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Bozo123's avatar
Bozo123
Explorer
Aug 09, 2015

Refrigerator Propane Problems

We have a Dometic DM2862 refrigerator in our fifth wheel. I am not able to get the propane portion of the refridg. to work. Gas is running through to the stove and oven. At first I think I have a problem with the igniter, some times it lights and other times it wont. When it does light, it will only stay lit while the igniter is lighting (clicking). As soon as it stops trying to ignite, the flame stops. After this went on a few times I had to use a manual lighter to ignite the flame, but would only light while (clicking) and only stay lit while (clicking). Doing a search I came up with possible needing a Flame Sensor, Flame Igniter, or a Thermal Couple. On a side note, It has been raining for about three weeks straight with the humidity levels in the 90% + range.
Thanks for any help or suggestions. Refridg. does work on a/c with no problem.
Seeking Advice
  • Bozo123's avatar
    Bozo123
    Explorer
    Aug 11, 2015
    Thanks all for the help and info. I removed and or gained access to a number of components (don't know what but seemed to have to do with gas flow) and cleaned the surface rust off. Then I blew everything out with an air compressor. It lit right up with the gas and is now cooling the refridg. I did it a couple of times just to make sure. Not much rust, but I guess enough to keep it working correctly. Thanks again for the suggestions and help.
  • CavemanCharlie's avatar
    CavemanCharlie
    Explorer III
    Aug 10, 2015
    When mine did that the control board was bad. My replacement "Dinosaur Board" has been perfectly reliable.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Aug 09, 2015
    Suspects:
    Flame sensor (Thermocouple)
    Control board
    Gas Jet and air mix

    Fact: Recently I defrosted my freezer.. Following that I had a bit of an issue with the control display panel.. Got it fixed. Fridge warmed a bit during work (All this took perhaps 3 hours)

    Fridge on electric just not cooling properly.l. On a hunch, fueled by the common question of which cools better.. I forced gas

    Dropped 10 degrees over night and colder still now (A day later).
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Aug 09, 2015
    Your fridge does NOT have a thermocouple......

    The 'spark electrode' provides the spark for ignition AND is used as the means of 'proving' flame lit off.

    Spark electrode needs to be positioned directly centered over burner slots so main flame engulfs electrode.

    Lighting off when sparking and then going out when sparking stops means no proof signal is getting back to circuit board:

    Reposition electrode
    Clean electrode
    Clean electrode connections (at electrode and at circuit board)
    Electrode shorted/grounding
    Electrode NOT properly grounded
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Aug 09, 2015
    On many the igniter is the flame sensor. I'd start by removing it, wrapping the white portion with electrical tape and putting it back in without using the screw. If this fixes your problem it's obvious you need a new igniter... $12-15.
  • eric1514's avatar
    eric1514
    Explorer
    Aug 09, 2015
    Make sure the bulb of the thermocouple is being heated by the flame. If it's not getting hot the flame will never stay lit.

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