A cold beverage and a way to store leftovers are part of what makes traveling by RV so much better than a standard road trip or even a flight. So when you have a problem with your Dometic RV refrigerator, you want to be able to address it quickly.
In this article, we’ll go over the most common Dometic RV fridge troubleshooting tips and parts, so you can get your fridge back together and your road trip back on track.
Common Dometic RV Fridge Problems
Below are a few of the most common problems owners of Dometic fridges run into. Fortunately, most of these problems can be addressed by DIY handymen, meaning you can probably fix any problems that crop up all on your own.
Dometic RV Refrigerator Not Cooling
Say your Dometic RV refrigerator is not cooling. The problem could be with the thermistor or a refrigerant leak. It could also be something as simple as a door seal or a clogged vent.
Check Your Parking
Absorption fridges cannot work properly if they aren’t level. Use a bubble level to ensure your RV is level. If it isn’t, fix the problem using leveling blocks under the tires. It’s also a good idea to park in the shade whenever possible, as this helps the fried keep up in warm weather.
Test the Thermistor
The thermistor might be sensing the internal temperature incorrectly and as a result, not turning the cooling unit on to pump cold air through. Test this with a separate thermometer for an accurate temperature reading. If the reading on your thermometer is much warmer than expected, try replacing the thermistor.
You can find these parts online for very little money. Watch a tutorial or two and replace the part yourself. It’s quick and easy and can help you avoid having to call a Dometic RV refrigerator repairman.
Check the Door Seal
Another problem is with the door seal. If your internal temperature is too warm, it might be that the Dometic door is not sealing when closed. Test for this by listening for any air escaping from around the fridge. You can also feel for cool air. If this is the problem, you can also easily replace the strip of seal around the door frame yourself.
Look for Leaks
Should you see a yellow stain at the back of your fridge, your problem is likely with a leak. Unfortunately, these are costly problems that require the help of a technician in most cases. And in the worst of cases, they signal the time for a new fridge.
Watch for Blockages
If your fridge vents are blocked, the refrigerator won’t be able to cool properly. Check both fridge vents to ensure there is nothing preventing air from circulating through them.
Runs on Propane, But Not Electricity
Does your fridge run on propane, but not on electricity? Check the following:
- Test all the circuit breakers and fuses.
- Test the outlet on the back of the refrigerator.
- Check for power voltage using a multimeter.
- Check the electric heating element. If this is broken, it is often difficult to replace. In these cases, it could make more sense to replace the fridge entirely.
Runs on Electricity, But Not Propane
If the electric mode is working, but the propane mode is not, you’ll need to have a look at the flame on the back of the unit. If the flame does not light, you may need to clean the burner, check propane lines for clogs, and ensure there is a spark when you switch the fridge to propane mode. A lack of spark could be caused by a lack of battery power or a blown fuse.
Dometic Refrigerator Parts List
Obviously your Dometic fridge has a freezer compartment, fridge compartment, door, and shelves. You know these parts because you see and use them every day, both in your motorhome and in your house. But these are not the only parts you need to know about.
Thermistor
The thermistor is a small part visible from inside the fridge. This is the wiring that senses the internal temperature of the fridge and regulates it accordingly. As mentioned above, a damaged thermistor can cause the fridge to stop cooling properly. That said, sometimes you simply need to move the thermistor to a different part of the fridge to encourage the unit to start cooling again.
Fridge Vents
The fridge vents are what allow hot air to move away from the fridge. You’ll see vents on the side of your RV as well as on the roof. These should always remain free of debris in order to facilitate air movement your Dometic fridge needs to work well.
Burner
The vent compartment on the side wall houses the propane lines and burner. The burner must be clean in order to hold a flame and without a flame, the fridge will not work in propane mode, so make sure this stays clean.
Cooling Unit
And the cooling unit is usually on the side of the RV, sometimes in the underbelly, which you can access by removing a screwed-in panel. The cooling unit is perhaps the most important Dometic RV refrigerator part because it does all the heavy lifting. If your cooling unit breaks, you will likely want to call a professional to make the repair or just replace the unit entirely.
Dometic RV Refrigerator Parts Diagram
Not sure the info you need is provided above? All Dometic refrigerator owner’s manuals come with a diagram to help you identify parts and find replacement parts when necessary. If you can’t find your owner’s manual, try searching for the parts diagram for your Dometic fridge online.
Hopefully this information helps you keep your Dometic fridge up and running for years to come, so you can enjoy many great adventures with your trusty fridge! Why not make your fridge repairs now, so you can enjoy your next RV getaway as soon as possible?
