Forum Discussion

glodal134's avatar
glodal134
Explorer
Sep 11, 2015

norcold frig not working

Our Norcold refrigerator model # N821 2 way gas / 110 V stopped working it's in our 2002 Carriage 5th wheel located at a lake Erie camp ground we had not been there for about a month due to sickness in our family. We stopped in too check on things and wow you could tell it was not working when we opened the coach door. I checked the power supply 110v is ok 12v is ok gas supply is ok I made sure that the gas line was purged of air checked the 2 fuses on the circuit board both are ok. Talked to a local shop in Fremount service guy suggested that its age 15 years is telling. most likely a rust hole has allowed the gas to escape. Since it wont work on gas or electric. They want $ 850.00 plus tax for a rebuilt cooling unit or $ 1400.00 for a new frig. Any suggestions how how to trouble shoot this unit would be appreciated.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Sep 11, 2015
    When you left it ON was it in 'auto' and cooling on AC or was it cooling on propane?

    All panel lights work?

    Any 'fault' codes?

    Have you checked the burner area for any 'yellow' residue....if cooling unit leaked then some sign of leakage should be apparent .

    Have you checked the 'diagnostic screens'?

    Don't have a manual? .............HERE
    Lots of good info for your model.
  • ol_Bombero-JC's avatar
    ol_Bombero-JC
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2015
    Time to switch to a residential type.

    Safer, and considerably less than the repair options.

    ~
  • zb39's avatar
    zb39
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2015
    If its on propane, do you have a small flame going in the back?? Normally u can hear it if u stand next to it outside. Or pull the panel and look.
  • glodal134's avatar
    glodal134
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2015
    When I left the coach last month the frig was working fine on Auto AC the panel lights work, the fault code is F - A I tried to switch it to propane but no luck it won't fire. There is no apparent sign of leakage in the outside compartment. There is power too it,I used my multi meter in the outlet in the outside compartment it read 117 V same as the rest of the outlets in the coach. The fuses are ok I checked them with the Sperry multi meter. I called 2 different RV refrigeration repair company's in Port Clinton before I left to go home, one only works on boats the other does not make house calls. well I'm 150 miles from the trailer now I'll try again next time i'm up there. +
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Sep 12, 2015
    Fault Code F and A

    You had it working on AC in 'auto'
    At some time the AC power became 'unavailable' (Fault A) at which time fridge swapped to GAS. BUT for some reason the propane failed to light off/prove main flame within 30 seconds so it failed (Fault F).
    At this point it 'stopped' operating.

    Loss of AC could have been from storm etc.
    GAS failure ...... low DC Voltage, bad ignitor, bad gas valve, dirty burner etc.

    You tried to switch to propane......won't fire.
    Have you tested DC Voltage, checked the DC fuse on fridge circuit board.
    Does it spark but not light......gas valve getting voltage, burner obstructed
    No spark......DC voltage


    Download/print manual (in link) and test out fridge.
    Could be simple/cheap
  • rundogdave's avatar
    rundogdave
    Explorer
    Sep 13, 2015
    I'm facing a similar issue. What is the dry crumbly residue? Is it a death sentence?
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Sep 13, 2015
    rundogdave wrote:
    I'm facing a similar issue. What is the dry crumbly residue? Is it a death sentence?


    Yellow?

    All around burner area?


    Dried sodium chromate (anti-rust inhibitor) in ammonia based coolant.
    When crack in cooling unit tube occurs ammonia/hydrogen blow out spray coolant around. Ammonia/hydrogen vapor dissipates, water evaporates and sodium chromate is left behind.

    R.I.P. .............. so sad :(
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Sep 13, 2015
    glodal134 wrote:
    Our Norcold refrigerator model # N821 2 way gas / 110 V stopped working it's in our 2002 Carriage 5th wheel located at a lake Erie camp ground we had not been there for about a month due to sickness in our family. We stopped in too check on things and wow you could tell it was not working when we opened the coach door. I checked the power supply 110v is ok 12v is ok gas supply is ok I made sure that the gas line was purged of air checked the 2 fuses on the circuit board both are ok. Talked to a local shop in Fremount service guy suggested that its age 15 years is telling. most likely a rust hole has allowed the gas to escape. Since it wont work on gas or electric. They want $ 850.00 plus tax for a rebuilt cooling unit or $ 1400.00 for a new frig. Any suggestions how how to trouble shoot this unit would be appreciated.


    If it turns out to be a failed cooing unit you might check out this outfit.

    N821 Replacement cooling units

    I think for $655 I would look at the new redesign unit.

About Fifth Wheel Group

19,006 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025