Any modern refrigerator is a complex system, where the majority of parts interact with each other. In case of damage of one part, the entire system can fall out, if a breakdown is not corrected in time. The diagnostics of malfunction contributing to the further professional repairs of a refrigerator is the key objective of troubleshooting tables with faults` codes for dometic refrigerators presented below.
One of the most popular models from the Dometic NEA range is the side-by-side refrigerator-freezer 1402. The NEA lineup has all-electric operation, while the NDA version can use either 120V AC or LP gas as energy source. The DMR/DMC 7-series includes two-door top freezers that can operate on LP gas.
| Symptom | Check/Remedial action |
|---|---|
| The refrigerator has stopped cooling. | • Immediately turn the refrigerator off and contact a Dometic dealer or Service Center. NOTE! Do not leave it running for days and never try to solve the problem by repeatedly restarting the refrigerator. • Do not use the refrigerator until it has been repaired. |
| Ammonia emanates from refrigerator | • Immediately turn the refrigerator off. • Open windows and door to air out the coach and evacuate. • Contact a Dometic dealer or Service Center. • Do not use the refrigerator until it has been repaired. |
| The refrigerator does not work on 120V AC. | • Defective fuse? Fit a new fuse. • Connection to supply voltage? Establish power connection. |
| Refrigerator or freezer is not cold enough. | • Is the plug firmly connected to the socket? Is the socket switched on? Check the socket by plug- ging in another appliance. • Is the thermostat properly set? • Is the refrigerator level? Because of its operation it is important to keep an absorption refrigerator level. • Has the overheating protection been triggered or not? (Must be checked by an authorized service technician.) • Is there a power failure? Are the fuses intact for the AC supply and control system? • Has the door been closed properly? If not it can cause the inside temperature to rise. Don’t open the doors too often or leave it open for too long - this lets cold air from inside escape and warm moist air get in. • Overpacked refrigerator? The unit will have to work harder if the refrigerator is stuffed and re- sults in higher cabinet temperatures. Arrange the food in the unit to allow for free air circulation. • Venting problem? Restriction in air flow across cooling unit? Ensure that there is sufficient clear- ance between the refrigerator and the surrounding walls to allow for proper air circulation around the unit. NDA1402 • Is the burner dim, damaged or not properly located under the flue tube? • Is the burner jet clogged? • Is the flue baffle inserted properly in the flue tube? • Is the LP gas pressure low at burner? Set the main regulator to regulate the pressure so it does not drop below 1 i inches water column at pressure tap. |
| The refrigerator does not work in gas operation mode | • Gas bottle empty? Change the gas bottle • Air in the gas pipe? Remove the air by switching the refrigerator on and off 3-4 times. |
| Remaining frost | • Have the doors been closed properly? Are the doors well sealed? If the doors are not closed properly or the seal is poor, cold air will leak out, and warm moist air seep into the refrigerator causing frost build-up. • If frost still remains after having performed manual defrosting as well, check the following possible causes: - Has the defrost timer been set properly? - Has the ice-maker been used during transit? This may cause spillage of water. - If dry camping, the batter) might not be fully charge. This may lead to poor defrosting. |
| Odors from fumes | • Dislocated burner • Damaged burner • Dim flue tube |
Many owners of caravans and motorhomes use Dometic TYPE C series refrigerators, especially the absorption refrigerators from the RM range. The cooling process in absorption refrigerators is driven by the energy from a heat source.
| Possible cause | Action you can take |
|---|---|
| Failure : The refrigerator does not work in gas operation mode. | |
| a.) Gas bottle empty. | a.) Change gas bottle. |
| b.) Is the supply cut-out device open? | b.) Open the cut-out device. |
| c.) Air in the gas pipe? | c.) Switch device off and on again 3-4 times to remove air from the gas pipe. |
| Failure : The refrigerator does not work on 12V. | |
| a.) On-board fuse defective. | a.) Fit new fuse. |
| b.) On-board battery discharged. | b.) Check battery, charge it |
| c.) Engine not running. | c.) Start engine. |
| Failure : The refrigerator does not work on 230V. | |
| a.) On-board fuse defective. | a.) Fit new fuse. |
| b.) No connection to supply voltage. | b.) Establish power connection. |
| c.) AES: gas operation despite connection to the supply voltage? | c.) Appliance switches to gas operation due to insufficient supply voltage (automatically switches back to 230 V operation) |
| Failure : The refrigerator does not cool sufficiently. | |
| a.) Inadequate ventilation to the unit. | a.) Check that the ventilation grilles are not covered. |
| b.) The thermostat setting is too low. | b.) Turn the thermostat to a higher setting. |
| c.) There is too much ice on the condenser. | c.) Check that the refrigerator door seals when shut. |
| d.) Too much warm food put inside. | d.) Let food cool down first. |
| e.) Appliance running for a short time. | e.) Wait several hours, check again. |
Similar to most Dometic appliances, the RMD series refrigerators use absorption technology. RMD refrigerators are two-door top-freezer refrigerators operating on electricity or gas. They vary in capacity from 160 to 190 liters.
