My first RV, and 86 Windjammer, Ford has fridge that smells of terrible ammoniaa fridge that smells of Terrible ammonia. My research indicates if has a defective cooling unit. The vehicle hadn't been used for 4 years.For the time being I don't need to use the fridge, BUT I DO NEED TO GET RID OF THE SMELL. I tried airing it out for days, but when I close the doors it just comes back. DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO STOP THIS SMEL?DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO STOP THIS SMELL?

Sorry about the illiterate looking repetition. Just figuring out this posting system...How to Eliminate Smell, hopefully without pulling the fridge

Replace the fridge. Consider a residential fridge with compressor.

Remove outside vent/cover.....place fan in compartment/or near compartment and let it blow.The ammonia WAS part of the coolant that has leaked out of a crack in cooling unit.Inside the RV ......prop open fridge door(s) and get air movement (roof vents, A/C Fan, portable fans etc.)The ammonia smell should dissipate fairly quickly.Just for caution:Check that batteries are not out-gassing/boiling due to overchargingThey can smell pretty bad also.

Ammonia smell means your fridge is toast. I second smkettner's advice.You'll never be using it again, so why not just remove it from your unit while you decide what to replace it with?

Our fridge started smelling of ammonia last April. When outside cover was removed. Found yellow fluid dripping from back of fridge. Got new cooling unit installed. While fridge was out cleaned the whole area under fridge with Simple Green. This removed the smell. Do not use bleach. Ammonia and bleach mixed creates a gas that can be very dangerous.

How To Stop Ammonia Smell from Fridge | Good Sam Community

opnspaces
Navigator II
Aug 07, 2024
If the smell is inside the refrigerator try an open bag of charcoal briquettes closed up in the refrigerator for a few days.
goodady
Explorer II
Aug 07, 2024
Try cleaning it with a mix of vinegar and water, and leave an open box of baking soda inside to absorb odors. If it’s still bad, you might need to get into some serious deep cleaning or consider replacing the cooling unit.
DeeCue
Explorer
Aug 03, 2024
Maybe I will find my answer here. To the question. Either the fridge needs to be replaced or the cooling unit has to be replaced. It's $$$ either way. I just had my cooling unit replaced and there is still a lingering ammonia smell, but it's cold and working. After reading "ronfisherman" 's response, I am wondering if the technicians didn't do a good cleaning job when the pulled the fridge out. Has anyone else had this problem? TIA
- way2roll
  Navigator II
  Aug 04, 2024
  You are responding to a post that's 9 years old. You might have better luck posting a new one.
bukhrn
Explorer III
Jan 05, 2015
smkettner wrote:
Replace the fridge. Consider a residential fridge with compressor.
Good idea, If you never camp without hookups.
n7bsn
Explorer
Jan 05, 2015
Yup, dead (or dying) fridge
naturist
Nomad
Jan 05, 2015
Yeah, you have to either wait until the cooling unit quits leaking, or better yet, remove the fridge completely now. The leak will not get better until all the ammonia has leaked out, and there's no way of telling how long that will take, since it is clearly a slow leak.
ronfisherman
Moderator
Jan 05, 2015
Our fridge started smelling of ammonia last April. When outside cover was removed. Found yellow fluid dripping from back of fridge. Got new cooling unit installed. While fridge was out cleaned the whole area under fridge with Simple Green. This removed the smell. Do not use bleach. Ammonia and bleach mixed creates a gas that can be very dangerous.
Free_Range_Huma
Explorer
Jan 05, 2015
Ammonia smell means your fridge is toast. I second smkettner's advice.

You'll never be using it again, so why not just remove it from your unit while you decide what to replace it with?
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jan 05, 2015
Remove outside vent/cover.....place fan in compartment/or near compartment and let it blow.

The ammonia WAS part of the coolant that has leaked out of a crack in cooling unit.

Inside the RV ......prop open fridge door(s) and get air movement (roof vents, A/C Fan, portable fans etc.)

The ammonia smell should dissipate fairly quickly.

Just for caution:
Check that batteries are not out-gassing/boiling due to overcharging
They can smell pretty bad also.
time2roll
Nomad
Jan 05, 2015
Replace the fridge. Consider a residential fridge with compressor.