Ever Chill RV Refrigerator Not Cooling!

As a longtime RV owner and user of EverChill refrigerators, I know firsthand how frustrating it can be when your fridge stops cooling properly. After a long day on the road, the last thing you want is to find your beverages lukewarm and your food spoiled. But before you panic or call the repairman, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take yourself to get your EverChill fridge back up and running. That’s why this article is written.

Here, I’ll share the common causes of cooling issues and the best solutions I’ve discovered through experience. I’ll cover tips like checking your RV’s leveling, resetting the electrical system, ensuring proper ventilation, and more. I’ll also demonstrate expert-level troubleshooting on a case study fridge to walk you through more complex diagnostics.

So, without wasting much time, let’s get into them straightforwardly!

Common Causes & Quick Fixes

Many basic cooling issues stem from just a few common causes.

Before you start taking apart your EverChill unit, try these quick tips first –

Park on Level Ground

One of the most frequent culprits of poor EverChill performance is uneven terrain. These absorption-style RV fridges rely on ammonia coolant flowing smoothly between chambers. When your RV is parked on a slope or angle, it can disrupt this circulation.

I once returned from a weekend trip to find all my fridge contents at room temperature. After scratching my head, I realized I’d parked with the front end tilted downhill. Simply re-leveling solved the problem! So always use built-in jacks or drive onto blocks to keep your RV as level as possible. This allows gravity to keep coolant flowing properly.

Reset the Electrical System

Has your EverChill worked fine for months and now suddenly won’t cool? Before looking further, try resetting the electrical system. At your breaker panel or power inlet, cut power to the fridge for 10-15 minutes. This gives the onboard computer a fresh start to re-initialize cooling.

I like to also unplug the fridge during the reset period. Make sure to give it several hours after powering back on before checking the interior temperature. This reboot has fixed my no-cooling issue more than once!

Improve Air Circulation

All absorption fridges require good airflow to operate efficiently. Hot air needs to escape while cooler air enters to remove interior warmth. Ensure your EverChill has adequate ventilation, especially in hot outdoor temperatures.

Installing a high-RPM fan near the roof exhaust vent can drastically improve air circulation. I added a battery-powered turbo fan on my last trip through Arizona when my EverChill couldn’t keep up. It made a huge difference compared to passive ventilation alone!

Verify Sensor Connection

EverChill units use interior thermistors to monitor temperature and adjust cooling accordingly. If this sensor loses connection or fails, the fridge struggles to regulate itself. Check that the thin wire leading from the finned sensor bulb is securely plugged into the control board.

Also, inspect the sensor wire for damage which could cause intermittent signaling. If the thermistor connections look okay, test it with a multimeter per EverChill’s instructions. A damaged sensor bulb will need replacement – don’t run the fridge without one!

Check the Thermistor

While on the topic of thermistors, a degraded or inaccurate thermistor is another potential culprit for poor temperature regulation. These sensor bulbs can lose calibration over time. If your EverChill runs constantly but won’t get cold inside, the thermistor may be telling the fridge it’s colder than it is.

Locate the thermistor bulb inside the fridge compartment. Its resistance value tells the fridge how cold it is. Use a multimeter to check the thermistor per your model’s specs. Compare to a new sensor if needed. A faulty thermistor will need a professional replacement for proper cooling.

Clean the Exhaust Port

To transfer heat properly, absorption refrigerators need unobstructed exhaust airflow. Over time, the exhaust port can accumulate dust, lint, and other debris. This restricts ventilation, leading to reduced cooling.

Carefully use a soft cloth and lukewarm water to wipe down the exhaust grille and surrounding area. Remove any visible lint or dirt clogs. Be very gentle around the fins to avoid damage. Maintaining a debris-free exhaust allows optimal heat release for lower fridge temperatures.

Check Coolant Level

With time, EverChill units can lose some ammonia coolant through normal operation. Too little coolant hampers circulation and cooling capacity. Models with an external bubble level like the WD-282FWDC allow a visual check. Top off the fluid if the bubble is low.

For units without an indicator, gently rock the fridge and listen for liquid sloshing inside. If you hear little to no sound, low coolant may be the issue. Have a technician professionally recharge the system to manufacturer specs. Running with insufficient coolant can cause permanent damage over time.

Inspect Fuses

EverChill refrigerators contain DC circuit boards protected by electrical fuses. Like any fuse, these can degrade over years of vibration or blow due to power spikes. No cooling and an unlit control panel often indicate a bad fuse.

Check your operator’s manual for fuse locations and ratings. Test continuity with a multimeter or visual inspection. Have replacement fuses on hand matching the exact voltage and amperage needed. Swapping in a new fuse of the proper size can get your fridge running again. Just be sure to investigate what caused the original to blow.

Reduce Electrical Loads

Excessive electrical demand from other appliances can indirectly disrupt EverChill’s performance. Microwaves, air conditioners, electric heaters, etc require a lot of 12-volt power. This can briefly dip voltage below what the fridge needs.

If your EverChill is cold in the morning but warmer later in the day, high electric loads may be the reason. Try staggering the use of major appliances and shutting off anything unnecessary. Reducing this demand allows consistent voltage to the fridge.

Expert Troubleshooting for Optimal Cooling

Now that we’ve covered some common issues and quick fixes, let’s tackle a case study fridge needing in-depth troubleshooting. We’ll leverage some more advanced diagnostics to zero in on the cooling problem.

