Is Your RV Fridge Not Cooling? Where are your replies? Error light flashes continually. I am just taking a guess, but I would say that your RV refrigerator would not be a candidate for running on a device that converts 12 volt DC to 120v AC. It really shouldnt be making a lot of noise when on electricity. Spiders love to spin webs near propane parts like burner tubes and when you fire up the fridge the web can burn and cause lots of soot that can block the burner tube and make the flame small. Make sure theres nothing blocking vents or air intakes. The Norcold fridges are designed to shut off at about 880 degrees F. They do this when there is a problem and the temperature levels get too high. Refrigerator defaulted to propane gas operation, but did not establish a flame (gas lockout). sometimes removing the unit and laying it face down for an hour or so will allow the pooled up ammonia to flow out of the condenser , caused by lack of use .re-install an fire up. If the person you are talking to is a customer service representative and not a technician, chances are they dont know this, and they will mistake the kit number for the module number. This is what you want. 4 sounds like a little overkill but if you have an extra large RV fridge it might be necessary. A heavy-duty vehicle like an RV is also high maintenance, so theres little room for setbacks. No AC input sensed available. for me, not tried it for the fridge though <;*), I just went to follow your excellent suggestions. I had even asked the shop tech about it ie is it normal to have it so loud! Youll need to check the levels and add more if necessary. The refrigerator is operating on AC electric power. Learn more. Red. The one odd occasion when we had a cooling issue, it was related to the control board (?) This way, they can look at other possible reasons and give you more accurate advice. My norcold 121X rv refrigerator will not turn on and we are puged into shore power . just replaced circuit board on a norcold refrigerator on my 5th wheel rv. When using a portable refrigerator in an enclosed space such as an RV basement, how much space is needed for ventilation around the compressor compartment? Yes, its worth trying. Fresh food compartment door open or ajar for more than two (2) minutes. refrigerator with ice maker (20 pages) Refrigerator Norcold 121XAC series Installation Manual Rv (19 pages) If not, fix these issues and then try resetting the fridge again. Hence, they decided to give the kit a separate number, which they usually use to check for compatibility. And, make sure the circuit breaker for that area of the house is turned on. Rv refrigerator (32 pages) . See Cleaning., Defrost the refrigerator as necessary. Do not use a converter or battery charger to supply the DC power directly to the unit because these two devices do not supply filtered DC power. . Have you tried using it on propane? . Finally, its possible that your Norcold fridge needs repairs. It contains the most frequent problems relating to refrigerators Norcold and methods to solve them. Light is on for both. If its plugged, it wont get hot enough to cool down normally. - That the battery charging equipment of the vehicle is operational. Norcold RV Ice Maker Diagnosis and Repair - YouTube 0:00 / 18:52 Norcold RV Ice Maker Diagnosis and Repair You Can Too RV 694 subscribers Subscribe 75 Share 4.1K views 1 year ago. refrigerator/with ice maker (18 pages), 1200 series; 120x-im series 12.0 cu.ft., 2-way, 4-door, r.v. Turn the temperature setting to somewhere in the middle and disconnect the Thermistor. Most manufacturers recommend less than 1 inch. But, of course, it also indicates that your refrigerator isnt working. We have struggled with keeping our RV refrigerator cold since the day we bought our travel trailer 2 years ago. The air vents are blocked. To solve this problem people add insulation on the back wall to help close the gap. . The input LP pressure should be an 11 water column. 12 volt DC not connected to power board. Refrigerator Norcold 1200 Series Service Manual. I did the orifice cleaning, the flame looks like you described it should. The Norcold refrigerators cooling unit is a series of tubing that draws out and absorbs heat using the phase change of hydrogen, ammonia, sodium chromate, and water. If your Norcold refrigerator is not cooling in electric mode, troubleshoot the following components: 1. Power light is on. Thats where the Norcold RV refrigerator manual comes in handy.This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about your Norcold RV fridge, from basic troubleshooting tips to more detailed information about how the appliance works. Back Door blends traditional southern fare with more contemporary