Norcold Frig

[camp104]

My Norcold 1200 seires has 2 fans in the back. Only one fan comes on and the frig is not cooling very good. Have it set on #9 and only can get it to 53 degrees. Does anyone know if the fans are wired separately or together? I would think that if one goes on the other should also go on. TOM

[dougrainer]

Doug and Cassi Glass wrote:
My two fans are mounted side by side about half way up the back of the fridge. The only way to get to them is slide the fridge out. I watched the rv repairman change my cooling unit in Dec. They look like two 4" computer fans mounted side by side.

Just for info the unit was $2100.00 installed.

I ALWAYS tell a customer that IF I have to pull the refer to either change the cooling unit or do anything with the fans and the unit is over 5 years old, to REPLACE the fans and fan tstat. Since you have the unit pulled already, it is very wise to replace those parts as a preventative measure. There is NOTHING worse than pulling a refer and then 6 months later, the customer shows up with defective fans or fan tstat and you have to tell him it will be another $250 labor charge to pull and fix and reinstall. I also always when I pull a 1200, run a 2 wire jump wire from the fan tstat wires down the back to the rear of the refer to test Fan function manually if there is ever a problem and can also make the fans run by bypassing the fan tstat. Doug

[Ivylog]

Instead of removing the refer to fix the one dead fan, you might want to do this:

This fan came from Radio Shack and I used the connector that came with it as a switch.

[Doug_and_Cassi_]

My two fans are mounted side by side about half way up the back of the fridge. The only way to get to them is slide the fridge out. I watched the rv repairman change my cooling unit in Dec. They look like two 4" computer fans mounted side by side.

Just for info the unit was $2100.00 installed.

[YC_1]

Our refer is in a slide out and I suspect yours is too. To access the fans you remove the upper vent cover. The fans should both be on. This is a problem I have had too. The fans are simple computer fans. I added two more on the bottom because we camp in direct sun when it gets over 100. When one of mine died the temps went to 43. Be sure you are level too.

[nemo45]

Question? Do you have to remove the cover on the roof to gain access to the fans. I really can't see mine by removing the rear access cover.

[Ivylog]

Both should be on as there is only one Tstat for turning them on.

[dougrainer]

With 1 fan, you should still get below 45 degrees if the outside ambient is NOT over 80 degrees. The fans are wired together. If 1 works the other should also. You have to pull the refer to check/replace/verify. IF the unit is over 5 years old, and you pull the refer, replace BOTH fans AND the Fan tstat on the condensor fins. Doug

[Old-Biscuit]

They are controlled by on 'thermostat sensor' mounted on fin of condenser.
Power Board supplies 12V DC to thermo switch and when closed (~130*F) supplies power to the fans. Thermo switch opens at approx. 115*F

If one is working and one is not.....check that non-working fan has 12V DC, check the wiring connections OR fan could just be bad.

[Doug_and_Cassi_]

I think they're wired separately. Look around the back of the fridge from the outside access area. Do you see any yellow or yellowish green stains anywhere? If so, ammonia leak and new cooling unit is the only fix. Also, look closely at the exhaust stack above the burner and tubing around it. If it isn't all round you have a problem.

The above really isn't related to the fans but good place to start looking for lack of cooling.

Doug Rainer will check in I imagine. He's a certified rv master tech do he'll have the right scoop for sure.

A call to Norcold will also get you an answer.