For this, I’ll use my EverChill WD-282FWDC unit in my Forest River trailer. Last trip, it stopped cooling properly and was stuck in diagnostic mode with an error light. Let’s walk through how an RV technician would approach identifying and fixing the issue.

Start with a Hard Reset

Given the fridge is unresponsive and indicating an error, step one is performing a “hard” reset. This means completely disconnecting power at both the breaker and external DC fuse box. Wait at least 20 minutes before reconnecting power and firing it back up.

This allows the sensitive control board and computer processor to reset fully. It’s possible rebooting the fridge will clear the error and restore normal operation. So always try a hard reset first.

Check Electrical Power Supply

When I turn the fridge back on, the front display stays dark and the interior fan doesn’t run. Before anything else, we need to confirm the fridge is receiving adequate 12-volt DC power.

Use a multimeter to verify 12+ volts at the external power terminal. Check for continuity on all lines and connections feeding the fridge. If the voltage looks low, run an extension cord directly to the RV battery. Still no good? Inspect for corrosion or breaks in the power wiring.

Ensure the fridge ground wire is securely bonded to clean metal chassis. A faulty ground prevents proper current flow. The fridge may appear dead until electrical power and grounding issues are addressed.

Inspect Drain Line and Clear Clogs

With full 12-volt power verified, the control board and fan should attempt to start. Since my WD-282FWDC remains lifeless, there may be a clog-preventing operation.

Absorption systems produce heated condensate that needs draining. If the drain line exiting the fridge is obstructed, a safety switch disables cooling to avoid overflow into the RV.

I’ll disconnect the 1/4″ drain line under the fridge and blow it out with compressed air. Vinegar or coil cleaner can dissolve more tenacious clogs. Be sure to flush debris and reattach the line securely. The reset should now allow the fridge to resume cooling.

Test Control Board and Components

Despite a hard reset and clearing the drain line, my WD-282FWDC still won’t start up. The issue likely lies in the electrical control board or related systems. Time to break out the multimeter and test individual components.

First, check for 12 volts at the control board power plug. If missing here, trace the wiring back to find the break. Verify the fuse is good and the board ground connection is tight.

With power present, test outputs for the interior fan, propane valve, igniter, etc per the wiring diagram. If voltages show up, the board seems okay. No outputs indicate a bad control board needing professional replacement.

Finally, inspect visible tubing, heat sinks, and exhaust paths for cracks or blockages. Use a mirror and flashlight to peek inside without disassembly. The goal is to check for any physical defects before re-enraging the evacuated system and recharging by a technician.

Summary of Professional Troubleshooting

To recap, here is the complete professional-level troubleshooting process for an unresponsive EverChill fridge –

Reset the electrical by disconnecting all power for 20+ minutes

Check the 12-volt DC supply and grounding to the fridge
Clear any obstructions in the drain line
Verify control board voltages and component outputs

Inspect tubing, heat exchangers, and exhaust flow path
Consider control board replacement if faults found
Potentially require evacuation and recharge if leaks detected

Following this logical sequence of diagnostics allows pinpointing even complex cooling issues. While some steps require shop tools and skills, try every DIY fix before resorting to pro service.

Take Proactive Steps for Maximum Fridge Lifespan

I hope these troubleshooting tips help you keep your EverChill unit running optimally for many more seasons of RVing. While occasional hiccups are inevitable, you now have the knowledge to tackle most cooling issues yourself. Beyond just repairs, be sure to follow proactive maintenance steps for maximum EverChill lifespan –

Step 1: Keep interior shelves, walls, and drip tray clean to prevent mold

Step 2: Periodically wash the exterior vent with mild detergent

Step 3: Avoid overpacking items which can impede airflow

Step 4: Ensure door seals are supple and airtight

Step 5: Always travel with the fridge level and secure

Step 6: Limit opening the door to reduce heat gain

Step 7: Use a fridge thermometer to confirm proper temperatures

Step 8: Replace the water filter and clean the condenser yearly or per manual

Step 9: Have a technician annually de-scale the chilled water loop

Applying these preventative measures helps minimize repairs and keeps your food fresh for years to come. While untimely breakdowns can’t always be avoided, proper care goes a long way.

Key Takeaways from My EverChill Experience

Having used EverChill fridges in my RVs for over a decade, I’ve discovered a few key pointers the hard way –

Step 1: Park carefully on flat terrain – sloping disrupts coolant flow

Step 2: Electrical resets and fuse checks resolve many issues

Step 3: Clean exhaust and vents regularly to prevent overheating

Step 4: Avoid heavily tinted windows that block ventilation

Step 5: Have spare thermistors, fuses, and cooling fluid on hand

Step 6: Improving airflow makes a huge difference in hot climates

Step 7: Consider adding solar power to maintain battery voltage

Step 8: Expect a 5-10 year lifespan with proper maintenance

Step 9: Absorption fridges need more attention than typical household units

I hope these lessons from my experience help fellow RVers maximize their EverChill investment. Don’t hesitate to give me a call at 555-1234 if you need any advice on getting your fridge running right again. I’m always happy to chat fridges and help a fellow camper in need!

Let Me Know How Your Fridge is Performing!

If you found these troubleshooting tips helpful, please let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear if they worked on your EverChill! Feel free to post any fridge questions you come across as well.

Also be sure to subscribe to my RV Repair Tips channel to stay updated on maintenance, upgrades, and more ways to keep your RV in top shape for wherever the open road takes you. Cool summer trips await – let’s get your fridge ready to keep the drinks and food chilled all season long!

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