RV Refrigerator Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Fixes
A properly working refrigerator is critical when RVing, keeping food fresh and preventing disruptive, costly service calls in remote locales. Unlike household models, RV refrigeration must perform reliably across travel vibrations, extreme weather, and power fluctuations using 12V DC, 120V AC, or LP gas as energy sources.
With complexity comes potential issues. But armed with troubleshooting knowledge around common RV refrigerator failures, you can quickly diagnose problems by applying fixes to restore essential chilling.
Common RV Refrigerator Issues
RV refrigerator technologies range from basic absorption units requiring 12V or LP gas for chilling, to compressor-driven models pulling AC shore power, plus the latest thermoelectric coolers powered solely by 12V DC.
Unique failure modes exist across refrigeration types, but shared issues occur too on gas and electric units. Let’s explore the most frequent RV refrigerator issues and pinpoint likely components causing trouble.
Source: rvsnappad
Insufficient Cooling
Warm interior temperatures signal cooling systems fail to transfer and dissipate heat from freezer/fridge compartments. Most failures stem from:
Symptoms –
Temperatures 10-20° warmer than setpoint
Freezer not freezing ice
Quicker food spoilage
Causes –
Low propane level
Disconnected/inaccessible AC power
Blocked ventilation
Refrigerant leaks
Control board, sensor malfunctions
Damaged lines needing service
Excessive Cooling
Contents freezing in the fridge section or thick frosty buildup point to overcooling:
Symptoms –
Fridge contents freezing
Thick frost buildup inside
Controls show accurate but too-cold readings
Causes –
Faulty thermostat calibration
Stuck damper on absorption units
Inaccurate sensor readings
Refrigerant overcharge
Noisy Operation
Foreign rattling, grinding, or loud noises from an otherwise well-cooling refrigerator should be promptly investigated.
Symptoms –
Rattling, vibrating, or pulsing noises
Grinding starting/stopping compressors
Noisy fans
Causes –
Loose compressor mounts shift during travel
Compressor failure with damaged internals
Obstructed/degraded fan with bearing wear
Loose wiring hitting components
Water Leaking
Finding significant water pools inside the RV from the refrigerator merits diagnosis:
Symptoms –
Water dripping down vents onto contents
Puddles collecting on the floor
Causes –
Clogged defrost drain tube/pan overflowing
Ice buildup rapidly melting
Disconnected/cracked drain hoses
Water filter housing leaks
Ammonia Leaking
Absorption refrigerators using ammonia refrigerant occasionally spring leak. Never ignore strong smells given toxicity concerns:
Symptoms –
Sharp propane/ammonia smells
Yellow residue around fittings
Reduced cooling performance
Causes –
Cracked tubing allows the refrigerant to escape
Leaking fittings/seals
Excess pressure-blowing seals
Constant Fan Operation
Fans should cycle on/off. Nonstop running points to:
Symptoms –
The fan never shuts off
Loss of cooling performance
Causes –
Defective control board
Sensor signaling constant maximum cooling
Electrical short circuit
Lacks Propane Cooling
If an absorption refrigerator cools properly on AC but not propane, inspect the combustion circuitry.
Symptoms –
Warm temperatures on LP mode only
Other sources cool efficiently
Causes –
Out of propane
Clogged burner jets
Faulty regulator stopping gas flow
Igniter/sensor, not lighting burner
Lacks 12V DC Cooling
Versatile RV refrigeration should activate from shore power, generator, propane, and 12V DC from coach batteries. If deficient on DC, assess:
Symptoms –
Warm cabinet off 12V source alone
Other power modes work normally
Causes –
Low voltage cutoff stopping operation
Malfunctioning DC converter
Faulty DC heating element
Bad control board
Frost Buildup in Freezer
Too much frost accumulating in the freezer compartment can indicate a problem:
Symptoms –
1/2″ or more of frost buildup
Having to manually defrost more frequently
Causes –
The door seal is damaged and allows air leaks
Automatic defrost system failure
Low refrigerant levels
Strange Sounds
Unfamiliar popping, cracking, or clicking sounds may signal an underlying issue:
Symptoms –
Unusual sounds not heard previously
Normal cooling function
Causes –
Refrigerant changes related to leaks/recharges
Expansion and contraction of cooling coils
Fan blade obstruction rubbing
Displaying Error Codes
Newer digital refrigerator models feature onboard electronics running diagnostics and showing numeric or flashing LED error codes in case of failure:
Symptoms –
Illuminated number codes on display
Flashing LED lights on the control panel
Causes –
Over/under voltage conditions
Faulty thermistor or sensor
Control board failure
Cooling system issue
General Troubleshooting
First of all, to ensure refrigerator failure, attempt common troubleshooting steps:
Verify Power Connections
Listen for propane flow upon ignition. Make sure AC power sustains uninterrupted energy to the refrigerator across all sources.
Coach Leveling
Precisely level absorption unit RVs prevent cooling fluid flow problems. Stabilize leaning coaches.
Clean Vents
Use compressed air to remove pet hair, dust, and debris clogging vents and causing overheating.
Double Check Thermostat
If recent temperature adjustments preceded issues, follow reset procedures calibrating unit ranges.
