We have a 2003 Springdale that we purchased used about 7 years ago. At that time we replaced the fridge with a new Dometic DM2652RBX. I have been extremely OCD about making sure the trailer/fridge is completely level before we run it. We aren't full time RVers, so it doesn't get constant use. We just got back from a road trip. About 4 days in, the fridge quit working. We couldn't figure out what was wrong so bought an ice chest and made do. Now that we're home, we leveled out the TT and my husband checked everything that he could and it seems to be getting power. He turned on the fridge so we could see if it worked at all. After a few hours I checked it and neither freezer or fridge cool, but the face of the refrigerator, between freezer and fridge, was very hot to the touch. Not the doors, but the space between them. Right in the center. I immediately turned it off. Our regular RV place is really booked up. I'm hoping we don't already need a new fridge. This one does not have that many hours on it. Does anyone have any ideas?Thanks.

Open the outside access panel and look at the coils. I suspect you will find a yellowish powder. If so, your cooling unit is toast. Luckily if thats the case its a fairly easy DIY fix. Look online for Amish cooling unit, buy one. When you get it, watch Utube videos, read the insteuctions throroughly and go for it. It may take two people to get the refer off the wall and face down. But it can usually be done without taking the refer out of the trailer. If you do not smell ammonia or see a yellowish powder, check 12VDC at the board. When you press themon button do things light up?How far south?

Thanks, donn0128. Husband just left to help a neighbor. I'll have him check when he gets back. Hopefully, we don't have to buy a new one.....again.Hugo....north of Grants Pass.

Hi,It may be cheaper to go to residential and solar than to replace the fridge.

When I press the "on" button on the refer, it does light up. Is that what you mean?It's getting power, or the front wouldn't be so hot.Also, it looks like an Amish built unit is at least $1,000! Yikes.

Grants pass isnt far. Were just west of Salem.Amish cooling units are around 655 dollars depending on refer model. If you happen to find a bad board, Dinosaur boards oit of Lincoln City are 10 times better than Dometic or Norcold boards.

Dometic DM2652 RBX | Good Sam Community

donn0128
Explorer II
Jun 30, 2018
Open the outside access panel and look at the coils. I suspect you will find a yellowish powder. If so, your cooling unit is toast. Luckily if thats the case its a fairly easy DIY fix. Look online for Amish cooling unit, buy one. When you get it, watch Utube videos, read the insteuctions throroughly and go for it. It may take two people to get the refer off the wall and face down. But it can usually be done without taking the refer out of the trailer.
If you do not smell ammonia or see a yellowish powder, check 12VDC at the board. When you press themon button do things light up?

How far south?
kadylady
Explorer
Jun 30, 2018
Thanks, donn0128. Husband just left to help a neighbor. I'll have him check when he gets back. Hopefully, we don't have to buy a new one.....again.

Hugo....north of Grants Pass.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Jun 30, 2018
Hi,

It may be cheaper to go to residential and solar than to replace the fridge.
kadylady
Explorer
Jun 30, 2018
When I press the "on" button on the refer, it does light up. Is that what you mean?
It's getting power, or the front wouldn't be so hot.
Also, it looks like an Amish built unit is at least $1,000! Yikes.
donn0128
Explorer II
Jun 30, 2018
Grants pass isnt far. Were just west of Salem.
Amish cooling units are around 655 dollars depending on refer model. If you happen to find a bad board, Dinosaur boards oit of Lincoln City are 10 times better than Dometic or Norcold boards.
kadylady
Explorer
Jun 30, 2018
@pianotuna
Not sure there is enough space for a residential refer in there, if that's what you mean.
kadylady
Explorer
Jun 30, 2018
@donn
Do you mean the board for the entire RV? Or a board on the refer?
donn0128
Explorer II
Jun 30, 2018
There are two boards on Dometic refers. The main control noard and an eyebrow board. The eyebrow board is the one with the buttons on it. If the refer is powering on then I suspect cooling unit failure. But before going there you need to check for power at the electric heating element. Its rare but possible it is burned out. Look really closely and smell the back of the refer. Any yellowish residue or stains or any smell of ammonia means the cooling unit has sprung a leak. Rvcoolung unit warehouse has them for your refer for $655. New.
kadylady
Explorer
Jun 30, 2018
OK thanks. I'm going to see if I can look and see anything. Thanks for the name of the supplier.
kadylady
Explorer
Jun 30, 2018
The only Coil that can be seen from back panel is the bottom loop and a half of black hard tubing, 3/4" to 1" in size. Looks like it continues on up the back of refer, but I can't see any more of it. No yellow powder on that. No smell of ammonia from back panel.

How would that cause the hot spot on the front of refer? I am so NOT a mechanic. LOL

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