Forum Discussion

martinandanne's avatar
martinandanne
Explorer
Aug 09, 2013

Do I need a new refrigerator?

OK, did something dumb. Last Sunday we got home and I took things out of the MH. Emptied the frig and propped open the doors to the freezer and the frig. Shut everything down.

Or so I thought.

Last night I go out to the MH and discover that I never turned off the refrigerator. It had been running for 4 days with the doors open. And it has been over 100 degrees outside here in north Texas every day! I have a vent fan than run in the MH, but it was still in the 90's inside each day.

I closed the doors last night after putting some frozen gallon jugs of water into the frig and freezer. (I do this whenever I start it up before a trip.) Now nearly a day later, it does not seem to be cold at all - I suspect whatever 'cooling' that I can sense is from the frozen bottles melting down most of the way.

Is it toast? Or did I dodge a bullet?

I spoke to one person who suggested that I just turn it off for 24 hours and see what happens when I turn it back on.

This is a 2007 model Class C with a Norcold 6 cubic foot unit. Are 'current' models available any more efficient / better at cooling / keeping things cold than my 6 year old unit? If I am going to be facing a bill of 20-30% the cost of a new unit to repair, I would be inclined to replace if I could get better service from it.

Thanks in advance!

Martin
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Aug 09, 2013
    I did the same thing. Mine was level and it didn't hurt it at all. I really can't see why it would. They often run almost 100% of the time when it's hot outside anyway.
    Maybe just give it some more time?
    Hopefully it will come back.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Aug 09, 2013
    If it was extremely unlevel that may hurt.

    Yes, I'd just shut it off for a while then try again. Before you do, see if the coils are pretty hot, indicating it's been running.
  • martinandanne's avatar
    martinandanne
    Explorer
    Aug 09, 2013
    Forgot to mention that my driveway where it sits is pretty sloped.
    I typically never run it on my driveway for that reason.
    When I get ready to leave and want to start it up for cooldown, I bring it around to the front of the house where it is level - like I did last night.

    Martin
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Aug 09, 2013
    If it was out of level and ran that much then it's likely toast I'm sorry to say. :(
  • martinandanne's avatar
    martinandanne
    Explorer
    Aug 09, 2013
    OK, assuming for a moment that it is toast, can someone explain the difference between Norcold models. I currently have a 611 installed. Seems that the 621 and 641 are the same physical size. I can see that the 641 seems to have doors with wrapped edges - which I am not interested in as I have a wood panel that matches my cabinets as the door insert. So what's the difference between the 611 and 621?
  • I_am_still_wayn's avatar
    I_am_still_wayn
    Explorer
    Aug 09, 2013
    If it ran off level for an extended period of time, it may have an issue. Turn it off for at least 24 hours. Then, with it level, turn it back on and leave it for another 24 hours. If it does not get cool, then I am sorry to tell you, it will need a new cooling unit.

    Now may be the time to consider a conventional residential refrigerator. The new ones are so energy efficient that they can run off a battery for extended periods with an inverter and offer more interior space, better hot weather performance, and colder temperatures, especially in the freezer. As a bonus, they are much cheaper than a gas/electric refrigerator.
  • louiskathy's avatar
    louiskathy
    Explorer
    Aug 09, 2013
    I'd level it out. Give it a day to settle and then see if it works.
    I wouldn't call it toast yet.

    You said that you shut everything down except the fridge... well, if you shut the electric off and it was running on propane... it ran out of propane.

    Also, the fridge NEEDS 12 volt to work. So if your house batteries ran dead, they need to recharge awhile. Plug the rig into shore power and let the batteries charge.

    And the fridge has it's own fuse at the back of the fridge. (Not the regular control panel on the wall with all the other fuses.) This you have to get to from the OUTSIDE of the rig. At the back of the fridge is an outside vented door. Remove that and look for a black plastic box at the base of the fridge. Inside you will find the fuse I've talking about. If it's fried... replace it.)
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Aug 09, 2013
    Hi,

    I always use the master disconnect switch "just in case" I miss turning off something.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Aug 09, 2013
    Another thing that might work,, In that "Turn it off, wait, turn it on.

    Add one more thing

    Turn it off DRIVE, wait DRIVE turn it on.
  • wasatchmtnatvr's avatar
    wasatchmtnatvr
    Explorer
    Aug 10, 2013
    Is green indicator light off, on, or flashing 5 times then pause?. N611 OEM entry model slide switches and 5 temp adj. and low tech diagnostics with green and red indicator led light. N621 OEM upgrade model has 9 temp adj., flush surface touch controls, can be accessed and cleared from optical, 1 character optical, and smart diagnostics for technician. N641 same as N621 except aftermarket supplied, and 2 character optics and slight raised buttons for selection. I think all interiors are same IMO, however possible 1 less door and/or wire shelf. IMO all door inserts will fit each other.

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