items, catering to both the die hard traditional southern food lovers as well as the more adventurous. Norcold refrigerator troubleshooting Refrigerators from the company Norcold Corporation are considered to be some of the best on the market of home appliances. Adding fans can also help quite a bit. Thanks for the comment! I have gone through the diagonisic codes, check the screen on top of RV and all seems ok. When you remove the bolt to the wind cover you will be able to move it back but you may not be able to remove it completely. So it should be easy to tell it apart. when i went to turn it on I also noticed my a/c was off in front unit of trailer. Second, check to see if there is anything blocking the vents on the back of the fridge. CamperUpgrade.com is a participant of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program it is designed to provide an aid for the websites in earning an advertisement fee by means of advertising and linking to Amazon.com products. Gas/electric refrigerators (101 pages) Refrigerator Norcold 121X AC Series Owner's Manual. When your RV is not level, it can cause the liquids in the fridge to slosh around and prevent proper cooling. - That there is not air in the propane gas supply line. SYMPTOM: Norcold 1200 series (models 1200, 1201, 1210 and 1211) absorption refrigerator stops cooling, the unit beeps, and the refrigerator front panel display shows alternating "LI" and "oP" message, after a driving rain or washing your RV. The difference varies depending on the model and the height of the refrigerator. If your RV fridge is cool but not cool enough, you might just have a simple problem with the thermistor. (40F for the fridge and around 0 for the freezer). If you dont have an air compressor handy compressed air cans like the ones used to clean computers (click to view on Amazon) work great. Here are some of the most common causes:1. The first time I cleaned the RV fridge orifice I was able to use isopropyl alcohol and it worked great. But malfunctions are inevitable and commonplace in RVs. Ensure your RV batteries are charged with your multimeter voltage reader. I am 46. To find out what the code means, consult your owners manual or look online at the Norcold website. I think it was the line where you used vodka (roughly 40% alcohol) to clean it in a pinch that related to me. This sounds stupid but heat is required to cool (its physics) so if the flame or electric elements are not working the refer won't cool. Quality, integrity and reliability are built into each unit proudly made in America. Remove ice maker to clean and dry contacts. There is the possibility that different Norcold RV fridges have different reset systems. It worked for me. My refrigerator will not operate and the green power light does not come on? Red, flashes on nine (9) times every five (5) seconds. The heating element I linked to probably isnt compatible with your RV fridge. The refrigerator is operating on the Back Up Operating System". Long-term storage and use are only feasible with an RV battery tender or a newer RV converter with a smart charging device that maintains maximum voltage. Great article with easy to understand pictures. 2. The easy answer is no, but the reality is more complicated than that. How Should The Flame In An RV Fridge Look And Sound? First, check to make sure that the power cord is plugged in and that the circuit breaker is turned on. Make sure that the fridge is plugged in and receiving power. When they do that, there is a possibility of a fire. How do we reset both like you mentioned? This started pretty soon after I plugged it in, but not immediately. Thankfully, it was only McCormicks. My guess is that its either a clog in the heat coils or an ammonia leak. Check the pressure regulator and ensure the pressure is correct. Your refrigerator uses resistive heating to turn liquid ammonia to a gas. Have an authorized Norcold Service Center check the refrigerator. To remove the RV fridge access door all you have to do is use a flathead screwdriver, pliers, or even your fingers to turn the little black knobs on the top. This is not owner serviceable. How to fix Condura refrigerator not cooling, replace light, turn on, set up & an error code control, Dometic Americana Rv Refrigerator Troubleshooting, Hotpoint Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Making Ice | Fix now, Hotpoint Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working, Kenmore Elite Refrigerator Freezer Not Freezing. Thetford 1210: supplementary guide (15 pages) Refrigerator Norcold 1210 Installation Manual. Thats why its so frustrating when your RV refrigerator starts acting up.The good news is that there are some Norcold 121X RV refrigerator troubleshooting