| Possible cause | Action you can take |
|---|---|
| Failure: The refrigerator does not cool sufficiently. | |
| ■ Inadequate ventilation to the unit. | ■ Check that the ventilation grilles are not covered. |
| ■ Thermostat setting is too low. | ■ Set thermostat to a higher level. |
| ■ The condenser is heavily frosted. | ■ Check that the refrigerator door closes properly. |
| ■ Too much warm food has been stored inside within short period of time. | ■ Allow warm food to cool down before storage. |
| ■ The appliance has been running for only a short period of time. | ■ Check whether the cooling compartment works after approx. 4-5 hours. |
| ■ Ambient temperatures too high. | ■ Regularly remove ventilation grilles. |
| Failure: The refrigerator does not cool in gas operation mode. | |
| ■ Gas cylinder empty. | ■ Change gas cylinder. |
| ■ Is the upstream shut-off device open ? | ■ Open shut-off device. |
| ■ Air in the gas pipe ? | ■ Switch off the appliance and start again. Repeat this procedure 3-4 times, if necessary. |
| Failure: The refrigerator does not cool in 12V operation. | |
| ■ On-board fuse defective. | ■ Fit new fuse. |
| ■ On-board battery discharged. | ■ Check battery, charge it. |
| ■ Engine not running. | ■ Start engine. |
| ■ Heating element defective (please also refer to failure indication). | ■ Please inform the Dometic Customer Services. |
| Failure: The refrigerator does not cool in 230V operation. | |
| ■ On-board fuse defective. | ■ Fit new fuse. |
| ■ Vehicle not connected to mains supply voltage. | ■ Make a connection to a mains power supply. |
| ■ AES: Gas operation despite connection to the mains supply voltage? | ■ Appliance switches to gas operation due to insufficient mains supply voltage (automatically switches back to 230V operation). |
| ■ Heating element defective (please also refer to failure indication). | ■ Please inform the Dometic Customer Services. |
Dometic RM is a very extensive lineup comprising over 100 models. They vary in size from the compact one-door to the full-size two-door freezer-refrigerators. Dometic RM fridges share the ability to operate on LP gas, which makes them very convenient for caravans.
| Symptom | Check/Remedial action |
|---|---|
| The refrigerator has stopped cooling. | • Immediately turn the refrigerator off and see a Dometic dealer. |
| Refrigerator or freezer is not cold enough | • Is the plug firmly connected to the socket? Is the socket switched on? Check the socket by plugging in another appliance. • Defective fuse? Fit a new fuse. • For refrigerators equipped with thermostat - check if it is properly set. • Is the refrigerator level? Because of its operation it is important to keep an absorption refrigerator level. • Heavy frost build-up on evaporator fins? To prevent frost buildup, which can reduce efficiency, do not leave the unit’s door open longer than necessary. • Has the overheating protection been triggered or not? (Must be checked by a qualified service technician.) • Is there a power failure? Are the fuses are intact for the AC supply and control system? • Has the door been closed properly causing the inside temperature to rise to quickly? • Overpacked refrigerator ? The unit will have to w ork harder if the refrigerator is stuffed and results in higher cabinet temperatures. Arrange the food in the unit to allow' for free air circulation. • Is the burner dirty, damaged or not properly located under the flue tube? • Is the burner jet clogged? • Is the flue baffle inserted properly in the flue tube? • Is the LP gas pressure lowr at burner? Set the main regulator to regulate the pressure so it does not drop below 11 inches water column at pressure tap. |
| Odors from fumes: | • Dislocated burner • Damaged burner • Dirty flue tube |
| The refrigerator does not work in gas operation mode | • Gas bottle empty? Change the gas bottle • Air in the gas pipe? Remove the air by switching the refrigerator on and off 3-4 times. |