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roybech's avatar
roybech
Explorer
Jul 05, 2013

norcold not working correctly

This is a norcold N821 from 2001. The Lp does not work but not an issue for me. The AC setting has been working fine until today when my wife said the fridge is not cold but the freezer is. Code A is displayed in the window. The trailer power cord is connected to my truck so DC power is not an issue i don't believe. I also have a battery connected to the trailer positive and neg. wires. It has the same humming sound as it always has for the last 12 years. There is power at the AC outlet next to the motherboard. At a loss to understand this dilemma. Any suggestions would be great.
Roy
  • Low/No AC power available to refrigerator.AC cord not plugged into power board.F2 fuse open.

    That means (F2) that the fuse is blown on the board. The F2 fuse is the fuse in the power to the 120 heat Element and the usual cause of a F2 fuse bad is a defective 120 heat element. The refer should not cool at all if the only power source is 120 volts. Doug
  • Doug-
    Thanks for your comments. If I understand you, the 120 heater element is defective and that caused the fuse to fail. Is that what you are saying? Why does the freezer work? The bottom line for me is this: What do I need to replace to get this baby up and running? Give me specific part names so I can order them. Thanks!! PS: The black round part near the gas orifice is pretty hot.
    Roy
  • The 120 Heat Element needs replaced. IF it is bad. The usual fix is to replace the fuse on the Board and restart on 120 and let run for a few days. A Defective Heat Element sometimes will work and once it gets hot and has run for a few days, shorts out again. Some will have the short and will blow the fuse immediately when powered up. In your case, replace the fuse on the board. IF it blows again replace the Heat Element. 120 Elements either work or they do not, they do not work "partially". IF the AC current is too low it will show that code. You need to get a true reading of the actual 120 AC voltage and should NOT be below 108 volts. Doug
  • I went out this morning and the fridge was nice and cold. I said to myself, "how could that be"? Then I thought that perhaps running the Air Conditioner was part of the problem. I started the AC and the voltage at the fridge outlet was only about 101. Turn it off and it was about 105-106. I also changed my extension cord from a number 14 wire to a number 10. I don't recall this voltage drop being a problem in the past since many summers we have the AC on, the fridge on, TV, lights etc. with no fridge issues. Still don't know why the freezer worked OK. At least it doesn't appear to be the fuse issue or heat element. Thanks for your help and I will keep your information for possible future use. Do these elements have an approximate life span? Any other thoughts on what could be causing my power drain besides the AC? Thanks again!