Refrigerator electrical problem

Bnrc73 · 08-26-2016, 10:27 PM

I'm new to the r.v. world. I've got a 2012 XLR Toy hauler. My fridge will not work on electric. The plugging box behind the fridge is dead. (Behind cover outside of trailer) Checked breakers and fuses all good. Trailer Sat for a year. Worked when previous owner had it. Anybody else had this problem?

Cajun Style · 08-27-2016, 12:00 AM

Check the GFI in the bathroom or any out her place you might have one.
That is the problem most of the time, it's on one line.

Harry-O

**Bama Rambler** · 08-27-2016, 02:55 PM

Also, even if the breaker looked like it wasn't tripped, did you flip it off and back on?

Bnrc73 · 08-27-2016, 10:43 PM

[QUOTE=Bama Rambler;1301917]Also, even if the breaker looked like it wasn't tripped, did you flip it off and back on?[/QUOTE
Checked the GIFs. Reset but no help. Plugged the fridge into the outside socket. 12 hours later, water in the freezer is frozen, but the fridge compartment doesn't seem to be very cold. Looks like a service call to a dealer might be in my future.

Bnrc73 · 08-28-2016, 10:18 AM

flipped and reflipped GIFs. Still nothing to the box behind the fridge. Seems too work being plugged into another outlet. But after 24 hours, although ice is frozen in the freezer, the refrigerator doesn't feel very cold.

**Flybob** · 08-28-2016, 12:09 PM

Check for GFCI in outside outlets also.
On the fridge, if you have a model with a slider check the slider on the fins in the back. Higher up is colder. It controls fridge temp. Also if the fridge is empty, it is hard to check the temp unless you have a thermometer in it while running. There is almost no mass in the fridge portion. It is the mass that absorbs the heat when you open the door. Put a can of liquid in let the fridge let it run for a few hours then check the temp of the liquid. RV fridges have a very slow recovery time ( after opening or loading with warm food) They perform much better when about 80-90% full. I always add several cans of soda or beer when I start the fridge.

Bnrc73 · 08-28-2016, 04:40 PM

I noticed in your picture that the white sensor is headed into the upper right corner. Mine is just hanging loose. Could this be part of my problem?

boondocking · 08-28-2016, 07:24 PM

The slider inside the fridge has nothing to do with power to the plug box behind the fridge. Take the cover off the box and see if the wires are connected to the outlet and not corroded.
The sensor hanging loose would actually make the fridge/freezer colder than if it were on the fin. The fridge area not seeming cool enough could be a defective door seal.

Bnrc73 · 08-28-2016, 07:46 PM

Does the sensor in the slide sit in the bottom or top..And thanks again for all the advice. Have a great Labor Day next weekend. Rick

**Bama Rambler** · 08-28-2016, 08:48 PM

The thermistor sits about the middle of the plastic clip.

Let us know when you find out why you're not getting power to the fridge receptacle.

**Flybob** · 08-28-2016, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bnrc73

I noticed in your picture that the white sensor is headed into the upper right corner. Mine is just hanging loose. Could this be part of my problem?

That could be part of the problem. Make sure the little thermocouple is in the small slot in the slider, then just slide the slider on the outside fin. This will not cure the operation on electric issue, but will fix the other issue. I would plug a small light ( old desk light etc) into the outlet where the fridge plugs into then start flipping breakers and GFCI's until the light comes on. Once you have power then plug in fridge and you will be good to go.

**Flybob** · 08-28-2016, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bnrc73

Does the sensor in the slide sit in the bottom or top..And thanks again for all the advice. Have a great Labor Day next weekend. Rick

Top

Bnrc73 · 08-28-2016, 09:33 PM

Thanks.. Will let you know

Bnrc73 · 09-17-2016, 02:37 PM

Sorry it took so long for my reply as I just got it back from the shop. Believe it or not the electrical box behind the fridge was not even wired into the fuse box. Factory screw up. I think Forest River should pay the $400 labor it took to find it. We all know that won't happen. Plugged it in about 16 hours ago. Freezer is freezing but fridge is only down to about 50. Loaded it up with pop and water for next weeks c camping trip, I've heard that this type of fridge works better full.

Bnrc73 · 09-21-2016, 05:03 PM

Got the XLR back from the shop. The power box behind the fridge wasn't even wired into the fuse box. Thought I was home free. Got it home and plugged it in. Took two days to get down t o about 45. Stayed there for a couple days, now it's back up to 59. Worked for a week over Labor day on gas. Stayed around 40. Beer was good and cold. Freezer seems to work on either gas or electric. The fridge part has me baffled. We loaded it with pop and water when we tested it. Any more ideas out there.

**Bama Rambler** · 09-22-2016, 11:31 AM

Do you have a fan inside the fridge?
How about fans on the outside?

5picker · 09-22-2016, 11:43 AM

Usually if the freezer gets cold, the cooling unit is working so you have to find ways to help it cool more efficiently.

Interior fan(s) might help and exterior fans too.

Many refrigerators work better on propane as the higher heat from the burner does a better job converting liquid to gas than does the (usually lesser) heat from an electric element.

You may also like: