Dometic DM2652 RBX

[kadylady]

We have a 2003 Springdale that we purchased used about 7 years ago. At that time we replaced the fridge with a new Dometic DM2652RBX. I have been extremely OCD about making sure the trailer/fridge is completely level before we run it. We aren't full time RVers, so it doesn't get constant use.
We just got back from a road trip. About 4 days in, the fridge quit working. We couldn't figure out what was wrong so bought an ice chest and made do.
Now that we're home, we leveled out the TT and my husband checked everything that he could and it seems to be getting power. He turned on the fridge so we could see if it worked at all. After a few hours I checked it and neither freezer or fridge cool, but the face of the refrigerator, between freezer and fridge, was very hot to the touch. Not the doors, but the space between them. Right in the center. I immediately turned it off.
Our regular RV place is really booked up. I'm hoping we don't already need a new fridge. This one does not have that many hours on it.
Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks.

[kadylady]

I agree SoundGuy. I just hope it's not the entire cooling unit.

[SoundGuy]

kadylady wrote:
Disconnected the Climate Control and Thermistor. Left fridge on overnite and it only cooled to 55*/70*. 😞 Normally, it freezes a water bottle overnite. Today, we're switching to propane and see if that makes a difference.

As a point of reference I turned on my own DM 2652 about 3 hrs ago and both the freezer & fridge sections are now certainly cold enough that I could start loading food into it. It would seem yours indeed has failed. 😞

[kadylady]

Disconnected the Climate Control and Thermistor. Left fridge on overnite and it only cooled to 55*/70*. 😞 Normally, it freezes a water bottle overnite. Today, we're switching to propane and see if that makes a difference.

I appreciate all the help and comments.

[SoundGuy]

kadylady wrote:
Thanks Soundguy.
I notice in your pic it looks like both red wires have been cut.

Nope, just one wire - the heavier gauge red wire. Leave the other one alone, it powers the fridge light.

[kadylady]

One more thing..... several videos show that you can just cut off and replace the tip of the wire...the thermostat...instead of rewiring all the way thru the unit to the board. Is this an acceptable fix?

[kadylady]

Thanks Soundguy.

I notice in your pic it looks like both red wires have been cut. Is that what we'll need to do if we add an on/off switch? I like the box. How do I describe that and where do I buy one? Toggle switch I can get anywhere.

With the Thermistor disconnected, the refer seems to be cooling. We'll go out and cut the wire to the Climate Control and let it run all nite. Is that ok to do without a Thermistor (sp?) I bought thermometers and placed one in each compartment. If the refer seems to be working fine, we'll turn it off and order a new Thermistor.

[SoundGuy]

kadylady wrote:
But, for sure I want that on/off switch for the Climate Control. Is that a special switch or can we purchase at any electric supply? And how was it fastened to side of refer?

Nothing special about the switch, it's just an SPST (single pole single throw) toggle switch. I stuck mine in a small hobby box and velcroed it to the fridge sidewall but you could probably mount in on the light bezel and not need the box. Of course if you don't ever want to use the climate control you can just cut the thicker of the 2 red wires and leave it like that, no switch needed.

[kadylady]

Thanks @okieGene and Sound Guy

I think I knew and forgot that we needed the battery to run the fridge. Thanks for the reminder!!

My cousin, who is an HVAC guy and also knows quite a bit about absorption refers, is camping with us next week! I talked to him and he will bring tools and help us accurately diagnose the problem. But, for sure I want that on/off switch for the Climate Control. Is that a special switch or can we purchase at any electric supply? And how was it fastened to side of refer?

Meanwhile, we're still poking around a bit. Learning as much about the refer as we can.

We have an appointment with our RV guys on August 3rd. If all else fails, we'll take it in.

[OkieGene]

I'm wondering if it might be a good idea for a Mobil RV tech to look and give you a firm diagnosis of what's wrong and what's needed for a proper repair. Seems prudent to spend a few bucks for that than replacing parts and wasting time that may not be needed?

Good luck to you.

[SoundGuy]

kadylady wrote:
@soundguy
Thank you for posting that picture!! That is what we intend to do!
I also found that it was referred to a Climate Control.

BTW.....some have mentioned DC. This refer is a two way only fridge.

Yes, the DM2652 is a 6 cu ft 2-way fridge BUT because it's a DSI fridge it also does require 12 vdc to operate the fridge's electronics, supplied either by your battery or converter, so when running on battery only there will be some minimal draw down on the battery even in the gas mode. The other power hog is that climate control circuit but at least that you can defeat.

[kadylady]

@soundguy
Thank you for posting that picture!! That is what we intend to do!
I also found that it was referred to a Climate Control.

BTW.....some have mentioned DC. This refer is a two way only fridge.

[SoundGuy]

kadylady wrote:
J-D, we don't have a switch on our model of refer.

What you're referring to as a "dehumidifier or whatever" is in reality a 12 vdc powered climate control heating element. Inside your Dometic DM2652 you'll see an interior light switch on the right side and running to it are 2 red wires. Cut the heavier of the two and you'll disconnect power to this climate control heating element. Those who often camp without shore power and who have a Dometic fridge without a switch to disable this circuit can add their own, just as I've done myself.

[pianotuna]

Yes, you can safely run the fridge without the device. Mine has never been on.

kadylady wrote:
Old-Biscuit suggested disconnecting that thing that gets hot. Dehumidifier or whatever it is. Can we safely run refer without it?

[kadylady]

J-D, we don't have a switch on our model of refer.