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propane fridge wont light

fjacky
Explorer
Explorer
I can run my stove with my propane but not my fridge. I have a 37c14u-5 atwood unit and it looks like it may be the problem. (similar to photo below) I disconnected the fitting on the left of the unit and the propane was getting there, but when in pilot mode or ON mode there is no propane coming out of this unit? Should I replace this whole unit, or is it easy enough to remove and possibly clean it out?

thoughts?


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_we4ZvUB1zEs/TLiBK-Ik3oI/AAAAAAAAABQ/WNgiEMU2D0w/s400/PA138866.JPG
8 REPLIES 8

Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Explorer III
fjacky wrote:
downtheroad wrote:
Look for something like this on the outside of your rig..behind it you will find the frig components where your pilot light will be.

Frig and water heater are completely separate units and have their own pilot lights.



Jeez, I'm a dummy, lol. I have opened the area where the fridge components are. And Bingo, it looks like its going. These past 5 years I never realized you needed AC power to start fridge. WOW,


You only need AC if you want to operate fridge using the 120V AC electric heating element!

The propane side only needs to have propane and 12V DC (battery power) to operate.

As for your 'water heater'
Like the one n picture.....does it have the red wire going down to sparker? IF YES then that is an ignitor/relighter and lights pilot flame when switch is turned ON''

IF photo is just similar in that it shows pilot (no sparker) then you have to turn knob to pilot and hold knob in while you light pilot flame. Then continue to hold for 30 seconds or more so thermocouple can get hot. Then release and turn knob to main flame (if pilot stays lit---repeat if it doesn't)

If you can't get pilot to light
Crack fitting at gas valve where pilot tube comes out and check if you get any propane leaking out when you turn/hold knob at pilot position.
IF NO.....then you need a new gas control valve

If YES.......
Then disassemble burner tube, burner/pilot assembly and clean
Is it time for your medication or mine?


2007 DODGE 3500 QC SRW 5.9L CTD In-Bed 'quiet gen'
2007 HitchHiker II 32.5 UKTG 2000W Xantex Inverter
US NAVY------USS Decatur DDG31

kohai
Explorer
Explorer
I had a trouble after the first time I refilled propane. I ended up calling Coach Net and their tech had me turn off the propane, and then really slowly turn it on. Then try to start the fridge 4-5 times. My fridge only tries to light when it is first turned on -- after that it doesn't try anymore so you have to manually turn it off and back on. If it doesn't like, he said to turn off the propane and start again. He said my issue was air in the lines.

This worked for me. I realize you have a different unit entirely but thought I'd mention it.
2014 Primetime Crusader 296BHS
2015 GMC 2500HD Denali

mabynack
Explorer II
Explorer II
I'm aware of a few issues can cause this. Either the orifice is clogged or the controller isn't working. Spiders like to build nests in the propane orifice and it can get clogged.

Mine did the same thing and it turned out to be the controller. The igniter would try to light the pilot, but there was no propane coming through for it to light. I took it to the local RV repair shop and they replaced the controller unit.

It can also be caused by the circuit board in the refrigerator.

fjacky
Explorer
Explorer
downtheroad wrote:
Look for something like this on the outside of your rig..behind it you will find the frig components where your pilot light will be.

Frig and water heater are completely separate units and have their own pilot lights.



Jeez, I'm a dummy, lol. I have opened the area where the fridge components are. And Bingo, it looks like its going. These past 5 years I never realized you needed AC power to start fridge. WOW,

downtheroad
Explorer
Explorer
Look for something like this on the outside of your rig..behind it you will find the frig components where your pilot light will be.

Frig and water heater are completely separate units and have their own pilot lights.

"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane."

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newman_fulltime
Explorer II
Explorer II
for the hot water heater yes

fjacky
Explorer
Explorer
Understood, but is this not where i light the pilot for the propane?

newman_fulltime
Explorer II
Explorer II
pic is a hot water heater not a fridge