tips that can help you get to the bottom of the problem and get your fridge working again.One of the first things to check is the power source. Another possibility is that there is something blocking airflow to or from the fridge. The thermister sensed inoperable, so temperature is being controlled by backup operating system. Its pretty common for something to get in the way of that perfectly cut hole which restricts the gas flow and reduces the flames strength which in turn can cause your RV fridge to cool slightly but not enough to stay within the safe temperature zones. Its been on hour or so (electric mode) not getting cold. You can find this switch on the back of the refrigerator and the other electronics and wiring. Any suggestions. I wish I had a neat trick for that but it sounds like your heating element might need replacing which is a job that needs to be done by a professional. The unit is either full on or full off. Its a square black device with wiring on the front and side and a distinctive red LED. Pull out the plug from the tube. Once you have removed the panel, you will see two fuse holders. When your fridge does not produce refrigerant, this means the boiler is overheating. - That the propane gas is at the correct pressure. This repair guy says the 8-9 inches our is is too much room and wants to build a panel to close it off & then put 4 fans in the space between The back of the fridge and the new panel. Therefore, it only makes sense to entrust such a complicated task to the experts. WARNING: Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service or maintenance can cause injury or property damage. Make sure that the fuse or circuit breaker is intact (See Over current protection system section). Make sure its secured tightly so there will be no leaks. It is typically located near the bottom of the unit. The access panel allows you to see the bottom of the RV fridges cooling unit as well as the propane burner set up. Here are some of the key specs for this model: Dimensions: 28 W x 23.5 D x 59.5 H Weight: 190 lbs Capacity: 10 cu ft Refrigerant: R134a AC power consumption: 1.1 kWh/day (estimated) DC power consumption: 0.75 kWh/day (estimated)Some of the notable features offered by the Norcold 1210 include an automatic defrost system, adjustable thermostat, LED lighting, and a door lock. DC voltage to the refrigerator control panel is too low. Ensure to plug in the RV refrigerator to a working power outlet. If the power cord is plugged in and the fridge is set to cool mode, but the fridge still isnt getting cold, its possible that the cooling coils are dirty. Be aware of any cooling changes that are not because of weather, loading, or thermostat changes. Leave a comment below. Connect the refrigerator directly to the battery. 2. First, check to make sure that . See your dealer or authorized Norcold Service Center.. Will try cleaning orfice. Once you are done, inspect the orifice, it should be clean looking and a nice rectangle shape. Give us a call today! ? See Also:Best 12 Volt Refrigerator Freezer For Camping & Travel. Will try cleaning orfice. 4. Make sure you check connections further down the gas pipe to make sure nothing was loosened when you removed the orifice. Check solenoid coil connections and resistance. Rv refrigerator (44 pages) Water Dispenser Norcold 1210 Installation And Owner's Instructions. But even the best appliances need a little bit of care and maintenance from time to time. I followed a lot of advice on the web including cleaning the burner, tapping on and blowing out the flue, gently banging on the coils with a rubber mallet (for a couple of hours) but I too had a nice blue flame coming from my burner. But this may not always work, and the fault code might appear again after a few days. I have a 3-way Elixir Travlr from the 70s. The problem is the sensor has a different model number, too. Search and download RV support manuals for all the different appliances and components create on leisure-time vehicles! Make sure the area behind the refrigerator is clear. The high temperature limit switch is open. These parts are easily purchased online and replaced on your own. Its just over a year old so may be out of warranty. If it's on or blinks, that means the pilot light isn't staying lit. AC heaters connected incorrectly to power board. Poor cooling on AUTO AC or AC manual mode. The photo to the left is a Norcold 1200 or 1210 Series thermistor attached in the proper position on the cooling fins. I spent hours researching what could possibly be wrong with it online. I then reassambled the orifice and blew it out with an airgun, put it back together and wow my flame is at least 3 times the size it was previously. Norcolds 121X series of