Dometic Refrigerator Help?!

fourdoras wrote:
Rookie refrigerator question........We are BRAND NEW to RVing. So any help is greatly appreciated!

I am assuming that you did not test your refrigerator on propane before leaving on your trip. The refrigerator will often not run on propane initially, especially if the propane has been shut off.

I have had a number of RVs over the years that required a couple of tries before it would work on propane. Here is the procedure I usually use when starting the fridge:

1) Start propane system.

• Ensure RV is plugged into shore power (AC) and Batteries are charged
• Turn on propane
• light one burner on your stove briefly to test the propane system and ensure it is working correctly.

2) Start refrigerator.

• Turn on refrigerator.
• Set {MODE} to gas/propane.
• Listen carefully. You should hear the igniter click a number of times followed by the sound of the burner.
• If the burner does not ignite, you will get a failure indication (Ususally a red "F").
• If it did not light, turn off the refrigerator and repeat previous steps.
• The refrigerator should start (i.e. burner running) after no more than 3 attempts.
• Let run on propane for 5-10 minutes, then switch {MODE} to 110VAC or AUTO. Check that the propane shuts off and the fridge continues to cool on 110V
• Allow at least 12 hours for the fridge to get down to normal temperatures.

3) If refrigerator will not run on propane after 3 attempts.

• Remove lower access door on outside of fridge.
• Check that all wiring connections are tight.
• Check that propane lines are tight. Some systems may have a small isolation valve that must be on.
• Locate the burner and flue then have someone attempt to start the fridge while you observe from the outside.
• You should see a spark at the burner, then hear the propane start to flow and then ignite.
• If the propane starts, but the flame is weak or goes out immediately, it could be because the flue is plugged. Spiders love to build webs in the flue. These can be cleared by using a compressor to blow air up the flue.
• If the propane still fails to work, then it is time for the manual and troubleshooting guide.

Hope this helps. Remember, you need to have the propane turned on while you drive. I always leave the fridge on AUTO so that it switches to propane as soon as the coach is unplugged from shore power.