Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Dometic freezer not cooling but fridge does (Read 419 times) previous topic - next topic

Dometic freezer not cooling but fridge does

My Dometic NDR1062 freezer seems to not be working.  Its cool at best but the refrigerator cools just fine.  This evening Im going to check the exhaust and read to check the thermistor.  Any suggestions would be most humbly appreciated.  I do plan on replacing it with a residential.  I just dont want to do it now.  Im really wanting to put this project off until I get caught up with the honey do's. 

The refrigerator is in a 34ft Nimbus so its the 10 cubic foot.  Oh and the previous owner disconnected all the gas lines.  He did not like gas so its all electric.
06 Nimbus 34'
Build #6362

Re: Dometic freezer not cooling but fridge does

Reply #1 –
Eddie,

Any ice build up in the freezer?

Ice is a good insulator and can keep the freezer evaporator from absorbing heat from the freezer.

Also, check the door gasket.  Insert a $1 bill (I am told on the newer coaches you need to use a $20) all around the door and verify that there is even/firm pressure as you pull the bill out with the door closed.
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 freezer not cooling but fridge does

Reply #2 –
Eddie,

Take a long screwdriver and use it as a listening device. Open the back vent cover and you will see a horizonal tank with tubes attached. Take the tip of the screwdriver and hold it to the metal of this tank.  Now put the handle to your ear and listen. Is it all quiet if so this is good. If it is gurgling this is bad. If gurgling the standpipe in the tank has a screen that is partially clogged and can cause the symptoms you describe.  If this is the case the cooling system needs servicing. Might want to consider an upgrade if this is the case.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Dometic freezer not cooling but fridge does

Reply #3 –
Thank you for the reply's.  No ice build up in the freezer.  I'll check the back of the unit and see if I hear anything unusual.  If I have to replace the fridge can I remove the front passenger chair and get it out through the door?  I've heard on some units you have to go through the windshield.  It's only a 10 cubic ft fridge so it's pretty small. 
06 Nimbus 34'
Build #6362

Re: Dometic freezer not cooling but fridge does

Reply #4 –
Quote from: EddieNel –
It's only a 10 cubic ft fridge so it's pretty small.
1.  If I have to replace the fridge can I remove the front passenger chair and get it out through the door?
2.  I've heard on some units you have to go through the windshield. 

1. With it being a 10cf most likely this will work, if not refer to #2
2. Yes that is one option but a side window is a lot better in most cases.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Dometic freezer not cooling but fridge does

Reply #5 –
Mike, sent you a PM
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Dometic freezer not cooling but fridge does

Reply #6 –
make sure your coach is level
2003 Foretravel u320 build 6066
cummins 450 ism
2008 Jeep Cherokee Toad
former Country Coach Owner.
Part time Rv er
Never afraid to learn.

Re: Dometic freezer not cooling but fridge does

Reply #7 –
Coach is level and the compressor is real quiet.  I didn't get a picture but I've got I think it's called Norcold fans that are mounted in the fins in the fridge.  I turned them off this morning and moved the thermistor down and over a couple of inches to see if that makes a difference.
06 Nimbus 34'
Build #6362

Re: Dometic freezer not cooling but fridge does

Reply #8 –
Quote from: EddieNel –
I turned them off this morning and moved the thermistor down and over a couple of inches to see if that makes a difference.

Heat rises/cold falls.

Moving the thermistor down places it in a colder location, so that will result in WARMER temps in the refrigerator.


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 freezer not cooling but fridge does

Reply #9 –
My fridge always did the opposite, the freezer would work okay but the fridge section would not. With my particular situation it was because the coach was not perfectly level. It would take until the next day before the fridge would be cold. Best of luck with your problem.
EMT living in Missouri. Recently purchased 1987 Gran Villa 36 Ft. long,460 Ford engine with 40,000 miles on it, new tranny has 3000 miles on it, coach has 75000 miles on it, new 5000 watt genny new fridge, new tires. Am both excited and scared out of my wits at the size of this beast. Love it but need time to become accustomed to it's size.  I'm sure it will take time to experience all the secrets this RV has to offer. Any and all advice gratefully accepted.

Re: Dometic freezer not cooling but fridge does

Reply #10 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Heat rises/cold falls.

Moving the thermistor down places it in a colder location, so that will result in WARMER temps in the refrigerator.



I just read that.  I'll hopefully be home in a couple of hours and move it up.  Also read to unplug it and see if it gets colder.  Thank god the fridge is cold.  Would be nice to get the freezer to freeze or at least as cold as the fridge. 
06 Nimbus 34'
Build #6362