RV refrigerators are some of the most popular on the market, and for good reason. The Norcold refrigerator's cooling unit is a series of tubing that draws out and absorbs heat using the phase change of hydrogen, ammonia, sodium chromate, and water. However, if you follow these simple troubleshooting tips, you should be able to fix most issues yourself and keep your Norcold 121X running like new for years to come! See Also: Best Portable Quiet Inverter Generators For RV Camping. This brand is among the pioneers of automatic switch systems, enabling refrigerators to switch to propane when they no longer use shore power. The rv is a winnie journey 07 36G model. If you go outside your RV and open the back refer covers and see yellow powder, you need a new cooling unit.2. Yes, it should be blue with very little to no yellow around it but even if it is a nice blue color that doesnt necessarily mean its right. How long does it take for a Norcold RV refrigerator to get cold? Just tested this out and worked like a charm. Its pretty easy to change out yourself you just have to remove your fridge, then pull it out and replace it with a new one that is compatible with your model of RV fridge. Hi Guys, I'mChristopher I am Home Appliance Repair Electrician & Engineer . 9/20/18 Update: After further research and replacing control board at back of refer it appears these warmup periods are part of an undocumented fin defrost cycle that happens about every 48 hrs. Just my luck any ideas would be appreciated. But thanks to this switch, you can prevent overheating from causing a fire in your RV. Thermistor; Board Kits (both boards) Optical Boards; Power Boards; Gas Valves; . You can then check the digital panel on your refrigerator to confirm if the code is gone. If any of these things are causing your cooling issue, simply fix them and your fridge should start working properly again.If your fridge still isnt cooling properly after checking all of these things, then you may need to call a technician for help. If successful, you should see all indicator lights on the control panel flash briefly before returning to their normal state. These refrigerators were designed to work better in higher ambient temps. Insufficient, obstructed or downdraft ventilation. Thats why its important to know how to troubleshoot your 121X if something goes wrong.One of the most common issues with the 121X is that the fridge doesnt seem to be cooling properly. Before I couldnt hear the flame at all, now I can easily hear the flame when standing by the RV fridges outdoor cover and when its quiet I can even hear it inside the RV. When your recall fire shutdown box was installed, they removed the 12 volt power lead from the back of your refer and plugged it into their box. refrigerator 12.0 cu.ft., 2 way, 4-door, r.v. It works much like a regular fuse in an electrical system. Red, flashes on three (3) times every five (5) seconds. $222. - See your dealer or authorized Norcold Service Center. In that case, you have to call it in. Finally, check the door seals to make sure theyre tight and free of any debris. If its not working correctly neither will your fridge.6. DC voltage to the refrigerator control panel is too low. Make sure you test the connection between the propane gas line and the orifice with soap water to make sure its tight and free of any leaks. See Defrosting., Make sure the door seals correctly. Keep the food compartment and the freezer clean. Make sure everyone is closing the doors until they click by pressing at the corners where the handles are.2. This reset will clear any errors that may have accumulated in the fridges control panel, and will restore it to its factory default settings. - That there is no air in the propane gas supply line. Were here to help and can troubleshoot the problem over the phone or come out and take a look at it in person. Put food back in the refrigerator. If you're having trouble with your Norcold 121X RV refrigerator, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. If the RV fridge was able to get down to 38 before it shouldnt be an orifice or cooling unit issue. We change the menu daily, which allows diners to eat here every day without getting peppered by the same old thing. You may be able to soak the orifice like in the step below by just putting the orifice end in alcohol. What could be the problem with the electric side? Power light is on. The person youll talk to through the Norcold service hotline will ask about your refrigerators model number and the temperature limit switchs model number. Will it hurt my portable refrigerator if it happens to get splashed with water? cannot find them. Why should I contact an authorized service center? While the orifice is