Hi all,I have a norcold 2dr propane/electric fridge that is not cooling enough on either propane or electric modes, same for both modes. The fins in the fridge are 49 degrees regardless of mode and temp setting between 5-9.Trouble shooting:Turned off fridge on panel and unplugged Ac cord, reset breaker.Checked all fridge fuses even in back panel.Checked roof vent is clear, warm air coming out.Removed and emptied/cleaned propane burner shroud there was some very fine rust.Took everything out of fridge and put in ice chest.Checked 12v and 120v power to everything in back of fridge.We have been parked extremely level for 2 weeks.No ammonia smell in back or inside fridgeIn Texas so mild winter, 40-60 outside.Does anyone know what else I can check/do?

15yrs. From what I've read that could be fine, but that was my concern as well. Maybe it's time.

I assume that you have flame if on Propane, and you stated that you felt warmth coming out of the upper vent, even without the ammonia smell could be the cooling unit, or circuit board.My thought if it is on propane, and you have flame, then the cooling unit should be cooling even if you have a bad circuit board.15 years is a long life for a RV reefer.If the cabinet is still in great shape, if not the circuit board, I would replace the cooling unit.RVcoolingUnitTheir tech support line is 901-337-9948, when I needed to replace mine in our old 5er, they were extremely helpful. Should be able to assist with troubleshooting.

Yes 15 is getting up there. I just went through the same thing. It was the cooling unit letting down. It wasn't dead but tired. So replaced it with a household frige and and a 1000w inverter. Cheaper and I think better fix overall. Is yours a NDR 106? series?

If I had a Norcold that was about 15 years old I wouldn't put another dime into it. I would either replace it with a Dometic or a residential fridge.

Norcold propane/electric fridge is not cooling | Good Sam Community

GBill
Explorer
Jan 15, 2016
How old is the refrigerator ?
atxshaws
Explorer
Jan 15, 2016
15yrs. From what I've read that could be fine, but that was my concern as well. Maybe it's time.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Jan 15, 2016
I assume that you have flame if on Propane, and you stated that you felt warmth coming out of the upper vent, even without the ammonia smell could be the cooling unit, or circuit board.
My thought if it is on propane, and you have flame, then the cooling unit should be cooling even if you have a bad circuit board.
15 years is a long life for a RV reefer.
If the cabinet is still in great shape, if not the circuit board, I would replace the cooling unit.

RVcoolingUnit

Their tech support line is 901-337-9948, when I needed to replace mine in our old 5er, they were extremely helpful. Should be able to assist with troubleshooting.
GBill
Explorer
Jan 15, 2016
Yes 15 is getting up there. I just went through the same thing. It was the cooling unit letting down. It wasn't dead but tired. So replaced it with a household frige and and a 1000w inverter. Cheaper and I think better fix overall. Is yours a NDR 106? series?
WyoTraveler
Explorer
Jan 15, 2016
If I had a Norcold that was about 15 years old I wouldn't put another dime into it. I would either replace it with a Dometic or a residential fridge.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jan 15, 2016
Unplug the thermistor (temp sensor attached to fin in food section) leads at control module

Place glass of water in food section with thermometer in it

Then turn fridge on.....electric

Let it run 24 hrs. Then check temp. IF NOT below 40*F cooling unit is bad.

IF temp is below 40*F (S/B in the 30s) then thermistor is bad
atxshaws
Explorer
Jan 15, 2016
Thanks OB! Doing it now.
AUwing2
Explorer
Jan 16, 2016
Had a similar issue in October with a fridge still under warranty - we had been sitting under constant power since April. After a 200 mile tow to the dealer, the fridge worked! Hook up, shake a while and recheck operation . . .

But then again, yours is 15 years old
rhagfo
Explorer III
Jan 17, 2016
atxshaws wrote:
Thanks OB! Doing it now.

Results?
atxshaws
Explorer
Jan 17, 2016
57-ish. Really bummed. Guess I'll check the cooling unit place out. See if they have any ideas. The fridge is fine otherwise, but just a pretty boat anchor if it doesn't chill!