Dometic Circuit Board Troubleshooting: 4 Tips Discussed With Fixes
Dometic Circuit Board troubleshooting requires understanding the appliance’s inner workings, proper use, maintenance, and repair methods when problems arise. This article will look at four troubleshooting tips and the must-need equipment for doing so. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Overview of Dometic RV Refrigerators
Dometic, founded in Sweden, is a significant player in the RV industry. Its selection of RV refrigerators is among its most comprehensive product lines. It provides the following appliances:
- Gas-powered mode
- Noise-free absorption
- Solar power that cut down on electrical power
There are also a wide variety of electrical models to choose from. Let’s look at how Dometic refrigerators work.
What Does Dometic RV Fridge Use?
The cooling systems of Dometic refrigerators utilize gas absorption:
- Water and ammonia are heated until they boil, and the resulting ammonia vapor travels through a winding network.
- When ammonia vapor cools to liquid form, it travels toward the evaporator.
- The cooling effect comes from how a hydrogen bypass drops the pressure and spreads the heat.
How Does a Dometic Refrigerator Work?
The Dometic refrigerator stays cool with minimal propane thanks to the continuous circulation of water and ammonia. The original mixture of water and ammonia can also be heated using an electric component from a generator or on-site hookups.
What should you do if your Dometic fridge stops working? Read on to find out.
Dometic Circuit Board Troubleshooting
There are several potential causes for your RV refrigerator to cease cooling. But if this happens, you’ll need to know how to fix the problem. The following are some frequent circuit board problems with Dometic fridges.
1. Wiring Problems
It’s a well-known fact that circuit boards serve as the brains/control board of a fridge. It’s a strong board with wires and other electrical unit components attached. Naturally, it links the various parts of a fridge.
Therefore a faulty circuit board will render your fridge unusable as it is not receiving any power.
Wiring issues usually make the fridge unable to cool and here is the solution to rectify the issue.
- Turn off the switch of your fridge and remove the circuit board from the unit.
- Remove the clips carefully and Inspect if there is damage to the connection point.
- Replace any cracked components and the burnt wires
- Hire an experienced electrician if you are not sure how to go about this process
Important! A multimeter is necessary when checking the wiring and the power sources. Compare its mode results against the unit you’d expect to see from the cables. Double-check all connections before turning on the switch.
2. Examine Other Components
A circuit board contains a large number of parts, such as:
- Communication ports
- Input and output ports
- Resistors
- Capacitors
If your refrigerator’s problem isn’t with the lower circuit board, you’ll need to investigate further to find its source.
When checking this, it is essential that you have a multimeter. The following steps will guide you through the entire process:
- Disconnect the fridge from the power source and wait for some minutes.
- Check the capacitors, as it is usually the one with the same problem.
- Replace the capacitor if the readings on the meter read zero.
- The resistors could be at fault if the issue is not on the capacitor. A resistor is an electrical component used to limit the passage of electrons.
When replacing the capacitor, ensure it’s of the same value. Remember to choose the resistance measuring mode on the multimeter. Take a look at the video for tips on how to test the refrigerator capacitor.
3. Consult the Manual
If you’re having issues with the refrigerator’s circuit board system, it’s recommended that you look in the handbook for troubleshooting tips for every RV fridge model.
It’s best to have a professional mechanic take care of the circuit board. If professional help is out of reach you can:
- Scan through the manual and find a problem similar to the one you have
- Follow the steps outlined in the guide to solve your problem
The manual is quite handy as it outlines detailed steps to solving a problem. If you are keen enough, you could do it yourself without anybody’s help and save on cost.
4. Buy a New One
If there is no positive response after trying the above troubleshooting tips, then it is likely that your circuit boards are faulty.
The best option is to buy another circuit board. Getting other new units of a circuit board or having it replaced can cost more and one might opt to buy a new fridge instead.
Now, let us look at why the RV Dometic fridge may stop working.
What Causes an RV Refrigerator to Malfunction?
The primary function of an RV fridge is to keep your food and drinks fresh while you are in transit. Your RVs fridge components may stop working, or the entire fridge may malfunction. Here are some causes of the fridge failing.
1. The Dometic Fridge Not Turning On
There are many reasons why your RV model refrigerator may not be turning on.
You should not panic if you find your fridge is not powering on. Instead, you should:
- Inspect if the power cord is damaged. If it is not damaged, plug it in.
- Turn on the switch of the power button.
- If it does not operate, then the problem is in the fuses.
