It usually has a door like the one pictured below. For the 1210 and other similar models, the most common reset button is the on and off switch. Make sure that your RV is parked on level ground before checking any other potential issues.2. Norcolds 121X series of RV refrigerators are some of the most popular on the market, and for good reason. However, the amount of absorption is determined by the speed at which the coolant will pass through the condenser coils, which is determined by gravity. Yes, it should be blue with very little to no yellow around it but even if it is a nice blue color that doesnt necessarily mean its right. Do not use a converter or battery charger to supply the DC power directly to the unit because these two devices do not supply filtered DC power. Rv refrigerators (40 pages) Refrigerator Norcold 121X series Owner's Manual. When everything is back in place you can now turn the propane back on. Thanks for letting us know that it worked! If you see this error code, it means something is incorrect with the refrigerators controls, To repair the issue, contact a Norcold service center or a trained technician, No AC voltage available to the control panel of the refrigerator. Model Letter Codes The letter after the model number identify optional factory installed components. There is the possibility that different Norcold RV fridges have different reset systems. Norcold is one of the leading manufacturers of RV refrigerators in North America. One of the challenges of owning a recreational vehicle is keeping all amenities functional. You dont want to blow from the large end because you dont want more dirt and debris to get stuck in the tiny orifice. refrigerator (18 pages), 12.0 cu.ft., 2-way, 4-door, r.v. refrigerator with ice maker (20 pages), Thetford 1210: supplementary guide (15 pages), 12.0 cu.ft., 2-way, 4-door, r.v. The one odd occasion when we had a cooling issue, it was related to the control board (?) Finally, check the door seals to make sure theyre tight and free of any debris. Refrigerator Compressor The refrigerator compressor is responsible for compressing and pushing out refrigerant vapor into the condenser coils located behind the refrigerator. The vodka trick is still one of my better ideas. Any ideas? When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Where are your replies? This is a fault within the refrigerator controls. Make sure the propane gas tank valve is opened and the gas is at the proper pressure. Check to see that the power cord is still in good working order and if it is properly plugged in if it is. If you go outside your RV and open the back refer covers and see yellow powder, you need a new cooling unit.2. One is for the AC power and one is for DC power. This should be done on all four sides of the door. Temp is controlled by how long it is on and off.5. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 3. Unit senses flame when gas mode is not selected, - Bad power control board and/or LCD display, Burner control module senses incorrect feedback, Gas lockout; flame fails to ignite after 30 seconds, - Bad (coach) solar panel regulator or solar panel, - Loose connection on power board wires, Unit in Manual DC mode - 'no engine run- ning" displayed, Power control board and LCD display loose communication, Thermistor failure; unit is being controlled by backup operating system (BOS). It was working fine in the beginning when we had it mostly running on electrical but once we started camping and traveling full time the RV fridge has refused to get down to safe fridge and freezer temperatures when switched to gas. Many RVs have two vents on the compartment where the refrigerator is installed, and the door to the back of the fridge usually doubles as the lower vent. We added two fans to the back of our fridge. Have you tried using it on propane? Turn them halfway so they are both pointed straight up. - That the vehicle generator is operational (if applicable). I would also take a look at the outlet the fridge is supposed to be plugged in to and make sure all of the wires are in place and nothing is damaged. Loosen the nut connecting the propane line and the orifice. Great article with easy to understand pictures. Check solenoid coil connections and resistance. Thats why its important to know how to troubleshoot your 121X if something goes wrong.One of the most common issues with the 121X is that the fridge doesnt seem to be cooling properly. It is typically located near the bottom of the unit. Its pretty common for something to get in the way of that perfectly cut hole which restricts the gas flow and reduces the flames strength which in turn can cause your RV fridge to cool slightly but not enough to stay within the safe temperature zones. WARNING: Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service or maintenance can cause injury or property damage. Like any other equipment, however, Norcold refrigerators malfunction from time to time. Like any dual-fuel refrigerator for RVs, a Norcold refrigerator has a boiler that heats the coolant to trigger the refrigeration process. $222. We travel full time in our RV and write about what we learn and share our experiences. Failure to do so leads to all sorts of problems. flashes on eight (8) times every five (5) seconds. Journeyman and Master RV technician, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineer. Well, I will tell you that this information makes far more sense then my fridge doesnt get cold add a fan outside. The door was open for more than 2minutes. Find out how to troubleshoot your AC/ DC Norcold Refrigerator AC/ DC Refrigerators FAQ How should I connect my DC refrigerator?? Containers that contain liquids have to be sealed prior to placing in freezer. heats the coolant to trigger the refrigeration process, a compatibility issue does not cause the L1-oP. In some documents the low voltage for a typical RV fridge is 10.5VDC, but this is just a rule of thumb. These codes can help you identify what the problem is and whether or not its something that can be fixed easily. 