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kirkl's avatar
kirkl
Explorer
Oct 22, 2019

Fridge Doesnt work on Propane

Just thought I throw this out to see if anybody has any pointers. I just bought a 1999 northland camper and the fridge works great until in needs to run on propane. The red check light comes on when you switch it to propane or its on auto and you unplug from shore power. Any thoughts on what to look at? looks like theres a couple control boards when you take the outside panel off to look at back of fridge.

Thanks
  • Thanks for the update; glad it's working now.

    For other people who might read this thread, besides the various possibilities listed, some fridges have a shut-off valve as part of the burner assembly, and if that valve is shut off the fridge won't work on propane. On mine it looks more like a thumbscrew/setscrew than a typical valve.
  • Update on this. Took it to local RV place who are very good people and it turned out to be the board on the fridge. Replaced with a new one and good to go.
  • Could be circuit board not sending DC got Ignition
    Could be reignitor (if it has one) not sending DC for ignition
    Could be spark electrode

    Could Be????

    Brand/Model will help with wiring diagram so DC ciruit can be tested/followed
  • ill get make and model tonight when i get home. When we were messing with it it wasnt even clicking like its trying to light which you normally hear.
  • Clean the burner tube
    Clean the orifice
    Clean spark electrode of soot/carbon
    Postion spark electrode so it is directly over center of burner


    2 COntrol boards....
    Sound like you have a main circuit board and a reignitor box

    But just guessing cause you did NOT post brand/model of fridge so not working is hard to really diagnosis
  • Even when set to propane the refrigerator needs 12 volt electric power to the board in back. Check the fuses in the breaker panel, check the glass fuses on the board in the back of the refrigerator. With a meter check at the batteries to see what your battery voltage is. Then check at the refrigerator to see if you are getting the same voltage there.

    get a helper. Turn the refrigerator off and go stand outside by the refrigerator access door. Have the helper turn the refrigerator on to gas. Listen intently for about 30 seconds and describe what if any noises you hear?

    Look inside the refrigerator main compartment for a make and model. With that information we can give some more focused suggestions.
  • Yes, everything else that runs on propane works fine. Stove/hot water heater/furnace
  • like grandpa always told me...simple things first.

    - do you have propane in the tank?
    - is the propane tank valve on?
    - does the lp stove work?

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