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Jgeorger1's avatar
Jgeorger1
Explorer
Dec 18, 2015

Dometic refrigerator noise

After a month on the road in 2015 Montana. For the first time, The fridge is making a noise every 10 minutes or so, sounding like a fan cyclng on for a minute or so. It is not converter noise..that is located elsewhere. It happens on both LP and electric settings.
  • RV Fridges do NOT have moving parts so they are pretty dang quiet when operating.

    ANY noise that sounds like a fan IS a fan.

    Fans have been used on many models of RV Fridges. They are used to improve/help the natural draft that is needed for cooling.

    RV Fridges in slideout SHOULD have them due to obstruction of the natural draft effect

    Some have them as 'mods' to correct improper installation of RV Fridge by RV MFG.

    Fans are typically mid-center just above absorber tubes and are controlled by t-stat installed on far right fin on condenser (top finned cooler)

    Some t-stats are set to turn fan(s) ON at 150*F fin temp and OFF at 135*F fin temp\some On at 130*F --Off at 115*F\others On at 105*F and Off at 90*F

    The lower ON temp the shorter run time which can cause fan(s) cycling




    Gurgling sounds are due to blockages in cooling unit and is a sound you do NOT want to hear
  • Normal or abnormal?

    Depends of the nature and how loud the click. Seem suspicious like a noise that's been there "all along"? Both rigs are new: What are the chances?
  • Jgeorger1, did you ever find what the problem was? We bought a new 5th wheel in the fall, today is the first time we have turn our refridge on and it sounds like the same noise you have. Did you find out if this is normal or not? We are going on an extended trip soon and are a bit nervous about this.
  • Is the frig in a slideout?
    If so, you are probably hearing a cooling fan cycling...which could be normal.
  • There might be a cooling fan on the back side that is cycling, and the fridge is either clogged with some material on the chimney as in a nest, four screws will remove the cover or inside the vents, worst case the fridge is going out also check where the thermistor is set at, that funny white thing on the right vent.

    Check for mud daubers they love the smell of propane.

    navegator

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