Simple actions fix most RV refrigerator operation problems without jumping to component failures. But persistent issues despite troubleshooting signify repairs are needed.
Specific Repair Solutions
After all the diagnoses, it’s time for a few common DIY repairs to target underlying problems:
Drainage Line Clearing
Compressed air, brushes, and cleaning agents remove gunk inside clogged tubes causing defrost water backup. Route tubing from internal pans outside.
Seal/Gasket Replacement
Pry out aged, warped seals around doors allowing cooled interior air leaks. Precisely match dimensions when replacing.
Burner Jet or Orifice Cleaning
Mineral deposits obstruct tiny propane jet holes reducing burner output. Scrub then rinse components restoring flow.
Wiring & Terminal Repairs
Corrosion and vibration strain refrigerator electrical connections interrupting energy transfer. Crimp or solder replacement connectors.
Control Board Replacement
Malfunctioning thermostats, sensors, and control boards govern cooling. On newer units, swap boards after identifying root failure codes.
Igniter & Thermocouple Maintenance
Clean debris/rust from propane igniters and thermocouples ensuring burner lighting for absorption refrigerators.
Certified refrigeration specialists can also replace damaged valves, chronically leaking seals, and failing heat exchangers if DIY repairs prove overwhelming.
Preventative Maintenance
When everything is completely fine, it’s a must to exercise preventative RV refrigerator maintenance to minimize mid-trip failures.
Vent and Coil Inspection: Monthly, thoroughly clean accumulated debris clogging outside condenser coils and inside vents hampering airflow using compressed air, vacuums, and pulling refrigerators outwards.
Door Seal and Gasket Checks: Quarterly, inspect seal condition around fridge/freezer doors on absorption units replacing any exhibiting gaps or leaks enabling cooled interior air leakage.
Leveling Refrigerators: Each time parking precisely levels the RV refrigerator to prevent cooling fluid flow problems and unevenness within absorption cooling coils.
Annual Tune-Ups: Have certified RV refrigerator technicians perform comprehensive annual checkups assessing wear on components and refrigerant charge needs heading off bigger issues.
Dometic & Norcold Model Maintenance: On Dometic units, annually inspect door latch adjustment to prevent looseness enabling leaks. Norcold models require checking burner tube fastener torque keeping connections constant.
Defrost Freezers: Manually defrost RV absorption unit freezers every 2-3 months preventing significant ice buildup and maintaining ideal temperatures and energy consumption.
Like household models, proactive cleaning, debris removal, and scheduled maintenance sustain optimal refrigerator operation, avoiding disruptions.
Identifying Faulty Refrigeration
If adjustable thermostat controls display appropriate ranges but poor chilling continues, suspect underlying issues if –
- Setup supports selected power source
- Intact connections/pressures confirm active supply
- Clean vents/coils rule out debris reducing efficiency
- No visible obstructions explaining fan failures
Qualified RV refrigerator technicians should analyze heat exchangers, seals, valves, and refrigerant charges needing lab tools and expertise.
Resetting Tripped Compressor Systems
Protective thermal or current cutoffs prevent permanent compressor damage from electrical issues or overheating. Units stop cooling until resets are performed –
a) Fully disconnect refrigerator power for 30+ minutes allowing overload relays to cool and reset.
b) Use the panel keypad interface to select control board reset modes per model specifications.
c) If cutoffs trip repeatedly, hire an authorized repair center to identify root causes and fully test fixes.
Optimizing RV Refrigeration Habits
Mind Interior Airflow: Avoid blocking shelves or tightly packing items reducing circulation efficiency. Leave reasonable clearance around stored foods enabling airflow.
Regularly Defrost Freezer: Manual defrost freezers every 2-3 months removing ice buildup and optimizing temperatures and energy consumption.
Food Storage Best Practices: Store milk and eggs on interior shelves, not door racks, to avoid temperature fluctuations from opening/closing.
Have Annual Inspections: Qualified refrigerator technicians identify wearing parts needing proactive replacement or chronically low refrigerant charges – preventing premature failures.
Avoid Overpacking Absorption Unit Freezers: Adding too many unfrozen items to an absorption freezer prevents completing initial freezing delaying chilled storage. Freeze first, then transfer.
Following optimal usage and storage practices paired with preventative maintenance helps RV refrigeration function reliably for years facilitating carefree mobile adventures.
Conclusion
RV refrigeration enables essential food safety needed for remote trips. But transport strains subject mechanisms to unique failures unknown in household models. Learning to quickly troubleshoot and rectify common issues grants confidence in keeping perishables properly chilled, preventing disruptive mid-trip service calls. Schedule preventative maintenance to optimize performance-sustaining refrigeration for years of travels ahead.
Common Related Questions
How long should an RV refrigerator last?
With maintenance, absorption, and compressor refrigerators typically operate reliably for 8-10 years before repairs become necessary. New thermoelectric coolers can function for 15-20 years.
Can you run an RV refrigerator while driving?
Yes, 12V DC compressor refrigerators are designed to operate both stationary and while driving using coach battery power. Absorption refrigerators require precise leveling to prevent damage.
Why do RV fridges suddenly get cold and then warm?
Loose wiring connections affected by travel vibrations intermittently disrupt energy flow to refrigerators. Crimping replacement connectors stop temperature fluctuations.
