RV refrigerator repair isn’t always an easy job. It involves working with electricity, propane, and heat. It’s important to work with a specialist such as DomPro, LLC.
If your RV fridge won’t cool, start by confirming that it’s plugged in and parked on level ground. Then, check for a tripped breaker and reset it if necessary.
1. Check the Electrical Connection
If your RV refrigerator is running on propane but not on electric power it may be due to how you are parked. This is a simple fix by reversing the power source to the fridge.
If you smell ammonia or see yellow or green powder around the refrigerator it is time to call a professional. This is a sign that the heat transferring coils have leaked.
It is important to note that working with electricity can be hazardous and it is best not to try any DIY fixes on your own. If you are able to find a tripped breaker and reset it this should resolve the issue. If not, a faulty electrical heating element could be the culprit. You can test this with a multimeter but it is not a do-it-yourself project.
2. Check the Thermocouple
Thermocouples are responsible for detecting heat, which they tell the gas valve to open and close. If your RV refrigerator’s burner (pilot light) catches but doesn’t stay lit, the thermocouple may be dirty or defective.
RVs are often parked in cold environments, which causes the refrigerator’s thermocouple to get covered with dust and greasy dirt that can’t be removed with cleaners or other cleaning methods. If you suspect this is the problem, try using a space heater to warm the area around the thermocouple until it thaws.
Thermocouples are connected to the pilot flame burner by a tube-like wire connector. Unscrew the end that connects to your safety valve with a wrench, then use a crocodile clip to attach one of the other ends of the thermocouple to your multimeter’s test lead.
3. Check the Thermostat
The thermostat or thermistor sends a signal to the circuit board that it is time to cool. It then opens the LP gas valve and gives a high voltage spark to the igniter, which ignites the propane.
If you have your fridge set to cool on electricity, you can verify that the refrigerator is getting power by using a multimeter to test where the heating element plugs into the circuit board. Be careful if you don’t know how to use a multimeter or are uncomfortable poking around an RV’s electrical system.
If you have your fridge set to cool on gas, stand back and ask someone inside the RV to initiate a cooling cycle. You should hear the LP gas valve click open and then you should hear multiple high-voltage sparks coming from the igniter.
4. Check the Gas Valve
If your RV refrigerator isn’t cooling it could be because the propane valve has blown. This is especially common in absorption style refrigerators. To check this you will need to open the black box and look at the fuses. If they are blown you will need to replace them.
Alternatively, if the fridge works while running on 110V but doesn’t work when on propane, there may be an electrical problem that needs to be addressed. This will need to be looked at by a professional.
Another issue is that there may be a blockage somewhere that keeps the propane from reaching the burner. This can often be fixed by cleaning. Look for light yellow or gray-green residues around the burner. These are signs of an ammonia leak.
5. Check the Vents
A RV fridge that doesn’t vent correctly can have a big impact on its performance. Check that the vents are clear of dirt and debris.
On RVs with roof vents, remove the upper vent cover and inspect the screen for damage. Leaves, pine needles and critter nests can get under the cover, which will prevent proper air flow.
You should also inspect the lower exterior access panel area, as well as the refrigerator vent in the side wall and roof – these are all designed to ensure air flows freely through the fridge. Finally, you need to be sure your RV is level for optimal fridge operation. Performing regular visual inspections can help you avoid expensive repairs, especially those that require professional attention. A specialist can rewire 120-volt glass fuses, repair a circuit board and install an exterior airflow baffle.
