Whether traveling with your family or just for a weekend getaway, a Dometic fridge in your RV is a great addition. It helps keep food and drinks fresh, and it is also easy to maintain.
However, the Dometic fridge in your RV can sometimes malfunction. Many users have reported that it stops working sometimes. You can troubleshoot the fridge yourself by going through this article.
You can try troubleshooting your Dometic refrigerator on your own if you have the necessary tools and knowledge. However, you should shut off the refrigerator’s power before trying to troubleshoot the problem yourself.
Dometic Fridge Not Working on Gas or Electric
Before trying to repair a Dometic fridge on your own, you need to know the causes of the problem. It is important to make sure that your fridge is powered properly. You can check this by using a digital multimeter. If it is getting power, you can try the solutions mentioned below:
1. Check Electrical Connections
Dometic fridges are energy-hungry appliances, and if they are not receiving the proper voltage from the electrical circuit, they will not work. Check fuses or circuit breakers and reconnect the appliance. Also, use a multimeter to test the voltage of the outlet.
The problem may be related to the electrical connections. A damaged wire may prevent the fridge from cooling properly. If this is the case, replacing the damaged wires is important. You can also check the connections with a multimeter.
If you suspect a power problem, check the connections inside your RV. The power cord should be connected to the RV’s breaker box. Flip the breaker if necessary.
If that doesn’t solve the problem, you can use a wire brush to clean the connections. If all else fails, call a technician. Otherwise, you may end up causing more damage.
2. Check Heating Element
If the problem persists, try testing the heating element. Most fridges nowadays come with a heating element to prevent frost.
To test the heating element, you can use a multimeter. The wires to the heating element come from a tin case underneath the cooling unit. If you cannot reach the wiring, you may need to remove the shielding from the unit.
Make sure to test the heater while the fridge is unplugged. If the problem is with the heating element, get it replaced immediately.
3. Faulty Thermistor
A faulty thermistor is another common reason why Dometic RV refrigerators may not work sometimes. If your cooling unit is not functioning properly, you should check the thermistor.
It may be incorrectly sensing the internal temperature and not turning on the cooling unit. Luckily, you can easily replace the thermistor yourself. This is a relatively inexpensive part to buy.
4. Reset Your Fridge
A hard power spike can cause a configuration error in your fridge. If that’s the case, you will need to reset the unit. If you are unsure how to reset your Dometic fridge, consult your refrigerator’s manual.
The manual will provide detailed instructions on how to reset your Dometic fridge. Using the manual, you can also check the refrigerator’s model number to locate the reset button.
If your fridge has a hard time turning on or staying cold, it might be due to a power issue. Make sure to test the electrical circuit breaker before trying to reset it. If the fridge is still not working after this, it may be a problem with the circuitry.
5. Make Sure the Fridge is Leveled
While RVing can be exciting and fun, it is not without responsibility. It is crucial to maintain your RV to ensure its proper performance. One of the most important appliances in your RV is the refrigerator.
If it’s not leveled, it can cause problems, making it less efficient and more susceptible to malfunctions.
Before heading out on a trip, ensure your Dometic fridge is leveled in your vehicle. This is critical for the longevity of the appliance.
Additionally, if the refrigerator is not leveled in your RV, it can cause damage and reduce its operational life.
The fridge should be level, side to side, and front to back. If your RV is on a slight incline, park it on a level surface. Even a small incline can throw off the level and cause your fridge to not cool properly.
Also, placing the Dometic fridge away from direct sunlight is important. Direct sunlight will make the unit heat up, decreasing its cooling capacity.
6. Defective Control Board
The control board can also be a problem. The control board coordinates the functions of the fridge, and if this component is faulty, the fridge will not work properly.
It is an expensive tool, so consider getting it checked by a professional before replacing it. If it is not salvageable, you will need to replace it to ensure the seamless working of the fridge.
If this doesn’t fix the problem, you should contact a repairman. If the fridge is still under warranty, it would be best to contact the company and claim a warranty.
The Bottom Line
Dometic fridges are known for their superior cooling performance. However, they may stop working sometimes. We have outlined common reasons and solutions for this problem.
By following the simple aforementioned steps, you’ll be able to get rid of this problem. You can also check the refrigerator’s manual to locate the components and learn more about their troubleshooting.
