Dometic 3800 fridge is not working

swebster · 08-07-2003, 05:13 AM

Does anyone have a good online resource for troubleshooting Dometics? I've replaced the board in my fridge (the old on was burned out at the 12V heater element connection) checked all of the fuses, wiring connections and everything else I can think of and still can't get this thing to light. Any direction would be appreciated. When I called the local dealer they seemed to want to just replace "that old fridge" with a new one. I'd rather spend a little more time on it and see what is going on. The trouble is that the wireing diagrams don't really help you to check voltages, etc and isolate the issue.

James Schmidt · 08-07-2003, 06:25 AM

Try the following sites:
http://www.gasrefrigerations.net/dometic
http://www.bryantrv.com

good luck,

markjoandall · 08-07-2003, 06:56 AM

Also try:

rvmobile.com

jaiman · 08-07-2003, 08:40 PM

I had some difficulty with mine at one time. I discovered that I had to be perfectly level in order for it to work. An obvious suggestion I know but worth a try.

53flyingcloud · 08-08-2003, 12:03 AM

swebster

When you say it doesn't work....
Are you saying just the 12v side of the operation or, in all modes of operation?

Quote:

(the old on was burned out at the 12V heater element connection)

Did you find out what caused this to burn out and, repair it first before replacing the old board with the new one?

Did you check or replace the electric heater element>??

If the old board got this "stressed" to burn out, I'd double everything all the way back to the circuit breaker to be sure you're good to go~Another thing, even tho you've replaced the old board with a new one..there's a remote possibility that, if the 'original problem' was still there that caused the old board to fry...it may very well have zapped something on the new board..check for fuses, etc..

I'm sure you find the problem in time..
Good luck..
ciao

swebster · 08-08-2003, 08:37 AM

To answer everyone's questions and describe what I think happened; the fridge was not working in any mode, 120, 12 or LP. No ammonia, no green particles on the condensor, etc. Just seemed like a dead fridge. Once I removed the board cover I could see that the 12V lead was toast (literally). I replaced the board and ran a new wire into the 12V block. I suspected that the 12V lead as wedged between the board case and cover which eventually cut the insulation and shorted the wire and board in the process. Everything upstream seems OK from a wiring perspective. I also found the thermostat wire disconnected from the relay (maybe a PO attempt at disabling the unit?). In any case, I reconnected and checked all wiring harnesses and connection, turned it on and this morning when we checked the fridge we had ice in the freezer!

Thank you James. Those troubleshooting guides are amazing! I appreciate everyone's advice on this. We were making due on this trip without the fridge but it sure is nice to have it back.

53flyingcloud · 08-08-2003, 09:20 AM

That's FANTASTIC...~~

Nice time to have some cold spuds now~!~!??

YOU EARNED IT...

ciao