function of the refer.
Since that is a 12v function, you might consider shutting down the house battery switch and then activating it again for a "reboot". I have no idea if that will work.
My fuse schematic indicates a 5A fuse controls the refrigerator circuit function for 12v. You might check that fuse on your rig.

Dean

95 Magna 5280

Re: Refrigerator Problem

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79631
Bruce,

There are a number of things that can cause your refrigerator to not cool on either gas or electric. Norcold has a very good Service Manual available on their web site. It provides a logic diagram for troubleshooting various symptoms. If you can't find it I have a copy of the one for the two serial number ranges of the 1200 LRIM. Email me off line and I will attach a copy back to you.
I have been all over my refrigerator for several problems but I really suggest that you get the service manual and go through it. Then if you are having trouble with it get back to me and I will try to help.
The control board , accessed through the outside panel, can not be reset by simply killing the 12 volt dc supply. There is a procedure described in the service manual that involves inserting a jumper wire in an empty slot on the wiring harness and grounding it for a few seconds. The procedure is called specifically 'resetting' and not 'rebooting' the controller. Getting the cover off the controller involves removing several wires and care must be taken that you know where they go back. Take good notes.

Please don't hesitate to ask questions via personal email.

Don Seager

2004 Allure 31046