RV fridge wont light.

[cman60]

After 15 tears of use our RV fridge won't self ignite. Works fine when the RV is plugged in, but when unplugged will not self ignite. Useally I can hear the igniter clicking, trying to ignite. Is this something I can trouble shoot, or does it have to go to the shop? thanks for any advice, Chris.

[Gjac]

cman60 wrote:
New batteries in camper, just odd you could always hear the igniter sparking from inside the camper trying to light the fridge.Has always lit the fridge after 2-3 tries. Again, no sound. ( clicking

Chris just because the batteries are new does not mean they are fully charged or that there is not some corrosion, or loose connection somewhere that is reducing the amps to the refer. I would start by checking to ensure you have good voltage to the refer. Then check the ignighter as Ivy log and fulltimer suggested.

[cman60]

New batteries in camper, just odd you could always hear the igniter sparking from inside the camper trying to light the fridge.Has always lit the fridge after 2-3 tries. Again, no sound. ( clicking

[Gjac]

In your first post you say that the refer works fine when plugged in but not when unplugged. Maybe your battery is not fully charged. The gas cycle still needs 12+ volts to work. I would check to see what your reading is in the back of the refer and post the voltage reading here.

[full-timer]

Igniter should be 3/16" from the burner, more than that and you may not get a spark.

[cman60]

Thank you for the replies. There is no "clicking sound" when trying to use the on board switch in the kitchen, Was always very audible. The rest of the board---Battery charge, waste water level, ect. ect is all working just fine. I will go out and see if I can figure out the igniter part. Thanks again.

[Ivylog]

if there is no clicking after cleaning the burner remove the igniter. Wrap the white portion with electrical and put most of the way back in without the screw. If it now works you need a new igniter.

[wallynm]

Can you hear it now. If so you may need to clean the burner.

cman60 wrote:
After 15 tears of use our RV fridge won't self ignite. Works fine when the RV is plugged in, but when unplugged will not self ignite. Useally I can hear the igniter clicking, trying to ignite. Is this something I can trouble shoot, or does it have to go to the shop? thanks for any advice, Chris.

[Gjac]

Remove the sht metal box surrounding the burner tube then vacuum or blow out the rust flakes on top of the burner . If it still does not light remove the burner and clean the rust particles that have settled inside the burner tube and clean the orifice at the same time. While the burner tube is out check the slots to see if they are rusted out, if so the burner will have to be replaced. Just removing the rust flakes from the slots will probably get you refer working again but if you have not cleaned it before it would be a good idea. Does it light for a few secs then go out or does not light at all?

[donn0128]

No igniter click means one of two things. Either the igniter or the control board is bad. New igniter is cheap so replace that first. If thats not it then its a bad board.