EverChill 12v refrigerator problem and solution

[CustomBuild]

Recently my refrigerator started to show signs of a problem with cooling and I noticed the blue power light was flashing. I checked the forum and found a number of posts although none of them seemed to solve my problem, so I thought I would post this message in case it helps anyone.

The bottom line is my unit was covered in ice behind the back panel of the freezer section. I emptied the refrigerator, removed the back panel, left it to thaw out for one day and then started it up again. I guess I could have just left it to thaw without removing the panel although that was how I actually discovered the problem.

Anyway, one it was thawed I fastened the panel in again, turned it on and it works perfectly once more. So no issues with voltage, no issues relating to the damper, just a simple case of frozen solid inside.

[RGrimm]

Originally Posted by CustomBuild

Recently my refrigerator started to show signs of a problem with cooling and I noticed the blue power light was flashing. I checked the forum and found a number of posts although none of them seemed to solve my problem, so I thought I would post this message in case it helps anyone.

The bottom line is my unit was covered in ice behind the back panel of the freezer section. I emptied the refrigerator, removed the back panel, left it to thaw out for one day and then started it up again. I guess I could have just left it to thaw without removing the panel although that was how I actually discovered the problem.

Anyway, one it was thawed I fastened the panel in again, turned it on and it works perfectly once more. So no issues with voltage, no issues relating to the damper, just a simple case of frozen solid inside.

What temperature setting (refrig LED setting) did you have it set to? Where do you have the setting in the Freezer set to?

My Everchill has be running 24/7 since April/May of 2021 when I bought my Vibe and it has never stopped cooling or froze up (coils). When I'm traveling the refrig is set to #3 (when not traveling and camper is parked at home with very little in refrigerator its set to #2) the Freezer setting is Always at about One o'clock. Once a year I shut the refrig off (pull fuse) and pull the back freeze panel off, but I have never had any ice back there. I Live in NE Florida.

So the question is, why are you getting an ice build up on the coils??? My thoughts would be your temp settings, especially the Freezer knob that adjust the amount of cold air that goes to the refrig box from the Freezer area. Or you have an air leak around the freezer (and/or) refrig door allowing (humid) room temp air to get in the freezer. There was a thread HERE that discussed a freezer door air leak.

Perhaps if you have an infrared temperature gun you can check around the doors/seals to look for cold air leaks spots.

I'm glad you found your issue and got your Everchill back working. But, my experience has not been seeing any ice buildup on the coils in the Freezer that affects the units operation.

-Russ

[CustomBuild]

Originally Posted by RGrimm

What temperature setting (refrig LED setting) did you have it set to? Where do you have the setting in the Freezer set to?

My Everchill has be running 24/7 since April/May of 2021 when I bought my Vibe and it has never stopped cooling or froze up (coils). When I'm traveling the refrig is set to #3 (when not traveling and camper is parked at home with very little in refrigerator its set to #2) the Freezer setting is Always at about One o'clock. Once a year I shut the refrig off (pull fuse) and pull the back freeze panel off, but I have never had any ice back there. I Live in NE Florida.

So the question is, why are you getting an ice build up on the coils??? My thoughts would be your temp settings, especially the Freezer knob that adjust the amount of cold air that goes to the refrig box from the Freezer area. Or you have an air leak around the freezer (and/or) refrig door allowing (humid) room temp air to get in the freezer. There was a thread HERE that discussed a freezer door air leak.

Perhaps if you have an infrared temperature gun you can check around the doors/seals to look for cold air leaks spots.

I'm glad you found your issue and got your Everchill back working. But, my experience has not been seeing any ice buildup on the coils in the Freezer that affects the units operation.

-Russ

Thanks for the comments Russ.

I was puzzled about the issue too because I can't detect any kind of an air leak and the unit had been running constantly for over one year. The refrigerator was set at 4 and the damper was set to coldest.

As I was trying to solve the flashing light I did turn the freezer setting to around the 12 o'clock position and that made a slight improvement in overall performance. One thing I had thought about was how tightly the freezer was packed and quite possibly frozen foods were blocking the vents on the back wall.

Possibly your unit has been able to keep going without any issue because of the times when you are not traveling and also your annual fuse removal which probably gives time for any ice to fully melt. Over the last few years we have always had some down time, but this last one year we've been full time which I feel was most likely a contributing factor.

As of last week we now have a pair of digital thermometers in use and if ever we run into problems again they should give us a heads up in good time.

Thanks again for your comments and the link which I reviewed earlier.

[RGrimm]

Originally Posted by CustomBuild

Thanks for the comments Russ.

I was puzzled about the issue too because I can't detect any kind of an air leak and the unit had been running constantly for over one year. The refrigerator was set at 4 and the damper was set to coldest.

As I was trying to solve the flashing light I did turn the freezer setting to around the 12 o'clock position and that made a slight improvement in overall performance. One thing I had thought about was how tightly the freezer was packed and quite possibly frozen foods were blocking the vents on the back wall.

Possibly your unit has been able to keep going without any issue because of the times when you are not traveling and also your annual fuse removal which probably gives time for any ice to fully melt. Over the last few years we have always had some down time, but this last one year we've been full time which I feel was most likely a contributing factor.

As of last week we now have a pair of digital thermometers in use and if ever we run into problems again they should give us a heads up in good time.

Thanks again for your comments and the link which I reviewed earlier.

Yes, full timing would make a difference because of more door openings. Our longest trips are 4-5 weeks when we travel from NE Florida back to PA (where we are from) to visit family and friends. The rest of our trips are usually for a week. When I have pulled the fuse to shut off the refrigerator it is just to remove the back freezer panel to inspect the coils. I have never found any ice. The refrig is only off for about 20 minutes to perform this inspection.

Over packing the Freezer (and refrig) can create problems because of restricting air flow. My wife does the same thing on our longer trips. I have explained to her that the air flow especially within the freezer is important.

I have always had digital thermometers in my RV refrigerators (and my home refrigerator).

Hopefully being careful on how you pack your refrigerator/freezer and finding the best temperature settings will prevent an icing problem for you in the future.

Safe Travels.
-Russ

[doanshop]

You may want to try one of these. I used one in my Absorbtion fridge, and it worked good keeping temps even in it. To see if it solves your problem if it does it will be a cheap fix.

https://www.amazon.com/Fridge-Fan-Co...zcF9tdGY&psc=1

[Longinod]

We have this exact problem with our Everchill 12V , about 3 years old. I discovered the freezer door gasket does not seal well, occasionally. Also after switching the door direction. An air leak on top was causing the freezer coils to pack with ice, after which cooling stopped. Shut the unit off,, I used a hair dryer to defrost in about 10 minutes, dry it out with towel, back in service. My investigation has lead to a number of operational items. The freezer setting only controls the blower air to the fridge
section. About 12 o'clock is good, any higher limits fridge cooling. The "fridge section control really runs the compressor, so you have to use that to get a freezer temp, then adjust the "freezer" recirc knob about 12 o'clock to cool the fridge.