Dometic Absorption 2 Way RM3962 not functioning

[RV Bicyclist]

Brand new Forest River Sierra 2021 2990-TRIK
Absorption Fridge designed to cool either Electric or Gas.
Have been unable to get either electric nor gas to cool.

The fridge display and fridge inside lighting all functioning fine. No error codes. Can see switching from gas mode to auto mode. Am connected to 50 amp supply so have no problems diagnosing both electric and/or gas.

Electric: Draws about 2.7 amps (measured by phone app tied thru Surge suppressor supplying RV power.). All other electrical systems seem fine.
Gas: Can see the burner correctly igniting when running fridge on gas.

No yellow stains nor any wierd ammonia smells inside compartment accessed by removal of cover on side of RV. Can hear (what I believe are normal) sounds of refrigerant moving inside cooling coils sometimes. No other noises.

Have tried "cycling power" as suggested in the Operating Instructions page 5 in case issue was air in gas lines. All other gas systems in RV functioning normal.

I've been very impressed with the expert guidance given to others in this Forum and look forward to participating. Appreciate expert guidance and/or suggestions.

[Flybob]

How long are you waiting to decide if it is working. These fridges take quite a while to get cold. Also if there is nothing in the fridge it is difficult to determine it is cold just by reaching inside. They are pretty simple. If you have a flame there are very few things that can go wrong other than a total failure due to a leak. Are you level.

[RV Bicyclist]

Thanks Flybob.
I am level (AutoLevel function works great!).

I have had it on for several hours at times when the display read 60, which the manual tells me is "fresh food compartment is above measurement range." Also, the fins don't seem to be getting cold. Despite this, I am trying again today to leave it running all day to see if maybe the fridge is working.

The display has read 52 since 7AM this morning (3 hours running now) with no change. I am running the fridge in auto mode (so electric is power source).

[RV Bicyclist]

RV has been plugged into power all day and has slowly increased in temperature from 52 to 57 degrees. Something is wrong but I don't know what.

[fonzie]

Check outside fridge vents to make sure all clear and air can circulate properly, especially when fridge is in a slide.

[RV Bicyclist]

I pulled the RV out into a well lit area for further inspection. I found 3 drops of yellow coolant. Must have a leak. I will work on warranty repair. Anyone know how extensive/difficult this repair is for FR to perform? I don't understand why a brand new fridge would have a leak.

[Tundra 2014]

Better to find it now VS a year from now. I believe it is a closed system-no recharge port. Under warranty, I would expect a new refrigerator.

[DouglasReid]

Unless the sound you hear is a fan blowing air over the cooling fins the reefer should make no noise at all, save for possibly the flame in the burner when operating on gas. Otherwise they are silent.

Id tur nit o nfor 24 hours and see what happens. It could also be the board is bad. Call the good folks at Dinosaur Electronics (https://www.dinosaurelectronics.com/) there is good info there to help you troubleshoot the board.

One other problem with reefers mounted in the slides is the exit for the air flow over the cooling fins is in the top of the slide so it is horizontal. Placing a fan above your access door blowing the air upward will most likely increase the efficiency of that unit as well.

The cooling unit can be replaced in the box but it is not easy, and whoever does it risks cracking the fiberglass box.

Im also betting the reefer is too large to get out through your main entry door so they will have to remove a window and take the old one out and the new one in.

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by RV Bicyclist

I don't understand why a brand new fridge would have a leak.

I can sum it up in just one word:

China

Bruce

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Tundra 2014

Better to find it now VS a year from now. I believe it is a closed system-no recharge port. Under warranty, I would expect a new refrigerator.

Umm...Ammonia-based (absorption) refrigerators do not have a port for refrigerant. Maybe you are thinking of air conditioners.

[mac1_131]

Sorry to hear this. Sounds like you got a leak. Not good.

The refrigeration loop can be replaced as a unit but being new I'd want a new fridge. Rebuilt usually not as good as factory.

But there's a severe refrigeration equipment shortage so sooner you get it in the funnell sooner you'll get a new one.

It took me 10 weeks to get a new Norcold for my class C before I traded it in.

Some can fit through the 26" door opening but you have to strip it down, remove doors and all hinges and some of the side flanges and it might fit.

[boondocking]

Originally Posted by DouglasReid

Unless the sound you hear is a fan blowing air over the cooling fins the reefer should make no noise at all, save for possibly the flame in the burner when operating on gas. Otherwise they are silent.

Id tur nit o nfor 24 hours and see what happens. It could also be the board is bad. Call the good folks at Dinosaur Electronics (https://www.dinosaurelectronics.com/) there is good info there to help you troubleshoot the board.

One other problem with reefers mounted in the slides is the exit for the air flow over the cooling fins is in the top of the slide so it is horizontal. Placing a fan above your access door blowing the air upward will most likely increase the efficiency of that unit as well.

The cooling unit can be replaced in the box but it is not easy, and whoever does it risks cracking the fiberglass box.

Im also betting the reefer is too large to get out through your main entry door so they will have to remove a window and take the old one out and the new one in.

Maybe read Post #6, two posts about your reply.

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by boondocking

Maybe read Post #6, two posts about your reply.

I did read it, and it would tend to indicate a leak, wouldn't it?

But on the chance it is not a leak the testing would not do any harm, would it?

And the information about his reefer might serve him or someone else in the future, mightn't it?

NOT being picky but explaining my reason for giving more information than was absolutely necessary....and that might not be totally and completely obvious to everyone........Like now