jl
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 26
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Post by jl on May 18, 2024 8:56:43 GMT -5
Hey gang,
I was just checking out the operation(s) of our 5th after a lightning hit a big ole maple on our property, and guess what ... all circuits/outlets are working as they should ... except for the fridge. I have a ped that the 5th is hooked up to and seems to have everything working except the refrigerator.
The freezer works fine, yet the refrigerator does not chill at all. I know, you'd think that if one didn't work the other wouldn't either. Thinking that there would be a breaker, or reset button for the unit, so off I went looking but couldn't find one. Am I missing it, or just not looking in the right place. The unit is plugged in, slide works, lights work, awning works, etc etc ... but no regular fridge.
Any help/direction would be GREATLY appreciated.
JL.
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Post by lynnmor on May 18, 2024 20:19:31 GMT -5
It would be helpful if you provided the brand and model of the refrigerator. If it is a propane model give it a day with the doors closed for the temperatures to normalize and use a thermometer in both compartments. A propane refrigerator depends on a clear vent so check if storm debris may have blown in.
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jl
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 26
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Post by jl on May 20, 2024 8:07:23 GMT -5
Sorry, forgot the brand. Trailer. '22 KZ 251rl,FW Fridge. Norcold, N8XRT.
I've checked both vents, and covers, both seem clear from any obstructions. Neither electric/propane power get the regular refrigerator cold. the top portion (freezer) does get very cold, but the lower does not. I'll note, that the unit is in the slide, and no roof vent is there. The only venting that exists is the bottom (intake) top (vent) areas. I did notice that there was a fan in towards the upper part of the exhaust vent, but I've never seen the fan kick in. I'm not sure where the heat needs to be in order to have that kick in. *Last year, the cabinet next to the fridge got very warm while camping and with this, I'm wondering if the fan works properly. **not that this fact would keep the fridge from cooling**
Yesterday I opened both vents and tapped gently on the pipping thinking that there might be a restriction within the pipes, and about 3 hours later, the fridge seemed to be getting cooler. I left the fridge on, and will check the temps today sometime and see if my tapping might have done the trick as a temp fix. Of course, if this has worked, I'll be looking for a perm fix.
Thnx in advance jl
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Post by lynnmor on May 20, 2024 21:18:06 GMT -5
Check that you have both 120 VAC and 12 VDC power supplied to the fridge. Since the fan is not working and there was a potential electrical issue this is the place to start. Search for the troubleshooting information for your N8XRT for guidance as to where voltage checks take place. Check the voltage at the battery with the trailer plugged in, it should be about 13.6 volts. There is a good chance that the control board in the fridge has been damaged, but partial cooling may be a low refrigerant problem which is a serious expense.
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WrkrBee
Weekender RV’er
Retired
Posts: 87
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Post by WrkrBee on May 21, 2024 8:14:02 GMT -5
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Post by bobandcathy on Jun 8, 2024 15:43:38 GMT -5
Check the thermistor, (inside fridge) should be on the 5th vane from right side as you face it by sliding this up for cold down for less cold you can fine tune your fridge. We have a Norcold N-300 in the 2011 Sportsman. and just went through all of this. Took 3 days of adjust Waite 12 hours, adjust Waite, adjust, you get the IDEA. NOW on AC and set at 5 it will freeze in the fridge area in less than 12 hours. So we keep it on 3 and have NO problems. On GAS it will stay at 37*.
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Post by nomad1955 on Jun 9, 2024 23:02:14 GMT -5
I don’t know about refrigerators, but I’ve had a lot of experience dealing with lightning as a retired electrician. Most people don’t realize that most damage is done with items not even plugged in. Even tv remotes, garage door openers, etc…. Anything with a coil of any type can pickup enough of a pulse to generate a lot of electrical current to do damage to electronic equipment. So in short, it could be the circuit board. Good luck.
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