soaking you can clean the burner tube as well using a wire brush and compressed air. If you have a Dometic RV fridge you may be able to remove the small orifice by gently tapping it out. The refrigerator door has been open for more than 2 minutes, according to this error message. Power light is on. In some documents the low voltage for a typical RV fridge is 10.5VDC, but this is just a rule of thumb. Ill explain more about where to find it, what it looks like, and how to remove it in the how to clean the RV fridge gas orifice section below. Make sure that the power source to the refrigerator is serviceable. A lit red LED confirms the L1-oP fault code. If changes occur, contact your dealer or service center. Same goes with our water heater. - That the fuse or circuit breaker of the vehicle is intact. I can help you find the right one if you tell me what the make and model of your fridge is though. If you press the Set Temp key and the refrigerators temperature continues to show on the screen, the refrigerator is running on the Back Up Operating System. Everything Id heard and was reading said the flame should be blue with hardly any yellow on top. - That the fuse or circuit breaker of the vehicle is intact. If it wont get cold on propane either you may have both a bad heating element and possibly a blockage in the pipes thats stopping the ammonia inside from moving around and transferring heat. AC voltage is unavailable to the refrigerator control panel. I would also take a look at the outlet the fridge is supposed to be plugged in to and make sure all of the wires are in place and nothing is damaged. One of the challenges of owning a recreational vehicle is keeping all amenities functional. Its also a good idea to have a spare refrigerator so that you have somewhere to store perishables if the replacement parts you purchased arent arriving until a few days. If the Fault Code continues, see your dealer or authorized Norcold Service Center. The easiest way to find the orifice is to find the flame. If your Norcold refrigerator is not working on propane, here are the possible problems and the solutions you can do. Some of these include an automatic ice maker, LED interior lighting, and adjustable shelves. The location of the reset button on your Norcold RV Refrigerator is determined by the model. Steve F. RVIA Certification. Hi, I am Peter Poole. It could be your electric heating element (click to view on Amazon) has gone bad. For. refrigerator with ice maker (21 pages), Manual will be automatically added to "My Manuals", Location of Refrigerator Information Label, Location of Cooling System Serial Number Label Location, Blank Display- Refrigerator Does Not Turn on, Measuring DC Voltage Across P1-1/P1-6 with Wire Harness Disconnected, Measuring DC Voltage Across Yellow/Green and Green Wires - All Models, Optical Control Display AssemblyBack View, To Check White/Red Wire and Blue Wire for Continuity, Measuring DC Voltage Across the White/Red and White/Violet Wire, Thermistor Circuit Open or Shorted Backup Operating System (BOS), Checking Thermistor Resistance in Ice Bath, Dr CodeDoor Sensed Ajar or Open for more than 2 Minutes, Fresh Food Compartment Door Adjustment Criteria, L1 Op CodeOpen High Temperature Limit Switch, No AC CodeAc Mode Selected/ AC Voltage Not Available, No FL CodeBurner Failed to Light/Relight, Electrical Power Requirements and Components, Light/Thermistor Wire Assembly Replacement, Flapper Assembly, Left Door, Fresh Food Compartment, Removable Door Seal Heater Spring Pin Removal and Installation, Harness Connector Optical Control Display Circuit Board, Diagnostic Screen 5, Segment 7, no Cooling Sensed, Location of Original High Temperature Limit Switch, The Present Configuration of the High Temperature Limit Switch, Cooling Unit Component Location -Lower Section, Sealant Application on Cabinet Opening Sides, Checking for Gas Leaks after Installation, Water Adjustment Screw and Contact Alignment Location, Checking Water Valve Solenoid Coil Resistance, Measuring Solenoid Coil Resistance through Wire Harness, Checking Voltage to the Stepper Motor Connection, Refrigerator Norcold 121X Series Service Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 1210 Installation Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 121X series Owner's Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 1200XX Owner's Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 121XAC series Installation Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 1210ACIM Owner's Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 121X AC Series Owner's Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 121 AC series Installation Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 