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Scott59 · 05-14-2018, 05:02 PM

My 2017 International dometic refrigerator would not switch from gas to AC power as it normally does once I plug into 50A service. I turned it off then back on and it starts up on gas even though the trailer is connected to AC?? Any ideas what is wrong? Am I missing something simple?

dznf0g · 05-14-2018, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott59

My 2017 International dometic refrigerator would not switch from gas to AC power as it normally does once I plug into 50A service. I turned it off then back on and it starts up on gas even though the trailer is connected to AC?? Any ideas what is wrong? Am I missing something simple?

I don't know what fridge you have, but my switch must be in auto for it to switch back and forth. If the switch is on gas, it will never move to electric.

Al and Missy · 05-14-2018, 07:28 PM

Assuming your switch is in AUTO, this is reported on here as a recurring problem with newer trailers. Several have posted that the issue is a blown fuse in the back of the fridge. Replacing the fuse cures the problem temporarily, but the fix is temporary. Fridges have been repaired/replaced under warranty for this fault.

Al

Scott59 · 05-15-2018, 05:52 AM

Yes, I have the switch turned to Auto but it’s still not switching?? Thanks.

Scott59 · 05-15-2018, 05:56 AM

Al, thanks for that information on this fridge.
I will call Airstream first and see if we can head off a problem that is known to re-occur after the dealer fixes it.

Leslieotr · 05-15-2018, 10:16 AM

Our 2017 Flying Cloud did the same thing but did switch when I turned it off for a few minutes and then turned it to Auto again. We are going to Jackson Center in July so want to know if this is a problem that gets worse and we need to have the fridge replaced before our warranty runs out. Thanks.

**DKB_SATX** · 05-15-2018, 10:30 AM

Basic troubleshooting off the top of my head:

Check the trailer's breakers (make sure there's power to the AC outlet)
Physically/visually verify that the refrigerator's cord is still plugged into the socket
Check the fuses on the refrigerator control board

franklyfrank · 05-15-2018, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott59

My 2017 International dometic refrigerator would not switch from gas to AC power as it normally does once I plug into 50A service. I turned it off then back on and it starts up on gas even though the trailer is connected to AC?? Any ideas what is wrong? Am I missing something simple?

Our 2017 Classic is temperamental as well. When we precool the fridge while connected to shorepower in auto mode it will not switch to L.P. without turning it on and off a couple of times. When on the road we simply keep it on L.P .and it works great. It's a pain having to keep checking it as we get on the way.

Scott59 · 05-15-2018, 12:24 PM

Excellent suggestions DKB. I will make those checks . I’ll also report back on this issue regarding how it works out since others are having similar problems.

kjbishop2 · 05-15-2018, 04:06 PM

On previous, non-airstream, trailer I had situations where shore power was insufficient voltage (too low) to switch from gas to electric... especially if you have a surge protector that protects both brownouts and surge situations attached or installed in trailer. Just an additional thought. Good luck.

AlumiTiki · 05-17-2018, 06:15 AM

I have had the reverse of this issue in my 2017 Flying Cloud. My Dometic switched to gas while plugged in to shore power. I did not discover this until all the propane was consumed (did not see that tiny light.) The AC fuse had blown. My Airstream service department could not find any issue with the Dometic control board. They suggested a surge protector might avoid this so I added one and have not had this issue since. That control board is sensitive to power fluxuations.

wave man · 05-19-2018, 04:37 AM

Had this exact problem on my 2018FC. Follow above checks first and if nothing helps it’ll have to get checked by a tech.

Mine required a new heating element (to keep the refrigerants circulating- LP uses a small flame to do this). Was a very quick fix accessed through the outside panel. Just the third electrical/electronic component failure I’ve had new..
GL

Scott59 · 05-19-2018, 04:39 AM

Thank you Alumitiki, I will ask my dealer to check the AC fuse.

Scott59 · 05-20-2018, 06:55 AM

Wave man, thank you.
Great to know you have experienced the same symptoms and what the issue turned out to be. Arms me with some thoughts to review with the tech at my dealer.