Dometic RM3962 Fridge - No Power at all

Question

Need help troubleshooting my Dometic RM3962 fridge.

It is DEAD in the water (literally, since this is in a houseboat).

The little temp display on the fridge is dead, On/Off buttons do nothing - cannot get a display at all.

Inside light will NOT work.

Here's what I know:
======================

AC power is good.
Fuse in the main DC panel in the boat is good.
Both fuses in the outside access panel are good (the 3 amp DC and the 5 amp AC).
I DO have 12v DC in and out of the connection block in the
outside access panel.

Questions:
======================

The control board in the access panel is what you guys call the "lower control board", right? How do I check this board to determine if it is bad?
There is also a board behind the buttons in the freezer that control the fridge (on/off, Gas/Electric, and Temp setting) - right? And this is what you guys call the "upper" or "eyebrow" board? How do I get TO that board? Where is it exactly, and what do I have to remove to get to it? (I have searched You Tube but no joy)
Once I get to the upper board, how do I check it to see if IT is the problem?

With my symptoms, what is going to be the most likely culprit?

Any help is appreciated!!!

--
bugman58

old-biscuit · Answer

Tripped Thermal Fuse on burner stack12V DC comes into terminal block then out of terminal block to thermal fuse THEN back to lower control module (circuit board)NO DC.tripped thermal fuseTripped thermal fuse.....check for yellowish residue down &amp; around burner area.Thermal Fuse trips due to overheating...loss of coolant---cracked tubingWiring diagram pg. 16

chris_bryant · Answer

Here you go- service manual.

bugman58 · Answer

Thanks guys, I will check the thermal fuse.

As for testing the control boards (if the thermal fuse is not the issue), manual says test the lower board while the unit is on & calling for cooling. Currently (no pun intended) I have no power - so can't make the fridge call for cooling.

Also, how do I access the upper eyebrow board? Exactly where is it located, and what panel(s) do I have to remove to get to it?

bugman58 · Answer

Well, Old-Biscuit you were exactly correct. Thermal fuse was popped, resetting it got her going again.

There was some yellowish powdery stuff in the compartment, I stuck my face up as close as I could & didn't smell anything, so I was HOPING it was just pollen (hey - I live in GA and EVERYTHING is getting yellow here already!).

But alas, when I wiped it up with a wet paper towel, definite ammonia smell.

DANGIT!!!

Looked at my records, this fridge was purchased in 6/2007, so... just a few months shy of 10 years of good service... I guess that isn't too bad?

NOW... to replace the fridge, or just replace the cooling unit?

I see a lot of talk about the Amish built cooling units... Articold has one with a LIFETIME WARRANTY for $695 delivered, whereas a new fridge is about $1,500 delivered. Based on those figures, I may replace the cooling unit (assuming I can get the rotten meat smell out of the freezer (several days of Lysol soaked towels have it NEARLY gone, so I do think there is a reasonable chance)).

Any other thoughts or comments are appreciated.

THANKS to you both for your help!!

Forum Discussion

Dometic RM3962 Fridge - No Power at all

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Dometic compressor fridge?

Dometic fridge

Dometic Fridge

Dometic Fridge

Dometic fridge