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NWLady's avatar
NWLady
Explorer
Aug 05, 2015

Dometic refrig but no thermister just screw attached

I have dometic refrig in a 1999 coachman van. The freezer compartment is freezing but the refrig compartment on "max" isn't working or working so poorly that the temp inside is mid 50's. Cools down at night to mid 40's but as soon as the outside temp is in high 70s to 80s, temp in refrig rises.

Looked on line and saw a lot of pic and info on thermistors (white sliding plastic thing) on fins of refrig. BUT... mine doesn't have one of those. It just has a wire that is screwed to the metal backing that the fins are attached to. the screw and wire do not seem to be adjustable.

It has worked ok in the past...but not great but then I don't expect much from a little refrig like this.

I haven't been able to find anything like this on the internet. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Aug 05, 2015
    check your door seal they leak a lot of air, tape it shut see if the temp takes a big drop.
  • NWLady's avatar
    NWLady
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2015
    Thank you, Sadie. I looked at the seal and it looks good but... taping it will be a better test.
  • NWLady's avatar
    NWLady
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2015
    Wondering if anyone has this wire and screw on the fins rather than a thermistor? Is there any way to adjust this like you can a thermistor? Can this be replaced by a thermistor for more control? thank you
  • bob_nestor's avatar
    bob_nestor
    Explorer III
    Aug 05, 2015
    If you know the refrig is otherwise fine you could look at replacing the control board. Dinosaur Electronics has replacement boards from many models and most of their boards have temp control adjustments. They also tend to operate a bit better than the original control boards.

    They also have a temp control addon that may work with your unit. Check their web site for details. They're usually pretty good at answering questions via e-mail too.

    From your description and the fact it has worked well in the past I'd be concerned that maybe it has a leak and/or is low on refrigerant.
  • budwich's avatar
    budwich
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2015
    where is the wire attached to the fins, top or bot? The "wire" is likely just same "thermistor" without the "ease of adjustment". IF it has some extra length, you can just reposition it accordingly with some "strategic" new holes... :-)
  • CavemanCharlie's avatar
    CavemanCharlie
    Explorer III
    Aug 06, 2015
    Find the model number on your fridge. Do a search for that and post the model here too.

    My 1993 fridge does not have a sliding thermistor. It just has a adjustment on the front of the fridge.

    Does it do this on both Gas and Electric?

    It sounds a little like your fridge might be dying but, don't give up hope yet. Just keep looking and maybe a fix will show up.
  • NWLady's avatar
    NWLady
    Explorer
    Aug 10, 2015
    Thank you all for your help and ideas.

    I do have an adjustment on the front of the fridge but it doesn't seem to make any difference. So looks like mine isn't supposed to have any adjustment except knob on front. Thank you very much for this info... clears up one question.

    Maybe I am expecting too much. On propane, outside temp high on low to mid 70's, it will maintain 43 degrees if packed with already cold food. Any higher outside temps it can easily climb to 47 degrees. It runs a little better on AC. Freezes good on AC or propane. I have an exhaust fan but it doesn't seem to make any difference.

    I am doing to contact dinosaur electronics to see it they can help. I keep reading good things about this company.

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