120X Series Owner's Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 120X Installation Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 1200LR Service Manual & Parts List, Refrigerator Norcold 1200 Installation Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 1200 Series Service Manual, Page 68: Cooling System Diagnostic Flowchart. If youre lucky cleaning the orifice will get your fridge cooling properly again in no time. 4. Like any other equipment, however, Norcold refrigerators malfunction from time to time. Red, flashes on four (4) times every five (5) seconds. They are also slow to recover, so the amount of time they are allowed to open the door should be kept to a minimum. The information . When the flame kicks on you should be able to hear it clearly even if the access door is closed. Some RV fridges will have two of these doors, one that is on the lower part of the RV and one near the roof. I think it was the . Yes, an RV fridge cools quicker on propane than on electricity because propane easily heats the water and completes the evaporation cycle to provide a cold atmosphere in the fridge. The Norcold 1210 is a high-end, full-featured RV refrigerator that offers many features and benefits for users. Im glad it helped! Make sure the manual shut-off valve on the refrigerator is open. If your Norcold RV refrigerator is not working, one of the first things you should check are the fuses. refrigerator/with ice maker (18 pages) Refrigerator Norcold 1200LR Service Manual & Parts List (32 pages) Refrigerator Norcold 1200ACXX Owner's Manual (16 pages) Havent found what you where looking for? Rv refrigerators (40 pages) Refrigerator Norcold 121X series Owner's Manual. You want to remove the lower door as this is the one that leads to all the propane parts including the burner and orifice. . A flame is present at the burner when there should none. Refer to this manual. Thank you! Make sure the doors are fully closed and if you throw a whole bunch of warm stuff in there expect temps to rise until all that heat can be removed. This should successfully reset your fridge back to its default settings! This is an interesting read! Why is it open? I do not hear the fans running while in the AC or AU mode. For example, you might mistakenly cut or unplug a cable. 1. Dinner:We are open for dinner Thursday - Saturday, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Its safe to do without the aid or supervision of a mechanic because its the advice they would give you on the phone, anyway. Why cant I fix it? - That the manual shut off valve of the refrigerator is open. Thats why you need to tell them its the module model number youre giving, not the kit number, just in case theyre unaware. Make sure that the refrigerator is correctly installed and that the vents are not blocked. First, check to make sure that the power cord is plugged in and that the fridge is set to cool mode. In my experience, its been the problem every single time and since cleaning the RV fridge orifice the first time Ive had to clean it again recently to keep the flame strong enough to cool the RV fridge. The fin temperature should always be below 30 to keep the refer compartment in the low 30'sThe steps shown can be found here in section 9 on page 73http://rvrefrigeratorrepair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Norcold-Service-1210 If everything looks good there, take a look at the control panel and make sure all the settings are correct. And, in most cases, the control panel is found within the refrigerator. If the fridge still isnt working, its time to call in a professional.If youre having trouble with your Norcold fridge, dont despair! The fridge is not level. Things to remember:1. Its a common problem and one that usually requires the cooling unit to be replaced. the orifice was cleanedwalla new frig many thanks for the help!!!! My norcold 121X rv refrigerator will not turn on and we are puged into shore power . The orifice is located behind the outdoor access panel on your RV. Do not install in an area where excessive vibration and movement may take place. DC voltage is unavailable to the refrigerator control panel or the refrigerator is OFF. Avoid placing your refrigerator in an area where it could be accidentally splashed or sprayed with water that could enter the electrical compartment of the refrigerator. This is a very useful service information. Power light is on. The flame is usually on the right-hand side under the flume which is the large cylinder that goes up behind the fridge. This is the back of my Norcold RV fridge with an Amish built cooling unit, the Dometic version will look slightly different but the location of the fridge orifice burner is basically the same.