2. A gas orifice is whats responsible for releasing the proper amount of gas, in this case, propane. However, the fault code is generally associated with an overheated boiler and is often a false alarm. A flame is present at the burner when there should none. Power board F1 fuse open (blown). The 121X-XX series gas absorption refrigerator cools on 120 volt AC power or propane gas. If you cannot remove it safely you may not be able to complete the soaking steps. Step 3: You can apply several methods to clean out the plug. Avoid placing your refrigerator in an area where it could be accidentally splashed or sprayed with water that could enter the electrical compartment of the refrigerator. Try This One Simple Trick. You can do this by undoing the single screw securing the burner assembly to the flume. Free Boondocking By The Bonneville Salt Flats & Wendover, Best RV AC Units Reviewed 2023 (13,500 & 15,000 BTU), Best 12V RV Air Compressor/Tire Inflator With Gauge 2023, 5 Best 12 Volt Lithium RV Batteries Reviewed + How To Charge. CamperUpgrade.com is a participant of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program it is designed to provide an aid for the websites in earning an advertisement fee by means of advertising and linking to Amazon.com products. We now leave our display in diagnostic mode on screen 3 and monitor fin temp. I am 46. Be aware of any cooling changes that are not because of weather, loading, or thermostat changes. A loud happy flame heating the ammonia in the RV fridge coils to keep everything nice and cold. Make sure the area behind the refrigerator is clear. It sounds like something I would try. This August while boondocking for several days, our suspicions were founded because it was not cooling. First, if you have a Norcold refrigerator, good for you. Warm foods, high ambient temperatures, and frequent door openings will increase the cooldown time. Ill explain more about where to find it, what it looks like, and how to remove it in the how to clean the RV fridge gas orifice section below. No other switches, lead wires, or electrical equipment should share the wiring between the refrigerator and battery. Thetford 1210: supplementary guide (15 pages) Refrigerator Norcold 1210 Installation Manual. Once you have found the reset button, press and hold it for three seconds. I had even asked the shop tech about it ie is it normal to have it so loud! - See your dealer or authorized Norcold Service Center. The heating element I linked to probably isnt compatible with your RV fridge. Norcold Board Kit 637779 (replaces 633292) fits N621/ N821 model. I did everything the forums and blogs told me to do to try and fix the problem but it persisted. After you make these checks, if the refrigerator does not operate, contact your dealer or an authorized Norcold Service Center. The fin temperature should always be below 30 to keep the refer compartment in the low 30'sThe steps shown can be found here in section 9 on page 73http://rvrefrigeratorrepair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Norcold-Service-1210 You can then check the digital panel on your refrigerator to confirm if the code is gone. You dont want to stick anything into the small orifice hole because you may damage it. Thetford and Norcold are proud to support retail outlets that sell and service our products Simply select Retailers or Service Centers below, and enter your location (City & State or ZIP). When your Norcold refrigerator is showing a "no" "CO" error message on the control panel, you may need to reset the control board after you've repaired the unit to clear the error. The fridge had a couple fuses blown and the owners didnt know why the fridge wasnt working. Once you know what the code indicates, follow the troubleshooting steps outlined in your manual or online to try to resolve the issue.If youre still having trouble after following all of the recommended troubleshooting steps, then its time to call a professional. SYMPTOM: Norcold 1200 series (models 1200, 1201, 1210 and 1211) absorption refrigerator stops cooling, the unit beeps, and the refrigerator front panel display shows alternating "LI" and "oP" message, after a driving rain or washing your RV. If your Norcold refrigerator is not cooling in electric mode, troubleshoot the following components: 1. These refrigerators cost a fortune. Norcold refrigerator error codes Norcold Inc. is an American company producing refrigerators. If youre lucky cleaning the orifice will get your fridge cooling properly again in no time. If you dont have an air compressor handy compressed air cans like the ones used to clean computers (click to view on Amazon) work great. mine do not work with gas or electric so I will try both suggestion. Abs