What is a Dometic RV Refrigerator?
Mishaps happen on the road, and whether it’s a power surge or some other issue, there will be times when a Dometic RV refrigerator reset is required. Knowing how to reset the RV refrigerator will save both time and money.
A Dometic RV refrigerator is an RV refrigerator that is installed inside the RV. This is opposed to one installed outside as a backup or icebox. It is often smaller than the backup refrigerator, but its convenience is unparalleled.
Dometic RV refrigerators provide high-performance cooling regardless of ambient temperatures. They run on battery power and are tailor-made for operation using a solar power system.
Location of the Dometic RV Refrigerator Switch
Dometic likes to place the refrigerator switch in different locations in different models. This can be pretty confusing for many people who own a Dometic RV refrigerator.
In many models, it can be found inside the fridge, near the back, at the top of the compressor. On an RVD7821XF, it can be found inside the door, hidden by a cover.
In other models, it is directly where the water supply is plugged in. For example, on a PD6848XF, it is on the top of the freezer compartment but not under any covers.
If the refrigerator switch cannot be found, check the owner’s manual. This should include a diagram of all the essential parts of the refrigerator.
How do I Reset my Dometic RV Refrigerator?
It is recommended the fridge is reset anytime there is a new installation or service of the unit. First off, it takes more than just turning the refrigerator on and off to reset it.
- Disconnect all electrical power from the RV.
- Push and hold the “fridge reset” button on the control panel for 10 seconds.
- Release the button, wait 10 seconds, and then press and rerelease it.
- Wait another 10 seconds and then press and rerelease it.
- Wait 5 seconds and then repeat steps 1-4.
- Slide the control panel cover back onto the front of the fridge.
- Reconnect all electrical power to the RV.
How Does a Dometic RV Refrigerator Work?
Dometic RV refrigerators are compressor refrigerators that provide high-performance cooling. There are thermostats on the fridge and freezer sections. They are located in a small metal box on the right-hand side of the fridge. It is in a 3 o’clock position when looking at the refrigerator with the door open.
The thermistor for the fridge should read -35* C to -40*C when cooling properly. The thermistor for the freezer should read -18*C to -22*C when cooling correctly.
It is essential to check if there is power to the RV refrigerator. To do this, turn off the RV’s circuit breakers and disconnect the batteries. Next, ensure that some type of light runs off the “12v” system (e.g., a torch).
Open the fridge and shine a light down inside at the connectors. If there is a light near the connectors, there is power to the fridge. If there is no light, then there is no power to the fridge.
Why Does my Dometic Fridge Not Want to Get Cold?
There can be a variety of reasons why the RV refrigerator is not getting cold. First, it is crucial to understand that the “freezer” is separate from the “fridge” compartment. This enables troubleshooting of which section is warm or defrosted.
There are several components that work together for the refrigerator to cool properly. Understanding the basics will help to locate the cause of failure.
Cooling units on every Dometic gas absorption refrigerator are gravity operated and must be level to run properly. The fridge has liquified ammonia in the system that works to keep everything cool. The tubing is specifically sloped to continuously move the liquified ammonia. If it is not level, the circulation will slow, resulting in a loss of cooling.
The RV needs to be level when parked to prevent this. However, being level is less critical when traveling. This is because the movement will prevent the ammonia from accumulating in one area.
The refrigerator also will not cool properly if it is too hot outside. This is typically over 90* F ambient temperature.
The refrigerator also needs good airflow across the condenser fins located at the cooling unit’s top. If these fins are obstructed, or there isn’t good airflow, the unit will not cool properly.
It is also important to check the thermistor located inside the refrigerator. It has a four-prong connector located at the light fixture at one end and the fridge on the other. If the thermistor is faulty, this can affect the cooling potential of the refrigerator.
The Dometic RV refrigerator could also have loose temperature sensors. These are an easy fix and simply require tightening.
What is The Coldest Setting of a Dometic RV Refrigerator?
The adjustable thermostat ranges from 1-5. This is where “1” is the warmest and “5’ is the coldest. As expected, the coldest setting of the Dometic RV refrigerator is the “5” setting.
The “super chill” button only turns the compressor off and adds no additional cooling. When the RV refrigerator is on “max,” it will keep food cold but take longer to cool down than the other settings.
How do I Find the Reset Button of a Dometic Refrigerator?
As mentioned above, the reset button can be located in different locations based on different models. Therefore, it is best to refer to the owner’s manual for the exact location of the reset button.
The most common location is inside the fridge section of the refrigerator. However, some models have it in the freezer section.
Why is my Dometic Fridge Not Working on Gas?
Here is a list of common sources and quick fixes:
- Low gas pressure
- No gas flow
- Empty gas tank
- Blocked burner jet
- Blocked burner nozzle
- Blocked gas pipe
- Blocked or sooted gas flue
- Broken or dirty magnetic seal on the fridge door
These are a few options for troubleshooting the Dometic RV refrigerator.
- Check that the LP button is on.
- Turn on the stove to verify that there is a strong, steady flame.
- Ensure that the Dometic RV refrigerator was serviced recently. This includes cleaning the propane jet, cleaning the igniter gap, and cleaning the burner tube.
If these issues addressed above appear to be working order, a maintenance specialist may be required. This is for internal parts such as the igniter, gas valve, and PC board.
Wrap Up
A Dometic RV refrigerator is a creature comfort when traveling cross-country or off-road. However, it is vital to be able to troubleshoot any problems and be able to maintain them. There’s no need to have a good refrigerator that doesn’t work effectively.