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Refrigerator

Yahoo Message Number: 21991
Norcold 1200 refrigerator - code no - co indicates doors not shut - not level or vents clogged - Instructions say to reset - if that doesn't work take it to the dealer.
Has anyone fixed the problem without taking it to the dealer - or is my problem with the refrigerator unique?
I apologize if this the second post - but it appears the first did not post.

Clint Frederick
Inspire 51038

Re: Refrigerator

Reply #1
Yahoo Message Number: 22007
Had the same problem a few weeks ago. We had parked the coach in our driveway which evidently has too much slant. Reset it once but it shut off again and could not get it to reset again. We called Norcold and they advised us that the unit is setup in a way which will allow only one reset without an authorized repair in order to not damage the unit. The authorized repair service reset from the back of the refrigerator reached on the outside. Took them about 30 minutes, charged us $35 and we were on our way. Our previous coach had a Dometic and evidently they are not as sensitive as Norcold as we have parked it in our drive many times. It is a bit of a bother but we now shut the unit down when we are at our residence for a few days.

Jerry Oordt
Inspire 51657


Re: Refrigerator

Reply #3
Yahoo Message Number: 22021
We chased this problem for a year and a half (5 service calls) before the problem was found. Frequently got the "no co" code while running on propane, and refrig was never cold unless on AC. It was finally determined that there was no baffle installed in the vent and all of the cold air was going to heaven. Baffle installed, end of problem.

Dick B

04 Intrigue

Quote from: clint_frederick

Re: Refrigerator

Reply #4
Yahoo Message Number: 22031
Thanks for that info - I don't think we have had that problem - it has stayed cold on propane - when we first got the coach Norcold installation instructions were wrong and they had to reinstall the refrigerator - I understand it was a venting problem at that time - we have had no trouble with it until a week or so ago -
haven't had a chance to take in but will soon along with all the posts I received on the subject.

Clint Frederick
Inspire 51038

Re: Refrigerator

Reply #5
Yahoo Message Number: 22041
For those interested in saving $35, thirty minutes of time at the dealership and several minutes/hours getting there, the reset procedure when you get the "NO CO" message is as follows:
To reset the Norcold, do the following: Access the rear of the fridge thru the vent cover outside and remove the circuit board cover. There will be a 16 pin connector right in front of you. Make a jumper about 4-5 inches long

and insert 1 end in the # 15 pin location which is normally vacant (top row,

second from left). Touch other end to one of the three grounds at the bottom

right corner of the board (white wire). Hold for 10-15 seconds. You should hear a click as the control resets. If the fridge does not cool down and go

thru a full cooling cycle this could be an indication of other problems such

as a faulty cooling unit. If that occurs you should take it in to be checked
further.

Brian Davis
'05 Intrigue LE
42' OVTS
Coach #11901

Quote from: Clint Frederick
>

GOOD information to have - Thank you >

Clint Frederick
Inspire 51038

Re: Refrigerator

Reply #6
Yahoo Message Number: 22066
Thank you for your responses - I finally got up enough nerve with my 'always get in trouble' mechanical ability to tackle the job myself after your helpful suggestions - I didn't want to drive all the way to south Phoenix just to have the refrigerator fixed anyway - it is now WORKING!! Rather simple procedure once the cover for the power board was removed - all those wires and I was getting worried I wouldn't get them back in the same spot - but somehow they must have all got reattached were they belong -

Thanks for your help

Re: Refrigerator

Reply #7
Yahoo Message Number: 24257
Just a little insight into the reset instructions for Norcold 12xx series. I have a 2004 Inspire, it also did the CO-NO trick because of leveling. When I tried to ground the #15 pin to a ground on the connector, it wouldn't reset. I finally found a Norcold service manual online (many thanks) and it directs you to ground to power ground. That is the small black wire attached directly to the circuit board on the bottom right hand side. It has GND printed on the board. I shorted #15 to that ground and it did the trick.

Refrigerator

Reply #8
Yahoo Message Number: 65728
Can the refrigerator be run using the inverter while driving? I do not travel with the propane turned on for safety reasons.

