Forum Discussion

petervicich's avatar
petervicich
Explorer
Feb 17, 2014

Refrigerator, how does it work?

Hi there,

I just got a camper and dont know too much about it. I turned on the refrigerator on in Automatic and it looks like picture 1 (light indicator on Gas) and it makes a clicking sound for about 10 seconds and then the light indicator turns off and one that says "Check" turns on, like picture 2, and the clicking sound stops.

Dont know if this is fine and clicking is because its starting and "check" means its running. Or maybe "check" means i have to go and fix something.

Thanks for any info on this.

The photo is here:https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153820874715290.1073741829.874030289&type=1&l=8e7733c6ac

I can't upload photos in the post.

27 Replies

  • Thank you guys. I will check does things and see if ti works.

    If it doesnt do you know where can i take it? any house refrigerator technician?
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Suspect list:
    Do you have PROPANE
    Is it turned ON
    Does the range top work
    If so try again with the fridge at least 3 times
    Have you done the recommended routine maintenance on the fridge burner?
    if not do so and try again
    Problem that you will need to throw money at: Bad solenoid (But you heard the click so I think not) bad ignition system, bad flame sensor bad control board.

    Oh, and low battery voltage (move that to right after Propane tests.
  • And an important note is to be sure the rv is close to level when running the refer. Has nothing to do with it lighting but an off level refer can be damaged.
  • Check on a Dometic has 1 function and 1 function ONLY. It means that the refer wanted to run on LP and it did NOT light on LP. Either there is air in the lines---run about 10 on and off cycles on LP to purge the lines. The Gas is OFF. The manual gas valve on the back of the refer is OFF. The ignition sequence on the refer is malfunctioning. Doug
  • On auto mode, Fridge will default to 120v if both propane and 120v are present.\
    It will switch to propane as soon as you unplug the 120v. If neither is present,it will go to "check" mode
    In manual mode, it will stay where you put it, like if you want it to stay on propane to lighten your load on inverter, etc etc.
  • If you haven't used the appliances yet and are just trying to see if the fridge is working then the clicking is the auto light feature trying to ignite the propane. When it doesn't light, through it's sensor, then the 'check' light comes on. Usually means you are out of propane.

    Check your tanks to be sure you have propane and the valve is open.

    However, if you have air in the line then the same thing can happen. Light the stove top and run it for 2 to 5 minutes so the propane flows in the line. This will purge most of the air from the line. Then try the fridge again.

    Other than the click of the ignitor you will not hear anything when a RV fridge is working. It is an absorption unit and just works by heat transfer in a liquid in rear.

    If this doesn't work then come back and ask again and someone here will be able to help you.

    Dale
  • Almot's avatar
    Almot
    Explorer III
    Check means you have to check or fix something. There is no gas supply, or there is no 12V or 120V, or flame ignition doesn't work.

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