Help for Dometic Refrigerator

I-RV · 10-19-2016, 05:50 PM

I have a four door Dometic refrigerator. When going on a trip, I turn it on the day before and the next morning the temperature is down to 33 degrees.

Well, I am going out on a trip tomorrow and turned it on during the day and the freezer is very cold, but the refrigerator hasn't budged off of 60 degrees. The fins in the refrigerator are also not cold. Any suggestions?
Hank

SeaDog · 10-19-2016, 06:16 PM

check to make sure the thermistor has not come off the fins of the fridge

I-RV · 10-19-2016, 06:24 PM

It appears that the thermistor is attached to the roof of the refrigerator section.

SeaDog · 10-19-2016, 06:40 PM

Maybe someone with a four door will chime in on the location of theirs I based my response on the location being on the fins.

I-RV · 10-19-2016, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaDog

Maybe someone with a four door will chime in on the location of theirs I based my response on the location being on the fins.

Thanks Jake. Locating the thermistor is one thing, but that won't help me at the 12th hour before going on my trip. I was hoping for some miracle from someone.
Hank

SeaDog · 10-19-2016, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I-RV

Thanks Jake. Locating the thermistor is one thing, but that won't help me at the 12th hour before going on my trip. I was hoping for some miracle from someone.
Hank

I was thinking maybe it had moved from where it should be and that was the reason for the fridge not working like it should. that would be a simple fix if it were the case.

foretm · 10-19-2016, 09:35 PM

Have you tried switching it to propane to see if that helps? The propane burner is supposed to have more btus than the electric element and may get you over the hump until you can get it looked at.

VinceU · 10-19-2016, 10:04 PM

Check if fans are running at rear of unit blowing thru condenser fins. If stationary you can rig up a medium sized fan aimed thru removed outer lower access louvre outside the coach. Fitted fans have a distinct whine while running. Only access to fitted fans is to remove refrigerator with a transmission jack.

I-RV · 10-20-2016, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VinceU

Check if fans are running at rear of unit blowing thru condenser fins. If stationary you can rig up a medium sized fan aimed thru removed outer lower access louvre outside the coach. Fitted fans have a distinct whine while running. Only access to fitted fans is to remove refrigerator with a transmission jack.

Last night, I tried everything. Shut it down for awhile to reboot it, but what worked was putting it on propane. Could be that the 50 ft. cord that I had out to the street, had too much of a voltage drop.

Whoopee, thank you for you all that tried to help. Now on to a Penn State vs Ohio State football game.
Hank

**Bama Rambler** · 10-20-2016, 08:43 AM

Thanks for letting us know that you got it working.

Let us know if it works right once you're connected to a proper power service.

What gauge was the extension cord you were using?

rattleNsmoke · 10-20-2016, 09:19 AM

Go Buckeyes!

JTN8 · 10-20-2016, 10:48 AM

Glad it worked out for you. I doubt it was your extension cord but who knows. When you have time, check it on electric with your generator or hooked into 50 amp shore power. If it works then you were probably correct. If it doesn't, on the rear of your refrigerator behind the pop off panel, there are two hot rod's that heat up to cool your freezer and refrigerator. While plugged in check to see that they are both hot. They look almost like the end of a curling iron. If only one is hot then the other is most likely bad and needs to be replaced. Very easy and cheap fix.

Jason

Jason

2014 Berkshire 390BH
2016 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Boss (toad)

5picker · 10-20-2016, 10:58 AM

I have a 4 door Dometic and it is VERY finicky in properly closing the flapper between the two bottom doors correctly, thus allowing cold air to escape and refrigerator temps similar to what you mentioned while the freezer is fine. Especially when opening just the left door and having it close/swing properly in behind the right door.

We've got into the habit of closing the left door first, then pulling the flap/divider forward so the right door seals on it properly. You'd be surprised how much ineffiency a small, 1/8" air gap on the door seal can cause.

texasbuckeye · 10-21-2016, 01:18 PM

Looks like all issues addressed. . . wondering why the freezer is real cold and ref warmer . . . but anyhow, Go Buckeyes ! ! !

VinceU · 10-21-2016, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texasbuckeye

Looks like all issues addressed. . . wondering why the freezer is real cold and ref warmer . . . but anyhow, Go Buckeyes ! ! !

Refrigerant is led first to freezer and in series to the reefer box. It's sorta like leftovers. When system is subpar the reefer always suffers.

rockfossilman · 10-22-2016, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I-RV

Whoopee, thank you for you all that tried to help. Now on to a Penn State vs Ohio State football game.
Hank

As long as you are rooting for Penn State, the frig will have work fine. I'll be watching from my couch. I guess you'll be the person wearing something white😆. We are...

I-RV · 10-24-2016, 07:53 AM

We are back from the white-out with smiles. The picture was bleak for the Lions, for the first three quarters, but the fourth quarter was something else.
Refrig worked fine, using propane. Will have to further test on electricity, now at home.
Hank

JTN8 · 10-24-2016, 09:13 AM

If it's working fine on propane then like I stated before, most likely one of those hot rod heating rods are most likely not working. They basically heat up like the flame does when on propane.

Jason

2014 Berkshire 390BH
2016 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Boss (toad)

texasbuckeye · 10-24-2016, 11:31 AM

1st off . . . good game . . . the pain is awful ! !
This sounds crazy but it happened in my 40' Tiffin Phaeton before we got our Forest River, wall paper had come loose and laying over the back of the refrigerator blocking air flow. Pulled ref out and removed all wallpaper from the inside of that cabinet. (also painted the walls white so when I open my back hatch to inspect the back side of the ref . . . got good light reflection instead of a dark hole). And yes, the freezer needs to cool down 1st before any gets to the lower area. I always use ice blocks I made from empty juice bottles to help the process. Good luck. Also try to park your unit with shade on the ref side. That makes a big difference.

Subsailor · 10-26-2016, 07:35 AM

Hank, please let us know what you figure out with this issue.

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