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Old 06-09-2011, 10:24 AM   #1
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Unhappy Lighting pilot propane refrigerator

I find it very frustrating trying to see if the pilot to the propane refrigerator has lit.

This is especially true in bright light. The shield hides the flame and the hole to look trough is not in front of the flame. I have tried wearing dark sun glasses, and even putting something over me to make it darker, but that’s not much help. ( Not to mention how goofy I must look )

I think that often it lights on the first attempt but I can’t tell. When it’s dark I can see the light and know that it almost always starts on the first attempt, so long as the line has been purged of air.

I bet many of you have solved this problem and would love to hear what you do.
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Old 06-09-2011, 10:30 AM   #2
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I put my ear up close to the vent and listen. You can hear the clicking, and then when the fridge lights, there is a slight "roar".
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Old 08-28-2011, 10:14 PM   #3
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Try this, save the cardboard from a roll of paper towels and look through it at your pilot orifice. Unless you wear bifocals it should work.
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Old 08-28-2011, 11:15 PM   #4
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Try this, save the cardboard from a roll of paper towels and look through it at your pilot orifice. Unless you wear bifocals it should work.
Thanks I will give that a try...
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Old 08-29-2011, 01:49 AM   #5
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Usually if it doesnt light the check light comes on
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Old 08-29-2011, 10:06 AM   #6
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I've not heard about a check light. I don't think my unit has one. Would it be inside the camper or in the fridge's wiring and controls area under the removable panels outside?
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Old 08-29-2011, 10:18 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by mtnguy View Post
I put my ear up close to the vent and listen. You can hear the clicking, and then when the fridge lights, there is a slight "roar".
X2
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Old 08-29-2011, 10:28 AM   #8
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I've not heard about a check light. I don't think my unit has one. Would it be inside the camper or in the fridge's wiring and controls area under the removable panels outside?
Most check lights are above the freezer door, next to the toggle switch that controls the gas or electric selection. If the fridge fails to light the bulb will illuminate.
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Old 08-29-2011, 12:07 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by LFugate

Most check lights are above the freezer door, next to the toggle switch that controls the gas or electric selection. If the fridge fails to light the bulb will illuminate.
Ah, there's the difference, then. My small folddown has no freezer on its refrigerator, and no indicator lights. You most likely have a much more comfortable larger unit.
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Old 08-29-2011, 08:05 PM   #10
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Still, freezer or not, you should have some sort of indicator. Having said that, the ear to the burner works well, and the cardboard tube is a slick trick that should serve the purpose.
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Old 08-29-2011, 08:39 PM   #11
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I remember the same problem back in my pop up days.I could tell it was running after ignition because in a couple minutes the "flue" would start getting warm from the pilot light!
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Old 08-30-2011, 09:58 AM   #12
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I wish it just had a auto pilot thing like the furnace, or if they would change the design so that you can see the pilot better. And why should you have to go out side to do this? Guess we will have to do the best we can.

Thanks for all of your advice.
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Old 09-05-2011, 07:50 PM   #13
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I'm gonna try the paper towel roll trick next trip.

I also have a hard time seeing the pilot light and at most camp grounds there is too much noise on set up day to hear any "roar". I also check the metal heat shield around the burner to see if it is getting warm. Warm = lit.
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Old 09-05-2011, 07:52 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Budrock View Post
I find it very frustrating trying to see if the pilot to the propane refrigerator has lit.
A make and model number would be very helpful here.
Very few refrigerators have pilot lights these days.
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Old 09-05-2011, 08:05 PM   #15
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Mine is a Dometic in a 2011 228d. It has a clicker like a gas grill to light the burner when on L.P. I think they mean burner and not pilot light.
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Old 09-05-2011, 08:09 PM   #16
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Mine is a Dometic in a 2011 228d. It has a clicker like a gas grill to light the burner when on L.P. I think they mean burner and not pilot light.
Seriously?

You have a fridge with a clicker lighter?

Are you SURE you are not talking about a range top?
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Old 09-05-2011, 08:26 PM   #17
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Nope, welcome to the world of pop-ups. Primitive, but fun.

Remember, we're tents with wheels, but we sure do love them. 
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Old 09-05-2011, 08:31 PM   #18
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To add another question to this thread - has anyone had the fridge pilot light go out while towing?
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Old 09-05-2011, 08:31 PM   #19
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Nope, welcome to the world of pop-ups. Primitive, but fun.

Remember, we're tents with wheels, but we sure do love them. 
DOH!

I stand corrected!
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Old 09-05-2011, 08:44 PM   #20
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To Labzy, yes ours went out on our last trip, don't think I will leave it lit while traveling again.

To Herk,
Yup, for $13,000 you get a furnace that lights automatically, a hot water heater you need to light the pilot with a lighter, a fridge with a clicker and a three burner range you light with a lighter, no clicker, those are on the hi end models. (lol)
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