Forum Discussion

jonaz's avatar
jonaz
Explorer
May 30, 2021

NorCal Fridge wont run on AC

Hi Everyone,

Just bought a new 2021 Coachman Catalina and I am waiting to get it back in the shop for some warranty work.

In the meantime, it has a Norcal fridge, with only one button on the front. The Fridge runs on propane, but it does not get cold on AC. The fridge light opens when I open the door so its getting AC. I have turned the Fridge off, with AC plugged in and then turned it back on numerous times, and still it does not get cold. A red light will eventually come on, telling me that there is an issue.

Any suggestions on what to look for? It's going to be another 3 weeks before I can take it in.

Thanks in advance,
Jonathan
  • Ed_Gee's avatar
    Ed_Gee
    Explorer II
    May 30, 2021
    Refrigerator Model number would be helpful ...

    Is that really a Norcal.... or is it actually a Norcold ?
  • 2edgesword's avatar
    2edgesword
    Explorer
    May 30, 2021
    I don't think the fact the interior frig light comes on means you're getting AC. I believe the light runs off DC and would come on whether or not you're getting AC power to the frig.
  • jonaz's avatar
    jonaz
    Explorer
    May 30, 2021
    Norcold. Thanks Ed. Trying to find a model number.

    Good point about fridge light 2edgesword.
  • agwill's avatar
    agwill
    Explorer
    May 30, 2021
    It will take 24 hours to get cold. How long have you waited? Is it plugged in in back? Is there 110 volts at plug? First places to check.
  • Scottiemom's avatar
    Scottiemom
    Nomad
    May 30, 2021
    I have a 2004 with a Dometic fridge. It quit running on electric. That almost never happens. . . it's usually the other way around. Works great on gas, though. So I took it to the Amish and they tested everything. The fridge actually does run on electric, but not through the plug it's plugged into. So I had my electrical engineer friend put in a new outlet. The old outlet was one of the really cheap trailer receptacles that are a press fit and the wires were just not making good contact. Now it works great. My friend charged me nothing for labor and the parts were $1.87.

    Dale
  • Ed_Gee's avatar
    Ed_Gee
    Explorer II
    May 30, 2021
    jonaz wrote:
    Norcold. Thanks Ed. Trying to find a model number.

    Good point about fridge light 2edgesword.


    The Model number is likely on a sticker inside the fridge - mine is on right side wall lower down the side....
  • jonaz's avatar
    jonaz
    Explorer
    May 31, 2021
    Yes, the model number was on the side, thank you.

    Norcold Model N7VLW6
  • wnjj's avatar
    wnjj
    Explorer II
    May 31, 2021
    Remove the outside cover and you’ll see that the fridge just plugs into a receptacle. Plug something else in there to confirm the receptacle has power. If it doesn’t, check for a tripped GFCI there or elsewhere. Check all of the 120V breakers.
  • jonaz's avatar
    jonaz
    Explorer
    May 31, 2021
    OK, I feel like an idiot. I removed the cover and realized that the fridge was not plugged into the AC receptacle. I kept looking for the plug but it was run way up on top and took a little while before I was able to get my hand around the end and bring it back down to get plugged in. Thank you so much for all your help.
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    May 31, 2021
    jonaz wrote:
    OK, I feel like an idiot. I removed the cover and realized that the fridge was not plugged into the AC receptacle. I kept looking for the plug but it was run way up on top and took a little while before I was able to get my hand around the end and bring it back down to get plugged in. Thank you so much for all your help.


    BAD PDI by your dealer. They should have caught this. Doug

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