Dometic Refrig Not Starting on LP

[ibosket]

This is a 2017 FC 23FB.

While prepping for an upcoming trip South I’m testing my Dometic refrigerator. It starts fine on electric, but when attempting to start in on LP it continues clicking and then shuts off. While it’s clicking I can see the blue flame - so I know it’s getting gas - but for some reason it just won’t stay lit. After a couple of attempts the “Check” light illuminates on the panel. Has anyone else had this issue or have some suggestions?

We used the coach this past October and everything worked fine - we came home and winterized as normal.

Thank you!

Curt

[BigSxyWhtGuy]

Id try resetting the propane regulator if you haven’t already. Then you can start looking at the fridge components.

[ibosket]

Thank you for your reply.

I was just about to do some other tests and cleaning to see if it would help - but I decided to try it one more time beforehand. Of course, happily, it started right up on LP like normal!

It’s been cold and damp here - so maybe that had something to do with it. I had turned on the furnace and warmed up the interior for a while also - but I don’t know if that had any affect either. It’s a mystery!

[AgBullet]

One thing I always do before switching to propane after the rig has been sitting a while is to light my cooktop and run all three burners for a few minutes. This seems to take care of any air in the line, and the fridge always seems to light and stay lit after I do it.

[ibosket]

Yes, I had done that as well. As I stated earlier I could see that the blue flame was on - it just wouldn’t stay lit.

Thanks.

[ITSNO60]

Check the little spade connectors that connect the flame sensor to the gas valve, they can get corroded and loose and any interruption to that flame sensor, even if momentarily, will cause the unit to shut down. It doesn't take a lot to interfere with the signal because it is in millivolts.

[GCinSC2]

Do other propane appliances fire up normally ? If yes that a good indicator of healthy regulator.

This fridge flame is real small.

[TomPiper]

We have this same issue frequently on our 2011 with an original fridge. It used to be very occasional but now it's something we seem to have to deal with fairly often. I've had the components professionally cleaned and the regulator inspected, but still it happens.

For now, what does seem to solve it is running the range burners first. So it must have to do with air in the lines, but I'm not sure why that issue seems to be happening more often.

[lemley]

I’d guess it’s the thermocouple or the control board or the wiring in between. I have a refrigerator about the same age which used to be real finicky, but after several mods she now work’s beautifully. And I live in Texas.

I’m sure the flame sensor has been checked visually. Here is a link to a good service manual.
https://fourwheelcampers.com/NewDome...atorManual.pdf. I keep that PDF on my phone.

I had problems with my lower control board and replaced it with the dinosaur board. Best thing I ever did. When I had problems later with the unit doing a rapid fire switch between gas and AC, I called their tech support. Those are real people with real knowledge of how things work. And incredibly helpful. The guy asked me to check voltage at a point on the board. I called him back and he said that problem pointed to a switch on the upper board. He told me to operate the switch many times and see if that cleaned it up. It did. I subsequently pulled the upper board and cleaned the switch with contact cleaner.

All that to say, I saved a whole lot of money by switching to the dinosaur board. Mostly due to their tech support.

[CruizinDux]

agree with the above, but i would also check the burn tube for spiders. i rotate in twice a year and place a lg k9 flea collar ( half each at the WH and refer) just below the tubes. never seen a spider or a dauber.


Edit: photo

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by CruizinDux

agree with the above, but i would also check the burn tube for spiders. i rotate in twice a year and place a lg k9 flea collar ( half each at the WH and refer) just below the tubes. never seen a spider or a dauber.Edit: photo

\

^^^^^^^
This

....Checking & cleaning is now part of every Spring get-ready. It started as disassembly & spraying everything with brakleen...I now use 60psi from the garage compressor and blo the bugs & crud out.

Bob
🇺🇸

[GCinSC2]

Posting your units model number can help also. If this is still unresolved, how long before it does what your described in 1st post.

"but when attempting to start in on LP it continues clicking and then shuts off. While it’s clicking I can see the blue flame - so I know it’s getting gas - but for some reason it just won’t stay lit. After a couple of attempts the “Check” light illuminates on the panel."

The attached Dometic manual has diagnostics for flame failure after 10 seconds or 3 minutes. See pg 4 ref 13 and 14 but some info may not apply due to model specifics.

Gary

[ibosket]

Thank you. As I stated in Post #3 herein, this issue resolved on its own. However I appreciate all the suggestions and will use some of the cleaning techniques mentioned.

Curt

[GCinSC2]

Curt,

Darn it, missed that by a mile. safe travels.

Gary