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Old 04-24-2017, 08:32 AM   #1
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Fridge Not Working LP

So, first trip of the year went well until the fridge decided to keep creeping up in temps. Fridge worked fine on AC before leaving on trip. I assumed I had messed up the fridge by running it while driving to our camping location.

I have a nice, sharp blue flame, so I don't think it is a burner/flame issue. No fault codes either. I watched a few videos and may clean burner/orifice just to see if that helps. If it doesn't, I will be pulling fridge to clean flue.

If this doesn't work, do you guys have any other ideas?

2014 19RD and Fridge in question is a N1811LT.

Thanks,
Jeremy

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Old 04-24-2017, 09:02 AM   #2
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You won't damage the frig using it while driving, most of us do that. Since you have a good flame I think the trailer may have not been close enough to level to heat the liquid properly and create the cooling process. Before removing the frig get it close to level and try it again on propane.
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Old 04-24-2017, 09:03 AM   #3
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were you connected on shore power? my brother in law had a similar problem, he was boondocking, and the power from the battery would drop too much and shut down the fridge controller...


maybe air in the propane lines? did the other propane appliances work?
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Old 04-24-2017, 09:08 AM   #4
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My initial thoughts were air in the lines but you said you had a blue flame. So it should be running. The controller needs 12V so if the battery is getting low you might get strange behavior. Also they are fussy if not level. It doesn't take much to cause it to be out of whack.

We also run our fridge while driving and have never had an issue.
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Old 04-24-2017, 09:39 AM   #5
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No, good and level, good voltage, hopefully just something blocking the flame or weak flame.

One question, when on propane, does the switch cold/coldest do anything? Does the flame ever change? Could I be just seeing a pilot, or does the gas turn on/off as needed to cool?

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Old 04-24-2017, 09:46 AM   #6
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If'n you've got a nice blue flame, about the size of a manual toothbrush then the following are OK:
-Propane is getting to the fridge
-12VDC is sufficient
-Controller board is functioning

Now, what may be missing...
- You've got to be noticeably out-of level (RV feels off when trying to walk around) for the fridge to malfunction.
- Outdoor temperature too low. If the ammonia can't be boiled out, the thing won't work.
- Outdoor temperature too high. If the ambient air can't draw the heat away from the cooling unit, the box won't chill down.
- Blocked chimney, cooling airflow. Check for obstructions in the path for the flame exhaust and the roof vent. Also, how are the louvers in the cover?

And a last one: Is the flame steady? Check the flame every 30 seconds for over 10 minutes.
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Old 04-25-2017, 07:16 AM   #7
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Is the roof vent blocked? Did something build a nest in there?
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Old 04-25-2017, 07:55 AM   #8
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Weather is crappy here so won't know till weather is good again. Will keep this updated due to not finding a problem like this, flame and everything being OK and all, except not working, lol.

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Old 04-25-2017, 08:00 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Seann45 View Post
Is the roof vent blocked? Did something build a nest in there?
x2

That's what I was thinking too...
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Old 04-25-2017, 08:01 AM   #10
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Is the roof vent blocked? Did something build a nest in there?
From looking, no. Like I said, everything looks good. I'm level, flame looks good, A/C works, voltage is good. I'm thinking something in the flue/baffle is the problem. I'll have to take fridge out to check that though. I will start with burner/orifice first and try to look up the flue while that's out. Got 2" of snow last night and the rest of the week looks the same.

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Old 04-25-2017, 08:04 AM   #11
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If air flow is restricted or blocked, it won't cool correctly. Check both fresh intake vent and exhaust vent. Air is needed to flow across the coils to work properly.
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Old 04-25-2017, 07:41 PM   #12
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Well, I pulled the burner and orifice and cleaned them and what do you know, a working fridge. Flame is about twice the size now and you can hear it. Before, good flame and all, but about .5" tall and quiet. Now, ~ 1.0" tall and has a little roar to it. On gas for about 3 hours and freezer is -1 and Fridge is at 38. Both started at 64.

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Old 06-25-2021, 06:21 AM   #13
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Fridge not working off LP

How do I check for a flame? I pulled the outside cover off and can see the propane connection to the fridge but don’t see anywhere I can see a flame.
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Old 06-25-2021, 09:29 AM   #14
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How do I check for a flame? I pulled the outside cover off and can see the propane connection to the fridge but don’t see anywhere I can see a flame.
What frig do you have? Each frig is a little different. On my Norcold 8cu. With the outside access panel removed. On the very bottom of the chimney pipe is a small sight window. Just push the tab off to the side, so you can see the flame. In electric mode, the metal chimney is hot.

The simple item could be "Spiders love propane". It is common for them to build a nest in the flame tube where the gas mixes with fresh air prior to ignition. They seem to love water heaters and stoves more than refrigerators. May just need a little compressed air or a can of "canned air" (very flammable do not use if the system is on or hot).

Do you have a multimeter? This is a very useful tool to diagnose electrical issues. Other common items that could be an issue is a bad ignitor a bad flame sensor, solenoid issue, or a bad wire connection. All fairly easy to diagnose with a multimeter. If you do not have one, recommend getting one. Play with a few disposable batteries and wire/metal to see how it works. They are fairly simple. If you have a mechanically skilled friend, and ask for some diagnostic help.

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Old 06-25-2021, 09:48 PM   #15
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My friends rv fridge wouldn't work on propane. I told him to get his air compressor and blow the crap out of the burner tube. His fridge works now on propane.
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