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Topic: Dometic Refrig not starting on LP (Read 570 times) previous topic - next topic

Dometic Refrig not starting on LP

Wise Ones!

Just drove into Canada this AM and the DW noticed the refrig was not on.  Turned it off, waited a minute, turned it back on, it auto switches to LP and then after about 45 seconds turns off.  Exactly as the book describes when the gas burner does not start.  Got to Thunder Bay, plugged in, refrig works fine on 110v. 

We will be gone for another 18 days or so, two more stops then home,  hookups where we stop so it is only a few hours with out LP function in between 110v.

Any suggestions for troubleshooting or fixing on the way?  I have no idea when the flue was last cleaned.  Probably needs to be done.  I would need a brush of appropriate size.

Thanks.  Sort of wish I was at GrandVention but the North Shore is outstanding at this time of year.

Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Dometic Refrig not starting on LP

Reply #1 –
Start with the easy stuff.

Got propane in the tank?
Main propane tank valve open?
Does the stove light and stay lit?
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: Dometic Refrig not starting on LP

Reply #2 –
Roger,

Very high likelihood that a "burner area tune-up" will fix it.  No special tools and zero parts needed.  Your refrigerator manual should have info-- if not, let us know the model and someone can likely give you a link to the easy procedure. 

Something as simple as a flake of rust can cause this.

Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Dometic Refrig not starting on LP

Reply #3 –
Wow, Superheros!

Michelle, Yes, Yes, and Yes.  DW asked the same questions.  She too is a superhero.  I am an engineer and sometimes miss the painfully obvious.

Brett, It is an RM1282 Elite 2 Way AES model.  2001 U320.

Pulled the outside cover off an gave it serious looking at.  It didn't do much to help but at least I tried.  I hoped it is something pretty simple.  I'll try giving it a cleaning tomorrow.

Thanks.

Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Dometic Refrig not starting on LP

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Home2fromHastings –
Wow, Superheros!

Michelle, Yes, Yes, and Yes.  DW asked the same questions.  She too is a superhero.  I am an engineer and sometimes miss the painfully obvious.

Brett, It is an RM1282 Elite 2 Way AES model.  2001 U320.

Pulled the outside cover off an gave it serious looking at.  It didn't do much to help but at least I tried.  I hoped it is something pretty simple.  I'll try giving it a cleaning tomorrow.

Thanks.

Roger

Fixed many on these including my own.  Remove the burner cover and clean the rust off the burner that has fallen down from the flue. 

Bob
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Dometic Refrig not starting on LP

Reply #5 –
Roger,

I agree with Bob.

I had the same symptoms (the clicking, timing-out, no-start). I removed the cover to gain access to the burner tube, and there were flakes of rust arranged like a perfect "tent" over the tube --- and as I gather from other owners, had fallen down from the walls of the flue -- over time.

I removed them, cleaned the area up, and the Dometic fired-up right away and burned just fine.
Michael
1995 U300SE CAT 3176B Build # 4612 ("Marvin")

Re: Dometic Refrig not startingAq on LP

Reply #6 –
Th e same issue I had a few years ago, was the burner had a build up (stalagmite), simply broke it off, went back to working great until it was replaced with the Samsung houe type.

Re: Dometic Refrig not starting on LP

Reply #7 –
Howdy, 

I was waiting for Dave to remind me of the fabulous Samsung residential replacement option.  I took off the appropriate covers.  The was a small dusting of soot etc below the burner from the flue.  I cleaned that up and blew off the burner itself, put the covers back on, switched to LP and it is back to working just fine.  Thanks for the help.  When I opened everything up I was surprised at how small the burner actually is.  No wonder just a bit of crud from the flue can wreak havoc.  Time to get the flue cleaned.

We did spend quite a bit of time looking at French three door style refrigerators in the last month or so.  Our 13 yr old one in the house is making a fair amount more noise than it used to.  Still works fine but we want to know what we are going to get when those last gasps come.  Samsung came out on top for us based on features and usability.  It would fit nicely in the coach too with only some lower cabinet modifications.  Another nice upgrade when the time comes.

Thanks again,

Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN
 

Re: Dometic Refrig not starting on LP

Reply #8 –
We installed their 4 door model in the house a few months back. Absolutely love it. Make sure you get a 'twin cooling' model.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT