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Old 11-16-2014, 03:29 PM   #1
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fuse keeps blowing help

I have a 20 amp fuse that keeps blowing on the 12v side. It days it powers lights but it also has something to do with the fridge. The fuse blows immediately when I replace it. What could be causing this. It is a 2008 sandpiper.
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Old 11-16-2014, 03:34 PM   #2
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If its feeding your fridg. Check the electric heater located outside in the back of the fridg. It may be bad and shorted to ground causing the fuse to blow. Try running the fridg. On propane.
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Old 11-16-2014, 03:42 PM   #3
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It's running to the fridge. I lost all the lights on the outside panel of it so I can't even tell if it was on. What does the electric heater look like? What is the purpose of the heater?
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Old 11-16-2014, 03:53 PM   #4
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I'd take a pic of it but no where close to my RV. The heater is what heats up the heat exchanger when on electricity, just like the propane heats it up while on propane.
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Old 11-16-2014, 03:56 PM   #5
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Hey my buddy has one I can text you a pic to your phone pm me your number and I'll send you a picture. I can't post one from this phone.
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Old 11-16-2014, 04:11 PM   #6
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So its a necessity then it's not something I can just bypass.
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Old 11-16-2014, 04:27 PM   #7
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If you have propane you might beable to run off it. Turn your lights off and unplug the fridg. Replace the fuse and see if its your fridg or lights blowing the fuse. I text a pic
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Old 11-16-2014, 05:14 PM   #8
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I tried replacing it with the lights off and the fridge unplugged at the 120v outlet in the outside access abs it still blew right away.
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Old 11-16-2014, 06:02 PM   #9
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Try disconnecting the 12volt power to the frig. It is usually a black wire and a white white hooked to a small terminal block located behind the outside refrigerator access panel.
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Old 11-16-2014, 06:14 PM   #10
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OK I will try that. On mine it is a red and blue wire?
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Old 11-16-2014, 06:26 PM   #11
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I am not sure on yours. it is possible. It will typically be 2 wires that come in the to the ref. compartment and hook to a terminal block that is usually made of plastic. So basically look for two wires that come into the ref. compartment as opposed to wires originating in the ref. compartment. These should provide the 12v power needed to run the unit. The 120 volt outlet runs the electric heater while on shore power. The 12v runs the electronic controls.
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Old 11-16-2014, 11:20 PM   #12
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OK I will try that. What could be the cause if the fuse doesn't blow while those wires are disconnected?
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Old 11-17-2014, 03:17 AM   #13
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You could have a short in your control board.
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Old 11-17-2014, 08:15 AM   #14
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Yes that's right. It could be the control board, the cooling fan, a shorted gas valve coil, a positive wire accidentally being grounded. If the fuse does not blow after disconnecting the main 12 v power source take a good look around for any signs of burnt components. First unplug the 120V so you don't get shocked. Then pull the cover off the circuit board and inspect. Checked the wiring for any chaffing of the wire's insulation. If nothing is obvious, electrically disconnect each component individually until the fuse no longer blows. This method may require a lot of fuses but should pinpoint the culprit.
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Old 11-17-2014, 07:15 PM   #15
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Thanks guys. I won't be able to work on it till this weekend so keep the ideas flowing.
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Old 11-17-2014, 07:22 PM   #16
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Suggestion: go to an auto parts store and get a circuit breaker the same size as the fuse that is blowing. Use it instead of fuses while you are troubleshooting. You could go through a lot of fuses before you find the problem.
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Old 11-22-2014, 10:49 AM   #17
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So I got around to working on this yesterday and it is the electric heater. How do you replace that? How hard is it to find?
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Old 11-22-2014, 11:57 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Horns07 View Post
So I got around to working on this yesterday and it is the electric heater. How do you replace that? How hard is it to find?
Do you have the manual for the refer? It should show you a parts list and how it's put together. Is it Domectic or Norcol, I have the Norcol I think with the parts list would have to check, but do not have the Dometic version.
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Old 11-22-2014, 12:34 PM   #19
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Have you looked around to see if any others wires are pinched in a slider or door? If anything else besides the frig that doesn't work check it out.
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Old 11-22-2014, 01:27 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Horns07 View Post
I have a 20 amp fuse that keeps blowing on the 12v side. It days it powers lights but it also has something to do with the fridge. The fuse blows immediately when I replace it. What could be causing this. It is a 2008 sandpiper.
Is your fridge in a slide (pinched wire)?

The heater is AC and should have no impact on the 12 volt fuse blowing.
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