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Topic: Dometic Refer Question. Gas to Electric. (Read 1706 times) previous topic - next topic
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Dometic Refer Question. Gas to Electric.

Yahoo Message Number: 1337
For the life of me, I cannot predict when my refer is going to cycle off of gas onto electicity. Has anyone broken the code?

Lately it has not been cycling to electric, even when the AES is on and we are hooked up to shore power.
Additionally, we are plagued with oders that seem to be propane. For a while it seemed like if we had the inverted on and left it on, a discharge of propane occured as the unit cycled to gas.
I have turned off the circuit breaker until I figure all of this out.

Any help?

Re: Dometic Refer Question. Gas to Electric.

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 1338
I will be back to you on this with several suggestions. I the unit still under warrantee? Jim

intrigue11142 wrote:

Re: Dometic Refer Question. Gas to Electric.

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 1339
I would think your propane alarm would sound off if what you smell is really propane. Maybe open a propane bottle in the coach and see if the alarm goes off

Re: Dometic Refer Question. Gas to Electric.

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 1340
This is not the best (or safest) suggestion that I've heard recently.
Sounds very dangerous. There is a test procedure in your paperwork for checking the alarm. That is the ONLY way I would test it.
Next someone will suggest that you light a match to test it. Don't do either.

Dick May

2002 Intrigue, #11438
Member: CCI, FMCA
Dick May
2002 Intrigue, #11438, towing a
2014 Jeep Gr Cherokee ecoDiesel

Re: Dometic Refer Question. Gas to Electric.

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 1341
Dear Sir.

Dometic is a wonderful machine as long as it is working. If you are still under warranty , then let this all become their problem.
The odor:

If it approximates that of ammonia, the problem may be a refrigerant leak. Ammonia stinks pretty bad, but I am not certain if it will set off the alarm. I have had this unpleasant experience. I replaced the unit, as to have it repaired was almost as expensive as a new refrigerator. There are devices that a propane trained service man can use to detect leaks which are safe. To test your alarm with a sample proves your alarm but doesn't do much for fixing your frig. A short puff from an unlit propane torch will tell you about your alarm. I emphasize "SHORT".
Electrical:

Dometic in their wisdom has made an engineering mistake by the way they connect their circuits to ground. You will find a junction point where a bunch of white wires all come together and that device is connected to the sheet metal housing which is bonded the the frame of your coach. This junction gets corroded and sometimes the connections become intermittent. This causes erratic behavior of the control circuits. In the most severe case, lost connection, the controller fails and must be replaced. Another design deficiency.
Upon questioning Dometic you will find they recommend the unit be serviced every so often. Why they put this critical connection right where outside environment can corrode the connection is beyond me.
If you choose to disconnect and clean the junction, be certain all circuits are turned off or you will cause your own problem. . New controllers are $100.00 plus, not counting installation if you can't do it.

Cure the problems now as they get worse then it fails altogether.
If you have it serviced, have it done at a franchised Dometic facility.
Jim Green

intrigue11142 wrote: