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fjacky's avatar
fjacky
Explorer
May 04, 2015

propane fridge wont light

I can run my stove with my propane but not my fridge. I have a 37c14u-5 atwood unit and it looks like it may be the problem. (similar to photo below) I disconnected the fitting on the left of the unit and the propane was getting there, but when in pilot mode or ON mode there is no propane coming out of this unit? Should I replace this whole unit, or is it easy enough to remove and possibly clean it out?

thoughts?


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_we4ZvUB1zEs/TLiBK-Ik3oI/AAAAAAAAABQ/WNgiEMU2D0w/s400/PA138866.JPG

8 Replies

  • fjacky wrote:
    downtheroad wrote:
    Look for something like this on the outside of your rig..behind it you will find the frig components where your pilot light will be.

    Frig and water heater are completely separate units and have their own pilot lights.



    Jeez, I'm a dummy, lol. I have opened the area where the fridge components are. And Bingo, it looks like its going. These past 5 years I never realized you needed AC power to start fridge. WOW,


    You only need AC if you want to operate fridge using the 120V AC electric heating element!

    The propane side only needs to have propane and 12V DC (battery power) to operate.

    As for your 'water heater'
    Like the one n picture.....does it have the red wire going down to sparker? IF YES then that is an ignitor/relighter and lights pilot flame when switch is turned ON''

    IF photo is just similar in that it shows pilot (no sparker) then you have to turn knob to pilot and hold knob in while you light pilot flame. Then continue to hold for 30 seconds or more so thermocouple can get hot. Then release and turn knob to main flame (if pilot stays lit---repeat if it doesn't)

    If you can't get pilot to light
    Crack fitting at gas valve where pilot tube comes out and check if you get any propane leaking out when you turn/hold knob at pilot position.
    IF NO.....then you need a new gas control valve

    If YES.......
    Then disassemble burner tube, burner/pilot assembly and clean
  • I had a trouble after the first time I refilled propane. I ended up calling Coach Net and their tech had me turn off the propane, and then really slowly turn it on. Then try to start the fridge 4-5 times. My fridge only tries to light when it is first turned on -- after that it doesn't try anymore so you have to manually turn it off and back on. If it doesn't like, he said to turn off the propane and start again. He said my issue was air in the lines.

    This worked for me. I realize you have a different unit entirely but thought I'd mention it.
  • I'm aware of a few issues can cause this. Either the orifice is clogged or the controller isn't working. Spiders like to build nests in the propane orifice and it can get clogged.

    Mine did the same thing and it turned out to be the controller. The igniter would try to light the pilot, but there was no propane coming through for it to light. I took it to the local RV repair shop and they replaced the controller unit.

    It can also be caused by the circuit board in the refrigerator.
  • downtheroad wrote:
    Look for something like this on the outside of your rig..behind it you will find the frig components where your pilot light will be.

    Frig and water heater are completely separate units and have their own pilot lights.



    Jeez, I'm a dummy, lol. I have opened the area where the fridge components are. And Bingo, it looks like its going. These past 5 years I never realized you needed AC power to start fridge. WOW,
  • Look for something like this on the outside of your rig..behind it you will find the frig components where your pilot light will be.

    Frig and water heater are completely separate units and have their own pilot lights.

  • Understood, but is this not where i light the pilot for the propane?