How to Fix Common RV Refrigerator Problems

Whether from age, lack of use, or just bad luck, norcold refrigerator parts can break down or get clogged up. This is why it’s important to know how to repair an RV refrigerator if you ever encounter problems. The tips in this article will help you diagnose and fix most of the common issues rv refrigerators face.

RV Refrigerator Problem #1: The Pilot Light Won’t Stay On

One of the first things you should check when a refrigerator starts up is whether or not the pilot light stays on. This is critical because the pilot light is what keeps the thermistor from overheating, which can cause temperature control problems in the fridge.

If the pilot light won’t stay on, you should try a few different methods to troubleshoot this issue. Some of these include:

1. Look for a gas leak from the gas valve, which is located on the back of the refrigerator near the door. This could be as simple as a gas valve that is stuck closed, or it could be a serious leak from a leaking gas line. If you can see any obvious signs of a leak, make sure to call the nearest RV repair center right away!

2. Take a close look at the burner, which is located inside the refrigerator. The burner should have a flame, which is strong and blue in color. If the flame isn’t strong, you might need to remove the burner cover and test it for a spark and operation.

3. Check the heating element to see if it’s working properly on the gas or electric setting.

If your rv refrigerator works on gas, but not on electric power, you might need to replace the heating element in the unit. This can be a fairly simple process, but you’ll need to understand some basic electrical theory before you start.

4. Use a multimeter to verify that you have 120 VDC coming into your RV, as well as any wires going to the refrigerator.

If you aren’t an electrician, it’s a good idea to purchase a digital multimeter and learn how to use it before you attempt to troubleshoot an RV refrigerator. This way, you won’t be putting yourself in danger while trying to figure out what the problem is.

5. Take a look at the venting on the cooling unit

The venting on the cooling unit helps remove heat from your RV’s interior and bring it out into the open air. If the ventilation on the cooling unit isn’t working, the heat from your refrigerator won’t be able to escape. This can happen if the insulation is loose, or if there are leaves, needles, or bird nests blocking the roof vent.

Another possible cause of an RV refrigerator that doesn’t work is a buildup of ammonia sediment. This is not a very common problem, but it can cause your refrigerator to not cool as well as it should. This can be caused by many factors, but it’s most often the result of positioning your camper or RV at an angle that lets liquid ammonia build up and then settle on the cooling unit.