where is it. It works much like a regular fuse in an electrical system. Related RV Product: This Camco Refrigerator/Freezer Thermometer (click to view on Amazon) will help you monitor your RV fridge and freezer temperatures so youll know when theres a problem. This fault code appears on the units digital monitor blinking. We have struggled with keeping our RV refrigerator cold since the day we bought our travel trailer 2 years ago. Open circuit high temperature limit switch. This module is the first thing youll see when you open the door to the back of your refrigerator. In this article, we will teach you the most common solutions in Norcold Refrigerator Troubleshooting. Works great on electric but stopped cooling on propane a year ago. The No Co error is triggered when your fridge does not produce refrigerant for 2 hours. Ambient temperature is more than the normal operating temperature, or the refrigerator/freezer air-intake vent is obstructed. Does the RV fridge cool faster on propane? - That the fuse or circuit breaker of the vehicle is intact. Wait 20 minutes. Make sure you test the connection between the propane gas line and the orifice with soap water to make sure its tight and free of any leaks. Hiya! It's all about giving you peace of mind. And, make sure the circuit breaker for that area of the house is turned on. AC voltage is unavailable to the refrigerator control. Their refrigerators ensure years of trouble-free service. Where is the recommended reset? I have a Dometic On my 2011 rig we recently purchased. There are no pumps to wear out, and no compressors either. Make sure theres nothing blocking vents or air intakes. In addition, many small fridges work on AC, so you need shore power available. Norcold has a network of authorized service providers who are trained and experienced in repairing their products. Your refrigerator uses resistive heating to turn liquid ammonia to a gas. The door was open for more than 2minutes. This is fairly easy to do yourself just remove any dirt or debris with a brush or vacuum cleaner attachment. Assuming you would like tips on resetting a Norcold 121x refrigerator:1. To protect the cooling unit from overheating, the refrigerator will automatically shut-off when the vehicle air temperature is higher than 110 degrees F. If shut-off occurs, an audible alarm tone operates from the refrigerator. But this may not always work, and the fault code might appear again after a few days. How do I defrost my portable refrigerator? If the orifice was the problem it should now be allowing more propane through and you should have a nice strong flame burning which will make the RV fridge get colder. The difference varies depending on the model and the height of the refrigerator. Its also a good idea to have a spare refrigerator so that you have somewhere to store perishables if the replacement parts you purchased arent arriving until a few days. Refrigeratorsfrom the company Norcold Corporation are considered to be some of the best on the market of home appliances. Feel free to question any problems of repairing guide. Refrigerator Norcold 1200 Series Service Manual. Here are some of the key specs for this model: Dimensions: 28 W x 23.5 D x 59.5 H Weight: 190 lbs Capacity: 10 cu ft Refrigerant: R134a AC power consumption: 1.1 kWh/day (estimated) DC power consumption: 0.75 kWh/day (estimated)Some of the notable features offered by the Norcold 1210 include an automatic defrost system, adjustable thermostat, LED lighting, and a door lock. No AC input sensed available. Im glad it worked for you too. Below is a table of Norcold refrigerator error codes. Thermistor; Board Kits (both boards) Optical Boards; Power Boards; Gas Valves; . Sometimes its even one piece. This information raises two vital sets of questions: The temperature limit switch is a device that switches off the refrigerator when the boiler overheats. If it's on or blinks, that means the pilot light isn't staying lit. Plus, all models are equipped with Norcolds exclusive PolarMax cooling system, which ensures optimal performance in all climates.Price: One of the best things about Norcolds 121X series refrigerators is that theyre very affordably priced. I dont think I had ever heard the refrigerator flame. Check the fuse box first then I would replace the thermostat or try adjusting it again. refrigerator; 12.0 cu.ft., 2-way, 4-door, r.v. Refer to this manual. The sound is even more important than how the flame looks. This way, they can look at other possible reasons and give you more accurate advice. Hi Guys, I'mChristopher I am Home Appliance Repair Electrician & Engineer . If the seals are good and theres no air leaks, then its possible that the fridge is low on Freon. That's why it's important to know how to troubleshoot your 121X if something goes wrong. Thanks for the comment. - That the AC/DC converter is operational (if applicable). If successful, you should see all indicator lights on the control panel flash briefly before returning to their normal state. It should look like the part in the picture below if you have a Norcold fridge, if you have a Dometic fridge it may look slightly different because sometimes Dometic uses a burner assembly where the orifice and the burner tube are one piece. This is the back of my Norcold RV fridge with an Amish built cooling unit, the Dometic version will look slightly different but the location of the