Help! Refrigerator isn't on?

[barbara4rb]

I'm spending this weekend testing and out learning all the systems on my *new* Sovereign 21'. Have it home in the driveway. It has a Dometic RM 3604 LP-Gas and Electric Refrigerator. I've got the AS, plugged into 120V. The AC Power light is on (panel above the stove), the AC roof unit works.

I know the Prev Owner had the fridge on when I originally went and looked at it (many months ago). I have turned the On/Off switch (C) to ON and the A light is on(Full AEO operation). BUT nothing is happening. No light on in the fridge, no cooling.

Am I missing something really simple? Sorry if this is a dumb question. How should I trouble shoot this???

Thanks!

[Maryw164]

On ours there is a switch in the outside compartment that you have to change from gas to electric when switching modes. Maybe you have one too? Even though ours is a '72 it might still be the same. It doesn't hurt to check.

Mary

[Bowmans]

Not trying to state the obvious but it happened to us... We have a 1979 31' with gas/elec. original fridge. When we went to look at it at the sellers, he had it running on Elec. and it was cold inside. We got it home and about a month later, decided to cut it on again. Turned the gas/elec. knob to Elec. and no running noises. I thought it was broken. We decided to leave it on all night and the next AM, it was freezing. I thought it would have some noise like our house fridge but I guess with amonia (sp) operation, it is silent. Maybe this is what your is doing?

[87MH]

Originally Posted by barbara4rb

...It has a Dometic RM 3604 LP-Gas and Electric Refrigerator. I've got the AS, plugged into 120V. The AC Power light is on (panel above the stove), the AC roof unit works...

You might want to check the voltage and the general condition of the battery. The 3604 has at least 2 circuit boards, it might be that either there is a corroded terminal that lets the "A" light come on, but does not supply enough current at a proper voltage to allow the rest of the auto operation or there is a problem with the battery - if the converter is not being filtered by a "good" battery, there may be enough "noise" in the converter output to confuse the circuit boards.

Also, check the voltge at the receptical where the dometic is plugged in - may be a thrown circuit breaker or some corrosion in the plug area.

[moosetags]

RV refrigerators take a while to start cooling down. When starting from warm, we always put a bowl of ice in each compartment (refrigerator and freezer) to help things along.

That being said, it's not a good sign that the refrigerator light is not coming on, although since you have a light on the control panel, it would seem that you have 12 volt DC to the unit. Check the refer bulb; it could be burned out or loose.

If there is still no cooling, I would check the 110 volt AC circuit breakers at the converter panel. One may have tripped, causing this problem. While in there, I would also check all of the 12 volt DC automotive fuses.

If all of this fails start checking the wiring to the refrigerator. Some Airstream refrigerators have an actual household plug that plugs into an outlet in the outside refrigerator compartment. Check to make sure that it is plugged in. Also check the outlet to see if it is hot.

Try plugging the refrigerator in to an extension cord which is plugged into you house power.

Good luck and advise us of your progress.

Brian

[barbara4rb]

Well, I turned it on last night and left it on. (Did check for switch in outside compartment, there isn't one.) This morning the freezer is at 23 deg F and refrig is at 44 deg F. Guess I was expecting to hear a humming sound when I turned it on. Or at least "feel" some coldness.

The light is still out, so will check for loose/burnt out bulb. Also, this afternoon I'll start up the propane and see if I can figure that out.

I plan to let it run for a few days and will keep checking the temps.

Thanks a lot for your help!
PS I know the Prev Owner installed brand new batteries right before I picked it up. He wanted to be sure everything was working perfectly for me. What a good guy he is.

[Bowmans]

Originally Posted by barbara4rb

Well, I turned it on last night and left it on. (Did check for switch in outside compartment, there isn't one.) This morning the freezer is at 23 deg F and refrig is at 44 deg F. Guess I was expecting to hear a humming sound when I turned it on. Or at least "feel" some coldness.

Yup. I was cursing when I didn't hear a hum. Thought I was going to have to shell out more money. It was the wife's idea to leave it on overnight and thanks goodness for her good sense.