Stumped by the Frig

[FlyFishInn]

My frig runs fine on A/C (frig 36-40 degrees 15 - 20 degrees). However, on gas, the frig warms but the freezer holds cold. On 12v, nothing.

I am most concerned that the gas doesn't give me the more efficient cooling capacity. My dealer said replace the unit. I don't seem this is necessary as the unit runs fine on A/C power.

I am confused to the situation. Please advise.

[driftwood]

Try wandering around this site: http://www.rvmobile.com

[Firecop]

I had a similar problem, only I did not get any cooling on gas. Problem was, it plugged up by rust/debris in the burner. Cleaned everything out and now it works great. The 12V issue may be the heating element has gone south. I am not sure if those 3 -way fridges have a 12V heating element or not. I don't have 12V on mine as it is a very old one. Try a search and see what you come up with. There is a lot of info on this site, it just takes time and patience to find it.
LOL Kim

[Pahaska]

My trailer is at the dealers at the moment because it is doing just what you describe. There could be any of a number of causes; some are:

• Low gas pressure
• Clogged up burner
• Gas thermostat not working
• High flame solenoid not working
• Circuit board problem

Most models have a separate thermostat for gas and electric operation.

As for the 12v failure; sounds like a burned out 12v heater element. They are relatively easy to remove and replace. In 12v operation, there are no thermostats or circuitry involved. The 12v is simply turned on and left on since it is not powerful enough to cause freezing problems. That is why the element is the most suspect.

In my case, it appears to be the citrcuit board staying in low-flame mode since AC operation cools well enough to freeze food in the refrigerator section at the coldest setting.

[C Johnson]

Just thought I'd put in my .02 . I just put my refer back in after restoring. It only went to 52 deg the first time around. So I did some research and found that for optimum operation you need good venting. I also found that my burner was a bit clogged. I cleaned the thermostat, cleaned the burner, and adjusted the flame. Now it ranges from 38 to 50 in the main compartment. I still have venting issues to tackle. Not too bad for a 40 yr old fridge. Mine is gas only and original to my '65 Caravel. Once I get the venting fixed ( I have a dead air space on top of the refer ) I expect it to work just fine.

Chris