Ammonia smell in fridge

[MiniLiteMan]

I'm getting an ammonia smell in my dual fridge (2019 Mini Lite 2509S) after it sits closed for a day or 2. Is the cooling unit toast? I have about 2 months left on the warranty. If it needs replacing what does that entail? A quick swap with a new unit or can these be repaired? I have the small dorm fridge in the outdoor kitchen so as long as it's not in the shop for weeks, short camping trips are not off the table.

[upflying]

The ammonia absorption system is sealed as far as I know, you should not get an odor unless it is leaking.

[A32Deuce]

Toasted! Time for a new one. Check for options.

[MiniLiteMan]

Contacted dealer. They can get me in right away to check it out and most likely replace the cooling unit.

[Towe443]

I had a 2004 unit that did the same thing. I started smelling ammonia and removed the outside fridge cover, there was a yellow colored staining noted. I was told that's evidence where the ammonia leaked out. I took it in as I was as still under warranty and it was repaired at no cost to me.

[Rookiewood]

Not good...!

[Iwannacamp]

2019??? I am assuming warranty?

[aceinspp]

Yep toast. Should be replaced under warranty.

There are very few places that do repairs on frigs. I lucked out when I had my 1982 Winnibago frig go belly up and found a place right here in Cumming to repair only catch was I had to remove. Now that was a pain. Later RJD

[Photo Lab]

Originally Posted by MiniLiteMan

I'm getting an ammonia smell in my dual fridge (2019 Mini Lite 2509S) after it sits closed for a day or 2. Is the cooling unit toast? I have about 2 months left on the warranty. If it needs replacing what does that entail? A quick swap with a new unit or can these be repaired? I have the small dorm fridge in the outdoor kitchen so as long as it's not in the shop for weeks, short camping trips are not off the table.

Ammonia smell should very much not be there! Absorption type refrigerators use Ammonia (R-717) as the cooling gas, and are always tightly sealed. Interestingly, Ammonia is also used on really large systems, though with a compressor. All piping, valves, etc is typically steel or iron pipe, although I assume 400 series stainless would likewise be good. I would surely take the unit in for immediate repair! It is possible that the dealer told you they could take you right away because they are well aware of the potential hazards, and may even have a recall notice.

Refrigerators using a compressor generally are charged with R-134a, same as auto A/C. Non toxic, non-flammable.

[DouglasReid]

My advice, DO NOT use the camper with the reefer in it until it is fixed. Ammonia Gas is Deadly!!

[MiniLiteMan]

Took the outside cover off last night and couldn't find any yellow staining and no hint of ammonia smell. Smell is only inside fridge (not freezer) after the door is closed for a while and no sign of yellowing there either. Maybe a crack on the lines that run through the cooling fins? No smell in the camper when the fridge is closed. Not using the camper for now and flipped off the breaker for the fridge. Unit is under warranty and my dealer said to drop it off anytime they are open and they would get right on it, no appointment necessary. Other than this our Rockwood has been great. Only a loose curtain rod in the bunk and small leak from the outdoor kitchen faucet. A screw and a clamp and 5 minutes of my time fixed both.

[stevemedic]

My brand new Rockwood Roo 233S had the same issue a few weeks after I took delivery. I had the trailer in my driveway hooked up to my 30A service with refrigerator running while preparing the unit for maiden trip. strong ammonia smell only from by freezer box, no evidence from the outside of any leaks. Bottom line, my dealer came out to my house and replaced the cooling unit under warranty. Not an easy repair as they had to remove the refrigerator to get to the back of it. They replaced the whole assembly which was the size of the whole fridge, took several hours.

Good luck.