Herb

Allure $30945

Re: Refrigerator

Reply #9
Yahoo Message Number: 65730
My frige AC outlet is not connected to the inverter. The only way I can get 120VAC to it is run the gen or plug it in.

Larry, 03 Allure, 30856

Re: Refrigerator

Reply #10
Yahoo Message Number: 65732
This I like! We don't dry camp and only use the LP when moving.

When traveling how often do you really need to fire up the genset?

Jim

07 Allure #31570

Re: Refrigerator

Reply #11
Yahoo Message Number: 65733
It is possible for a skilled RV electrician to change where the power comes from to power your refrigerator.
It may be as simple as moving the ciricuit breaker in the main panel to the inverter side of the panel, or as complex as adding a new circuit breaker and a relay to select shore power or inverter power based on weather the engine is running.
The later choice would preclude killing your batteries if you decided to boon dock for a while.

Bob Wexler
SOB

Re: Refrigerator

Reply #12
Yahoo Message Number: 65743

I ran a circuit from the inverter recpt under the fridge inside the coach to the control compartment for the fridge. I simply plug the refer into it when I am on the road and it works fine.

Dave

aka Billy Byte (trusty hound)
2000 Allure #30443







Re: Refrigerator

Reply #13
Yahoo Message Number: 65748
We don't like to travel with the propane on either because of safety reason. I ran an extension cord from the refrigerator outlet at the outside refrigerator plug into the inside of the coach where I can plug it into an outlet that is activated by the inverter. Before traveling I plug this extension cord and the outside refrigerator plug together as well as turn off the propane. I have done this for at least past 8 years on two separate coaches without any problems.

John Blecker

2006 Inspire 360 #51942

Herb wrote:

Re: Refrigerator

Reply #14
Yahoo Message Number: 65754
On my Magna the Dometic fridge is not wired into the inverter, but the icemaker is, and there is an outlet right back there, so, I assume you could plug the fridge in to that if you really wanted to. I have been driving around on LP Dometics for about 15 years now with no problem. I do not see any increased safety issue with driving. If the flame blows out, the thermocouple with shut off the gas to the burner whether you are moving or not. Dometic makes a shroud for the burner area just for this purpose. This coach came with it.

Rich 2002 Magna

Re: Refrigerator

Reply #15
Yahoo Message Number: 65757
According to my inverter drawing, the ice maker will run off the inverter. So, just try unplugging your ice maker and use that power receptacle for the fridge while running.

I haven't verified this, but it looks that way on the drawing.

Tom

01 Magna 5999

Re: Refrigerator

Reply #16
Yahoo Message Number: 65758
Rich, what you stated below is true. However, have you ever attended one of the fire safety seminars at a FMCA rally or have seen pictures of burned up motor homes which have been caused by an accident or a tire blow out which ruptures a gas line that had been left on and started the coach on fire from a spark during the mishap.
We prefer to take the safety precaution of leaving our propane off while traveling.

John Blecker

2006 Inspire 360 #51942

Rich wrote:

Re: Refrigerator

Reply #17
Yahoo Message Number: 65766
No I have not. In an accident or blowout, all bets are off. Could also rupture air and hydraulic lines as well as fuel lines, I suppose.

Rich 2002 Magna

Refrigerator

Reply #18
Yahoo Message Number: 75116
The refrigerator in my coach has stopped cooling or freezing, It is the residental model@ runs on 120v. Does someone have a clue as to how to get it out of the cabinet? Does any one know where the compressor @ other operating parts are located?

J Gates

2007 allure 470

Re: Refrigerator

Reply #19
Yahoo Message Number: 75117
A common issue with residential refers is the defrost timer. They tend to get stuck after a few years. Usually they are in an accessible place. If you can locate yours from the info you have on it or a web search, locate the timer know and give a slight turn and see if it starts cooling. If so, replace it as it will stick again real soon. They have a one way screwdriver slot in them so you cannot turn it the wrong way. It may not be your issue, but it is worth a try.

Mikee