Recreational vans or motorhomes are the new cool in the automobile industry. They give you freedom and allow you to travel anywhere you want. Not only do they offer a comfortable journey, but they also save you lots of money.
All these benefits make them a must-have for every avid traveler. The best part about RVs is that they let you take everything you want, including refrigerators and other bulky electric appliances.
It goes without saying that a refrigerator is an important appliance in today’s life. It allows you to preserve foods so they are safe to eat. From leftovers to fruits and vegetables, you can store everything in a refrigerator.
If you have done some research on RV refrigerators, you must have heard about Dometic. It is a famous company that designs and sells products for outdoor adventure. It manufactures a wide range of products but is particularly known for its innovative refrigerators.
The refrigerators by Dometic are widely used in RVs as they are energy-efficient and highly durable. However, like every other refrigerator on the market, you may run into a few problems while using them.
Many users have complained about circuit board problems in Dometic refrigerators.
This article intends to discuss common problems associated with the Dometic refrigerator circuit boards and their simple solutions. Let’s dig deeper without any further delay!
Dometic Circuit Board Troubleshooting
Below are some common circuit board problems in Dometic refrigerators.
1. Wiring Issues
It’s no secret that a circuit board is the backbone of any refrigerator. It is a rigid board that has electric circuits and other electric connections.
Expectedly then, it connects the different components of a refrigerator, and your Dometic refrigerator will not function if its circuit board is defective.
So, if you notice that your refrigerator is having problems with cooling, it indicates that the circuit board has gone bad. It is likely that there is something wrong with the internal wiring, so you will need to check the wiring of your Dometic refrigerator circuit board.
Of course, your Dometic refrigerator can’t work properly if the connection points are damaged, or the system is not able to draw power. So, visually inspect the circuit board for any signs of damage.
To inspect the circuit board of your Dometic refrigerator, you will have to remove it from the unit first. Usually, it is located on the back side of a refrigerator and is protected by a metal sheet.
And yes, its location could be different in different models. After locating it on your model, remove the screws of the metal sheet using a screwdriver to access the circuit board.
The circuit board is secured in place with clips on its top and bottom. So, take off those clips with the screwdriver in order to remove the circuit board. And yes, always turn off your Dometic refrigerator before starting the inspection or repair process.
It only takes a second and ensures your safety while you are dealing with an electric appliance.
Sometimes, there are obvious signs of what went wrong. If you see any burnt wires, capacitors, or cracked components, get them replaced to restore the optimal functioning of your Dometic refrigerator.
Having said that, it is recommended to hire a trained electrician to examine the circuit board of your Dometic refrigerator. You may not be familiar with the process, and may damage the wiring even more. Wires and other components are sensitive and must be handled carefully.
However, if you are handy and trust your skills, you can proceed to check the wiring yourself. You will need a multimeter for this purpose. Compare the readings of the multimeter with the expected readings of the wires.
If you have no idea about recommended readings, read the operator manual of your Dometic refrigerator. This way, you can test the wires on the circuit board. If they are faulty, consider replacing them, and your circuit board will be back to its normal functionality.
2. Check Other Components
A circuit board has plenty of components, including input and output ports, communication ports, capacitors, resistors, and many more.
So, if the problem is not with the wiring of your Dometic refrigerator circuit board, you will have to check other components to identify the problem.
Start by checking the capacitors of your Dometic refrigerator first, as it is the culprit more often than not. Modern refrigerators feature multiple capacitors that store the electrostatic energy and provide it to the circuit where it is needed.
You will need a multimeter to check the capacitors of the circuit board of your Dometic refrigerator. First, make sure to disconnect the power. It is advised to wait for some time, even after disconnecting the power.
This is because the capacitors are designed to store lethal electric charge and can be dangerous to deal with. Waiting for some time will surely reduce the risk. Furthermore, do not forget to wear your safety gloves.
Then get your multimeter and set it to some high Ohm setting. Then, apply its leads to the capacitor to get a reading.
If you see zero on the meter and it fluctuates slowly, it indicates that the capacitor is fine. However, if the reading remains zero, it means that the capacitor is faulty. If that’s the case, replace the capacitor to bring your Dometic refrigerator back to life.
When buying a new capacitor, make sure to buy one with the same or higher value. Capacitors have many values, so remember to check the value of the faulty capacitor before purchasing.
If the capacitor is not the problem, consider checking the resistors. A resistor is a component that controls the flow of electric current in the circuit.
It protects the components from voltage spikes and is crucial for the proper functioning of the circuit board of your Dometic refrigerator.
A multimeter can be used to check the resistor as well. All you need to do is connect its leads to the terminals of the resistor. Then check the readings and compare them to the recommended value. And yes, do not forget to select the resistance measuring mode on your multimeter.
3. Refer to Manual
It would be a good idea to refer to the operator manual to troubleshoot the circuit board of the Dometic refrigerator. It would be better to hire a mechanic to deal with the circuit board.
However, if you are on a trip and cannot visit a mechanic, just pick up the manual and go through the troubleshooting section to find solutions to your problem.
The best thing about the manual is that it has step-by-step instructions to help you out. The instructions are quite easy to follow, and there is a high chance you can fix the issue yourself without the assistance of a professional.
However, it would take some time as you will have to read the entire section to understand the working of the circuit board.
4. Get A Replacement
If you have tried all the troubleshooting methods mentioned in the manual and are still getting the same problem, it is possible that you are dealing with a faulty circuit board.
So, you will need to replace the circuit board to ensure the smooth functioning of your Dometic refrigerator.
The circuit board is an expensive component, and replacing it can cost you quite a bit. However, it would be cheaper than buying a whole new fridge.
The Bottom Line
Thanks to their energy efficiency and durability, Dometic refrigerators have made a great name in the industry.
However, many users had problems with the circuit boards in these refrigerators. We have outlined many effective workarounds in this article to troubleshoot the circuit board.