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Topic: Troubleshootong Dometic fridge problem ..... (Read 1005 times) previous topic - next topic

Troubleshootong Dometic fridge problem .....

We have been experiencing a problem with the fridge.  We have been seeing temperatures that are much higher than we would like for the past few days, since arriving at this higher altitude (10,000+ ft) in Leadville, CO.  The freezer has been defrosted, the sensor is high on the aluminum "fin" at the back off the fridge.  The freezer temp is about -8' .... but we cannot get the fridge portion to cool below 45' on the generator, and propane will only draw it down to 50'.  There is no evidence of any leakage of coolant when looking in the outside panel access, no odors of ammonia, etc.  It was working just fine until we headed up this way.  What are the odds that this could be altitude related?  I know that I certainly DO NOT operate well at this position above sea level ... the generator is having a hard time getting itself running smoothly ... the Sea Land Vacu-Flush chugs away for a loooong time trying to build up a vacuum ... I would not be surprised that the fridge is unhappy, also.  I am hoping to have some ideas for the repair tech, before he arrives.  Low propane pressure?  (The stove is working fine.)  Faulty regulator? (There are 2, are there not?)  Dirty burner?  (But then the freezer would not operate as well, correct?)  I dunno .... just need some help from the Brain Trust here on the Forum, please.  The model is Dometic NDR 1492.
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Troubleshootong Dometic fridge problem .....

Reply #1 –
Quote
The model is Dometic NDR 1492.

We had a 1492 in our previous FT and it spewed ammonia when MOT picked it up from Xtreme (Just one of the things that went wrong while MOT had it. I got that FT out of town ASAP before I had to buy a new one ;o)

MOT replaced it with a new one: $$$

(Full body paint, Europeran headlights, all new windows plus MOT $$$ meant I left enough $$$ in Nac that trip to send several kids to college for a year ;o)

The new one would not cool when we got back to El Centro.

Dometic would not do anything, even within the one MONTH, let alone one year, warranty.

Dometic is not nice (words cleaned up for family audiences ;o)

I'd never deal with Dometic again.

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Troubleshootong Dometic fridge problem .....

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Carol Savournin –
We have been experiencing a problem with the fridge.  The model is Dometic NDR 1492.

Carol,

Vaguely recalling previous threads - might test the thermister. 

Here's a thread Dometic NDR1492 cooling sporadicly

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Troubleshootong Dometic fridge problem .....

Reply #3 –
I'm no expert, but I can tell you what was the cause (and fix) for each of the several times I have had a similar problem.

Once, the interior light was staying on with door closed, putting constant heat into the box.  First just removed light bulb, and later replaced bad switch.  Problem solved.
Once, while cleaning the refigerator, I bumped against one or both of the two small rocker switches inside the upper door frame, and the new switch positions altered the way the refrigerator performed.  Got out the manual, reset the switches, problem solved.
Once, the cooling unit was leaking (yellow spewed ammonia evident, and creating a fire hazard), and needed replacement.  Since the unit was already 10 years old, I just went with a new refrigerator.
And once (with that new refrigerator), the new cooling unit was faulty - hot to the touch from bottom to top - needed replacement.  Needed to bring it to an authorized dealer for trouble shooting to have warrantee activated.
Bob Mulder
02 U270 3610 / 06 CRV
Spokane, WA

Re: Troubleshootong Dometic fridge problem .....

Reply #4 –
There may be a "low ambient temperature" setting on one of the switches. You may want to see if that switch is set appropriately.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX
 

Re: Troubleshootong Dometic fridge problem .....

Reply #5 –
Carol, keep us posted on the RV tech's diagnosis and fix, please....

We've been at 6500 feet for two weeks in Durango, and now 7000 feet in Pagosa Springs.  Our Norcold NDR1492 in our 2003 has been performing like a champ:  33-40 fridge and -2 to 3 freezer (on AC).  Our two mods, you may recall from earlier threads, are the 3 fridge fin fans, and the condenser fans on the roof with a switch in the exterior refrigerator compartment (see photos).  Hence, I'll be curious to see if the RV tech thinks the 10,000 feet altitude is a contributing factor.

Good luck with the repair!
The selected media item is not currently available.Pat Hatfield
2000 U295 3600 #5666 WTFE (sold 1/7/20)
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
previously: 2003 U295 3610 #6228 (sold 5/29/14)
previously:  2009 Honda CRV (sold 6/9/14)