fridge orifice burner is basically the same. After a good soaking, the orifice is ready to be blown out and reinstalled. I then reassambled the orifice and blew it out with an airgun, put it back together and wow my flame is at least 3 times the size it was previously. You dont want to buy a replacement part that costs around $80 or more only to find out its the same as what you currently have. The Norcold fridges are designed to shut off at about 880 degrees F. They do this when there is a problem and the temperature levels get too high. You would want to relocate your RV before calling a specialist or spending a lot of money on future repairs, but ultimately, here are the solutions to your Norcold RV refrigerator that is not cooling. Before I couldnt hear the flame with my ear next to the unit, now I can stand 5 foot away and hear it roaring, and the fridge is now freezing. These are normally secured by a single bolt you can remove with pliers or a drill with the proper size of head on it. . These refrigerators were designed to work better in higher ambient temps. Things to remember:1. Turn the refrigerator/freezer OFF, or choose the voltage setting again, or the voltage to the refrigerator/freezer is low. for norcold 121X series, fault code LI, oP WHICH IS HIGH TEMPERATURE Set the refrigerator controls to "OFF". Make sure that the fridge is plugged in and receiving power. If you have a Norcold RV refrigerator thats not cooling but the freezer is, there are a few things you can check to see what the problem might be. Once you get the wind cover out of the way you should be able to see the orifice and burner tube clearly. No cooloing what so ever. refrigerator with ice maker (20 pages) Refrigerator Norcold 121XAC series Installation Manual Rv (19 pages) - That there is no air in the propane gas supply line. And, in most cases, the control panel is found within the refrigerator. How Should The Flame In An RV Fridge Look And Sound? Make sure that hot foods were not placed in the fresh food compartment of the refrigerator. Give us a call today! Keep the food compartment and the freezer clean. 5 years RV repair and reconstruction, Fleetwood RV Training course completion. Rv refrigerator (32 pages) . RVIA Technical Consultant Finally, make sure that nothing is blocking the fan on top of the fridge. See Also:BougeRV CR45 Portable Fridge Freezer Reviewed For Camping/RV. You should also double-check that the circuit breaker or fuse is in good working order. RV refrigerators need at least 12 volts of battery power to ignite. You may not easily find a mechanic or service center when you need one. To get to the gas orifice and burner you will need to remove the drip tray and the wind cover. As for the propane smell, thats not normal. Inspect the door seal for any damage or dirt build-up and clean or replace as necessary. This reset involves using a magnet small enough to be placed on the side of a typical module. Just my luck any ideas would be appreciated. Sooooo, in yet what I figured was my real last ditch effort this time, I took it all apart and soaked the orifice in vodka. . There is no waiting period to cool the fridge with a propane unit, which is perfect for a busy work or home setting. If your Norcold refrigerator is not working on propane, here are the possible problems and the solutions you can do. - That the propane gas is at the correct pressure. 4 sounds like a little overkill but if you have an extra large RV fridge it might be necessary. In order for your RV fridge to cool properly, air must be able to circulate around it. If your Norcold RV refrigerator is not working, one of the first things you should check are the fuses. The freezer seems to be cooling but not the refrigerator. I think it was the line where you used vodka (roughly 40% alcohol) to clean it in a pinch that related to me. I am a 65 year oldSenior with no man around that knows anything about this and Im on Social Security so if its something I could try to fix myself I would be so grateful for any advice. Norcold refrigerators have a Thermistor in them which is combination thermostat/ resistor. Page 2: Table Of Contents Its not a huge difference, but if anything else is equal, the gas engine produces more heat than the electric system. But some, like the refrigerator, have delicate electronics. This Website has been created with a reason to help my users to find proper solution of troubleshooting and solving appliance and home repairs problems. For. If you can remove the orifice now is the time to soak it in rubbing alcohol for around two hours. The flame is usually on the right-hand side under the flume which is the large cylinder that goes up behind the fridge. We have a Norcold and electric and gas dont work. 2. I am just taking a guess, but I would say that your RV refrigerator would not be a candidate for running on a device that converts 12 volt DC to 120v AC. One of the issues you may encounter with your fridge is the infamous L1-oP. . - That the manual shut off valve of the refrigerator is open. What was the recommend reset. DC voltage to the refrigerator control panel is too low. Thank you! The flame is normally covered by a metal wind guard but if you peek through the holes on the side you can usually see it. Just remember the magnet reset routine and the replacement procedure. Its pretty easy to change out yourself you just have to remove your fridge, then pull it out and replace it with a new one that is compatible with your model of RV fridge. If it is, then check to see if there is power getting to the fridge. Yes adding fans will work providing you have a strong flame to begin with. Hi, I am Peter Poole. 