Tips on diagnosing a fridge problem?

[10x]

I am going to try to help a friend diagnose his fridge problem. He keeps his camper plugged in to 30 amp electric. He says it does not work at all, any tips and what kind of tests and tools should I bring? Any tips would be appreciated.

[BarryD0706]

Find out the model number and take a copy of the manual.

[VinceU]

Bring a volt ohm meter. Check a/c supply, dc supply at back of box access cover. Propane available? Must have dc
Lastly downlad Dometic guide to troubleshooting the coolinf unit. Any ammonia smells around? Start with basic power supplies and go from there. An oh yes locate a a print of a matching elec schematic.

[10x]

Originally Posted by VinceU

Bring a volt ohm meter. Check a/c supply, dc supply at back of box access cover. Propane available? Must have dc
Lastly downlad Dometic guide to troubleshooting the coolinf unit. Any ammonia smells around? Start with basic power supplies and go from there. An oh yes locate a a print of a matching elec schematic.

I will check power first. My buddy is pretty anal when it comes to fixing things. He cannot remember what brand it is. The trailer is parked 70 miles from here on a piece of land his sister owns. I hope its something stupid like a fuse or breaker. I was just wanting some advice so I know what to bring up there.

[Broadway Joe]

Inside the door is the Make and Model number. This will allow you to download the manual and troubleshooting.

[RollingDownTheHighway]

I have the same problem and its a bag plug where the frige plugs into. Does the fridge work on propane? (mine works only on propane right now until I get the plug changed) Plug a lamp or something into the fridge plug to see if it works

[F and E Damp]

One give-away is whether there's any yellow, flour-like powder (sulfur) around the bottom of the flue. It's a by-product of chemical interaction between ammonia leaking form the cooling unit and the propane flue gases. If there's a small amount, the fridge is dying - if there's a couple tablespoons full, it's dead and no need to check the other stuff (electrical, etc).

Reported form expensive experience this season (Dometic 2-door refer/freezer).

[10x]

Originally Posted by F and E Damp

One give-away is whether there's any yellow, flour-like powder (sulfur) around the bottom of the flue. It's a by-product of chemical interaction between ammonia leaking form the cooling unit and the propane flue gases. If there's a small amount, the fridge is dying - if there's a couple tablespoons full, it's dead and no need to check the other stuff (electrical, etc).

Reported form expensive experience this season (Dometic 2-door refer/freezer).

Where exactly should I be looking for traces of yellow powder?
Can you see it if you take off the outside vent panel?

[VinceU]

Yes, bottom chimney must remove sheetmetal access to burner.

[08flagvlite]

If it's a Dometic, there are 2 glass round old school style fuses under a cover behind the outside access panel. One is for 12v,(gas striker and interior light), and one is for 110 vac. my 110 fuse was blown, I think it was a 2.5 volt fuse. Electric side would not work, only gas. Fuse was the problem. Thanks and Good luck, Randy