Refrigerator and auto switch button

[dlenloe]

Again, as a newbie- - - we have only made 3 trips in our 2016 AS Flying Cloud 23FB. This last one was partial boondocking. When we no longer had generator power the fridge did not switch to propane even though it was on auto. We checked to be sure lines were open as well as valves. Needless to say, our meat and dairy products became garbage. Has anyone else experienced this?

Thanks for any and all information.
DL

[AstroBruce]

If all your other propane appliances work, then you probably have a problem with the fridge. Try purging air from the other appliances and try again.

Bruce

[CRH]

At the beginning of your trip, light a stove eye for a few minutes to purge the lines, then turn the fridge on to gas and make sure it lights. After that, it should auto switch with no problems.

[cwf]

Was the CHECK light on when u returned? Have you checked since returning that the switch works when u lose or restore power?

Several "cycles" of power then propane are in order.

It is possible to see the flame when on Propane from the outside vent cover.

It is possible the batteries were not providing sufficient power to the panel and/or propane valve and igniter. If on AC, the converter will supply power to operate even propane... on batteries... maybe.

There is an outside possibility that the propane line has not been purged so won't light... then goes into "check"..

[dlenloe]

I will definitely try to purge lined first..as far as the check light...the entire control panel was black with no lights whatsoever. Previous to that, we had been on generator power and check light was not on just the auto light.

[cwf]

Originally Posted by dlenloe

I will definitely try to purge lined first..as far as the check light...the entire control panel was black with no lights whatsoever. Previous to that, we had been on generator power and check light was not on just the auto light.

No lights?? You have no DC power or board fried. Check for power.. the board is DC...

[dlenloe]

Will do!

[graysailor]

Make sure that your battery disconnect switch is in the proper position.

I have had this problem twice. 1. I had to replace the control board for the Refrig. Airstream did that at no cost.

2. The igniter was just a smidgeon too far from the propane tube (where the ignitor gets the propane) I had to call a mobil RV repair guy to figure this one out. He solved the problem within just a few minutes.

[CruizinDux]

ditto on the line purge. light all burners and let them run a few minutes Same for the WH.

Have you tried the gas button to override the auto function. Open the the lower access door and listen for the clicking of the ignition. While in the lower section, tighten all screw connections/push-on's. You may have to remove the cover an clean the tube as spiders love it there. I semi annually add 1/2 a fresh flea collar there and the WH igniter areas.

Maybe check the 12VDC fuse for the refer.

Bob

[Nomad518]

Ditto on check the 12v fuse. When our AS was new, it was missing a fuse altogether.

[guskmg]

No lites= No D.C. Power
No fire= No propane
No Check Lite= No problem.
guskmg

[dlenloe]

Thanks to each and every one of you for your wise suggestions. Tried the purge of lines first. That worked. Discovered that on generator I cannot run a/c and fridge, if course you seasoned RV'ers already knew that. I can run a/c on generator and fridge on propane, works so far, or I can run fridge on generator and no a/c. You are all a wealth of knowledge. Hopefully, one day I can help a newbie. 🤔😊

[Bobbo]

Water heater must be on propane also if running the AC on a generator.

[dlenloe]

👌👍 great note to self. Thanks

[OTRA15]

. . . all depending on number/sizes of gen, A/C etc. . . .



The fridge's 120-volt heating element does not draw much juice BTW. We can charge our batteries and run the fridge on 120-volts, using only a Yamaha 1000 watt generator. No A/C or water heater of course.

[guskmg]

You can run all you trailer appliances with A/C if you plumb your genny directly to a high pressure propane source. Use a Y on a bottle to do this. I plumbed mine thru a "L" port ball valve to both bottles. That way in real cold weather you won't be limited to the propane boil off maximum. The colder it gets, the less gas is produced.
guskmg

[Bobbo]

Originally Posted by guskmg

You can run all you trailer appliances with A/C if you plumb your genny directly to a high pressure propane source. Use a Y on a bottle to do this. I plumbed mine thru a "L" port ball valve to both bottles. That way in real cold weather you won't be limited to the propane boil off maximum. The colder it gets, the less gas is produced.
guskmg

Doesn't that depend on the output of the generator?

[HiHoAgRV]

I camped with a pal who has a SOB with a Norcold fridge. With a low battery a 1000w Honda wouldn't run the battery charger and the fridge. We never could get the Norcold to force to 'propane' and finally ended up pulling the 110v plug in the back of it!

[Foiled Again]

Never hurts to double check your fridge setting - like at every rest stop. MY personal malfunction is that to leave Tidewater VA most routes send one through a tunnel, where the rig is given a cursory inspection and the bottles are turned off. Having a goal to reach I've more than once forgotten to pull off and turn the bottles back ON for several hours. Note to self on steering wheel plus a big bag-o-ice inside the fridge really helps. Also refraining from buying perishables until very close to my destination doesn't hurt either. ERR on the side of caution with the really sensitive stuff. I NEVER buy anything but a tiny jar of mayonnaise except when I've volunteered to make 4 dozen deviled eggs. And then I do not open the jar til the eggs are already simmering.