12VDC and 120VAC, ALL Appliances, Any and ALL problems! Its possible that its not set correctly and needs to be adjusted. It should be lefty loosey just like normal. If you have a large air compressor try and only use a blower with low pressure. The easiest way to find the orifice is to find the flame. It contains the most frequent problems relating to refrigerators Norcold and methods to solve them. Refrigerator Norcold 121X Series Service Manual. We change the menu daily, which allows diners to eat here every day without getting peppered by the same old thing. If the unit does not start to cool after two hours, contact your dealer or a Norcold authorized service center. Spiders love to spin webs near propane parts like burner tubes and when you fire up the fridge the web can burn and cause lots of soot that can block the burner tube and make the flame small. What Is A Gas Orifice And Where Is It Located On An RV Fridge? You can access the wiring to this part through the front doors of the fridge at the back of the shelves. Ultimately, with gas, hot water heats up quicker and recovers faster after use, but electricity is the easiest way to keep the water warm. If you own a Norcold RV refrigerator, then you know that its one of the best on the market. Simply close the refrigerator door correctly to clear the code. - That the manual shut off valve of the refrigerator is open. Temperature number flashes when SET TEMP button is pushed. This is so most of the airflow goes through the condenser fins to cool the fridge. It can be bypassed temporarily. If you place the magnet on the right side of this device, you will hear two consecutive click sounds, which signifies the reset. Well after cleaning the assembly with alcohol as described, the flame is definitely much louder and the refrigerator is now working properly on propane! If the person you are talking to is a customer service representative and not a technician, chances are they dont know this, and they will mistake the kit number for the module number. Ensure your RV batteries are charged with your multimeter voltage reader. Additionally, ensure that the gas supply line is free of air. Additionally, I decided to leave on overnight since it was 11 pm before reinstalling the orifice, in the morning I could smell propane so I just turned off propane bottle. After finally finding the information I needed to properly clean the RV fridge burner orifice and relighting the fridge I instantly heard the difference. Hi, I am Peter Poole. Temperature number flashes when SET TEMP button is pushed. Thank you for a great article. Undo The Propane Gas Line Connected To The Orifice, 6. This is about how, when, and at what temperature a lead-acid battery loses power over time is determined by how, where, and at what temperature it is stored. The company produces reliable refrigerators for families and is the leader of America in production of RV gas and electric absorption refrigerators. The orifice is located behind the outdoor access panel on your RV. rather than the heat source we found an obscure reference online that it can get stuck on the warming cycle, did the recommended reset, and it worked. It worked for me. However, before giving out your module model number, remind them that you are giving them the model number, not the kit number. On initial start-up, allow the refrigerator to cool for 8-12 hours on the coldest temperature setting before loading it with food. Thankfully, it was only McCormicks. If this fuse is replaced, the unit powers up and allows you turn the refrigerator on but won't hold as the fuse will blow again. Its a square black device with wiring on the front and side and a distinctive red LED. If not, then youll need to check the fuse box and make sure that all of the fuses are in working order.Once youve checked all of those things and still cant get your fridge to cool, then its time to give us a call. The refrigerator is operating on the Back Up Operating System. The refrigerator is operating on the Back Up Operating System". Norcold RV refrigerators are one of the most popular brands on the market. If the fridge still isnt working, its time to call in a professional.If youre having trouble with your Norcold fridge, dont despair! When your recall fire shutdown box was installed, they removed the 12 volt power lead from the back of your refer and plugged it into their box. Although I have no experience with Norcolds, this sounds like a thermal switch which was added on the recalls. On temp setting 7 after interior temp stabilizes, fin temps run 23-25 keeping interior at 32-33.Here's the really big picture,:1. The dealership (questionable) suggests it's a fan issue. This is not owner serviceable. The access panel allows you to see the bottom of the RV fridges cooling unit as well as the propane burner set up. Taking the fridge to a repairman wasnt an option for us. The Norcold refrigerators cooling unit is a series of tubing that draws out and absorbs heat using the phase change of hydrogen, ammonia, sodium chromate, and water.
norcold 121x rv refrigerator troubleshooting
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