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StewB's avatar
StewB
Explorer
Jun 05, 2017

Fridge - fails to light on consistently.

I have a Norcold N821L fridge in my trailer. This weekend it showed a "F" fault which is failure of the flame to light. I checked the propane and there is lots, cleaned the burner and chimney and restarted it. It would run for a while lighting and shutting off as required to maintain temp. But it randomly would not light. As soon as I reset it, it would light and run for a random number of cycles and then fault again for no light.

Wondering if anyone has any ideas as to why it would randomly not light?

Any input would be much appreciated.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jun 05, 2017
    Check to make sure the flame sensor is correctly positioned and clean the carbon off it with solvent, emory paper or a brass brush.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jun 05, 2017
    ScottG wrote:
    Check to make sure the flame sensor is correctly positioned and clean the carbon off it with solvent, emory paper or a brass brush.


    Spark electrode does more then just provide a high voltage spark to ignite main flame BUT is also used to 'PROVE' main flame has lit and stays lit

    Spark electrode has to be clean of any soot or carbon build up
    Spark electrode has to be 'engulfed' in main flame-----tip hot
    Spark electrode needs to have good clean strong ground contact
    Spark electrode gap S/B 1/8" - 3/16"


  • coolmom42's avatar
    coolmom42
    Explorer II
    Jun 05, 2017
    In addition to the above, verify that there is 12 V to the control board.
  • StewB's avatar
    StewB
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2017
    There is 12V to the board and to the gas valve. I brushed the burner and electrode with a tooth brush and blew it off with compressed air to clean the carbon off but did not check the position or sand it clean to bare metal.

    I will clean the electrode better and check position this weekend when I am back at the RV.

    Thanks for the input
  • Hooterville's avatar
    Hooterville
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2017
    I had the same issue. Replaced the ignitor and all random ignition problems solved.
    Part was under 20.00.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jun 05, 2017
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    ScottG wrote:
    Check to make sure the flame sensor is correctly positioned and clean the carbon off it with solvent, emory paper or a brass brush.


    Spark electrode does more then just provide a high voltage spark to ignite main flame BUT is also used to 'PROVE' main flame has lit and stays lit


    I didn't say anything about providing a spark.
    I said to check the Flame Sensor - just like you did!
  • turbojimmy's avatar
    turbojimmy
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2017
    Cleaning the flame sensor and positioning it closer to the flame fixed mine. It used to take forever to get it to a point where it would stay lit. Turn it on, burner lights, fault. Shut off, turn back on, burner lights, fault. Repeat 10 or 15 times until it stayed lit. No more!
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jun 05, 2017
    ScottG wrote:
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    ScottG wrote:
    Check to make sure the flame sensor is correctly positioned and clean the carbon off it with solvent, emory paper or a brass brush.


    Spark electrode does more then just provide a high voltage spark to ignite main flame BUT is also used to 'PROVE' main flame has lit and stays lit


    I didn't say anything about providing a spark.
    I said to check the Flame Sensor - just like you did!



    YES.......but I gave 'details' on how/what cause 'check flame sensor' was too vague
  • Itinerant1's avatar
    Itinerant1
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2017
    I have the same fridge model and had the exact problem. There was alot of cabon (soot) build up. Took it apart cleaned everything up reassembled it still samething it would work for awhile then stop working plus a weak flame. I pulled the fridge from the cubby and the exhuast tub that vent the exhuast up was COMPLETELY blocked with soot. Cleaned it and problem solved.

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