Dometic rv refrigerator not working on gas or electric

If you're unfamiliar with the company Dometic, they manufacture appliances for the marine and RV industries. Dometic specifically creates the RM2401 refrigerator, which many people use in recreational vehicles (RV) or camper trailers. These type of refrigerators run off of propane gas and electricity. Due to this, they can sometimes need troubleshooting. Whether you're on a camping trip, or a family vacation they're relatively easy to operate.

How To Troubleshoot 

Step One: Unplug The Refrigerator

Before you unplug the refrigerator, make sure to check the propane gas bottle to see if it needs refiling. Sometimes if your refrigerator is not working, the problem can be as simple as refueling your propane. No judgment, everyone's had their dumbfounding moments. After you check the propane, then you can unplug the refrigerator.

Step Two: Disconnect the Gas Supply

All you have to do is turn the screws on the burner-housing cover plate in a counterclockwise direction and remove the cover. It's easier to unscrew them with a screwdriver, but if you have a fancy drill that works as well. Next, you're going to disconnect the lighter cable by loosening the burner screw. Pull out the burner and unscrew the jet. If your jet is dirty, you can clean it with alcohol or go the old fashion way and blow into the compressor. This will help to clear the jet. Although this is the easier route, for a longterm fix you should properly clean the jet. Afterwards, you're going to put the jet and burner back in place, reconnect the lighter cable and replace the cover. You can now plug the fridge back in. Don't forget to reconnect the gas supply.

Step Three: Don't Obstruct Air Flow

This type of appliance needs the appropriate amount of ventilation to operate correctly. Make sure no items are blocking the refrigerator at any time. If you live in a particularly hot climate, move the refrigerator's thermostat closer to its max setting. This will ensure that the refrigerator doesn't overheat.

If Your Fuse Blows

Step One: Remove The Vent Cover

If your fuse blows, the first thing you may think is to call someone else to fix it. The phrase "blown fuse" sounds scary at best, but it's very easy to fix. The first thing you have to do when replacing your blown fuse is remove the vent cover. The vent cover is located outside of your RV because it gives you easier access to the back of your refrigerator.

Step Two: Locate The Black Box

On the outside of the RV, you'll see a black box. You're going to remove the cover and check the two fuses. One of the fuses is for the refrigerator control system, and the other one is for the AC cartridge heater. To replace the fuse, you need to disconnect the 12-volt wires. Remove the cover, take the blown fuse out and then you'll be able to replace with the same amp fuse.

Step Three: Keep An Eye On The Fuse

It's important to make sure that after you replace the fuse, you check it every hour for at least five hours. If the fuse is still not working, then you're going to have to call a technician. The good thing is that for the most part fuses only have to be replaced every couple of years.

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Food should be toward the top of any good packing list for a camping trip. After a long day of hiking and adventuring, you’re going to be ready for a delicious meal. A Dometic RV fridge can keep your food fresh and your drinks cold. However, they’re just like any other electronics and may experience issues from time to time.

Today, we’ll look at some of the common problems you might encounter with a Dometic RV fridge and how you can troubleshoot them. Let’s get started!

What Is a Dometic RV Fridge?

Dometic is a Swedish company and one of the leading manufacturers of RV products. One of its most extensive product offerings is its line of refrigerators for RVs and other mobile setups. It offers noiseless absorption appliances that use gas and minimize your dependence on electricity.

Dometic also has electrical models if you’re not looking to venture off the grid. Its compressor refrigerators are an excellent option for those looking to power their refrigerators without battery and solar power.

Why Has My Dometic RV Fridge Stopped Working? 

Many things could be causing your Dometic RV fridge to stop working. Instead of calling in a professional or towing your RV to the dealer, there are a few things you should check yourself. If it’s a simple fix, you can avoid a hefty repair bill.

A couple of control boards are notorious for becoming faulty in Dometic RV fridges. Your best bet is to check these first. To do so, you’ll need to use a multimeter to ensure that they’re functioning as they should. However, your fix may be a lot simpler than replacing a control board.

Check the breaker box if you’re not getting power to your fridge. This should be the first step any time you experience a failure with electronics. You may need to flip a breaker or replace a fuse to restore power to your equipment. If all is good there, you’ll need to venture outside to the side of your RV, where you can find the back access panel of your RV fridge.

Take the plastic cover off so you can see the components that keep your fridge running. If you spot a yellow, sulfuric buildup, you have a serious situation on your hands. You may have an ammonia leak in your cooling system, which will prevent it from cooling and functioning correctly.

If you don’t see any obvious reasons for your unit not functioning correctly, you’ll need to use a multimeter to ensure power is flowing correctly. Test to make sure 120-volt and 12-volt power are making it to the fridge and that all the electrical connections are getting either 12-volt or 120-volt. This test can help identify any failures or bad connections.

If you’re not familiar with using a multimeter or uncomfortable working with electricity, you should get a professional to look at your system. You don’t want to go poking around your RV’s electrical system if you don’t know what you’re doing. You can not only cause further damage but also electrocute yourself.

Pro Tip: Learn more about how to troubleshoot and repair your RV refrigerator →

Why Is My Dometic Refrigerator Not Cold? 

If your Dometic RV fridge is not cooling consistently, check to ensure that your RV is level. The gas absorption refrigerators from Dometic must be level for gravity to help them stay cool. While you may be able to tolerate your RV being unlevel, your fridge might not be as forgiving.

A Dometic refrigerator also requires a good amount of airflow for the condenser fins to do their job. You can install additional fans to help circulate air in the refrigerator’s components. This is especially helpful when you’re in a warm environment, and your refrigerator struggles to stay cool.

Finally, you’ll also want to ensure you’re not overloading your fridge. Putting too much in your fridge prohibits air from circulating to allow your fridge to cool down. If none of these options help cool down your refrigerator, you may have faulty components or failing parts that need replacing.

How Do I Reset My Dometic RV Refrigerator?

Dometic refrigerators typically come with a reset switch. Some models have it inside the fridge near the compressor in the back. Other models have it just inside the door.

Finding your reset switch depends on which model of refrigerator you have. You should check the documentation that came with your RV to confirm the reset switch’s location on your specific model.

Once you’ve found the switch, make sure to disconnect your RV from all power sources. Hold the reset button for approximately 10 seconds and then release it. You’ll need to repeat this process a few times. You can then restore power to your RV to finish resetting the refrigerator.

How Much Does a Dometic RV Refrigerator Cost?

You’ll want to take care of your Dometic RV fridge because they’re not cheap to replace. The smallest units typically start around $1,000 and go all the way up to about $6,000. It can be a tough pill to swallow should you need to replace one.

Pro Tip: This innovative portable refrigerator will blow your mind →

How Long Do RV Refrigerators Last? 

Under normal circumstances, an RV refrigerator should last 10-18 years. Many RV refrigerators come with warranties that last a few years, but after that, you’re on your own.

Make sure you take care of your Dometic RV fridge so you can avoid replacing it. Hiring a professional is often cheaper and can help you avoid a massive bill to replace your refrigerator.

Do you have a Dometic fridge in your RV?

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