If the case where the RV fridge uses batteries, ensure the batteries are fully charged and have power and replace the old ones.
2. RVs Fridge Light Not Turning On
The lights on your fridge should automatically turn on, and if they don’t, then:
To fix a light problem you can:
- Check the wiring connections and ensure everything is okay
- Make sure the GFCI plug in your kitchen is working and test if other appliances like the AC and lights are working
Having a tester with you during this time is crucial to test where the power source is and where there is none.
3. Dometic Rvs Fridge Is Not Cooling
The worst thing that may happen on a road trip in a recreational vehicle is a refrigerator that is too warm. There are several possible causes for your fridge not to be cold.
To solve a cooling issue start by:
- Checking the Gaps in the outer seal.
- Change out the Thermistor, which functions as both a resistor and a thermostat, in the refrigerator.
- Ensure the system of the refrigerator’s air vents is clear
- Maintain a clean gas flow (jetting)
- Emptying the refrigerator, waiting 24 hours, and then restocking with perishables
If you detect an ammonia odor, it’s time to call in the experts. The cooling coil system has a leak if there is a strong smell. While attempting to remedy the problem, there are a few things to observe to ensure safety.
Tips for Troubleshooting Your Dometic RV Refrigerator Safely
Dometic refrigerators need to be handled with care when being repaired. Below are some tips to observe:
- Whether your refrigerator is powered by electricity or not, always switch it off and disconnect it from the power supply before replacing anything.
- Don’t try to troubleshoot any appliance or make repairs when it’s raining or storming outside. Make sure you don’t mix water with electric gadgets.
- Wear rubber gloves and shoes with rubber soles to protect you from electrical shock when replacing any appliance in the line of electricity.
- When working on your refrigerator, reading the handbook thoroughly before beginning any repairs is essential.
- Identify the problem before attempting to fix it using a multimeter or screwdriver.
- A specialist should be consulted for more difficult diagnostics and when you want to replace a technical component to minimize wrong corrections.
As you observe the safety tips, here are the tools you need to troubleshoot the circuit board.
Tools Needed to Troubleshoot a Dometic Refrigerator
You don’t need to be an electrician to do some basic replacement and troubleshooting on your refrigerator. A few instruments can simplify the procedure significantly.
1. An Electronic Multimeter
A digital multimeter, often known as a voltmeter, can be used to determine whether or not your refrigerator is receiving power. A multimeter is useful for more than just diagnosing problems with your RV’s fridge when it comes to electrical systems.
When the campground’s electricity is at fault, it can protect you from needlessly replacing components that aren’t defective.
2. A Simple Toolkit
Keep a basic toolkit in the trailer even if you have no intention of doing any repairs yourself. You might have to take off a panel to reach the necessary components for Dometic RV fridge troubleshooting.
A toolbox is also helpful in basic maintenance jobs like cleaning connectors, adjusting fixings, replacement of simple parts, etc.
3. Spare Parts
Whether you’re going out for the weekend or living on the road, there are some things you simply must always have on hand. For instance, a thermocouple in a mobile home refrigerator can be a delicate piece. You should therefore have a spare in hand.
Even with these tools, to ensure your Dometic RV fridge is in good condition, you must observe some practices to keep the circuit board running smoothly.
Best Methods for Maintaining Your Dometic Refrigerator
Some of the best practices for maintaining the optimal performance of your Dometic RV fridge include:
1. Avoid Overloading the Machine
Since refrigerators maintain a chilly environment, you may think you can store plenty of food. However, this is wrong, as too much food in the fridge prevents adequate ventilation.
- The end outcome is food rotting due to uneven cooling.
- Refrain from overstuffing it with perishables, and put the cooler stuff in the back.
2. Routinely Inspect the Seals on the Doors
To ensure your food stays fresh close the refrigerator door. Dometic’s portable refrigerators feature locks that prevent the door from opening in transit.
- Inspecting the seal at regular intervals prevents the seal from breaking or being damaged.
- Once the seal is broken, the meal will not be cold and may no longer be edible.
- Also, sharp turns increase the risk of spillage.
3. Wait Until It Cools Down
If you use your RV occasionally and not constantly, let the Dometic refrigerator cool down between uses.
- Switch on your refrigerator a day before your trip to ensure that your perishables stay at an appropriate temperature throughout your journey.
- Food can be frozen or chilled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- You may save energy and extend the life of your Dometic refrigerator by storing perishables in your home freezer or refrigerator before transferring them to the refrigerator.
4. Keep an Eye on the Frost Levels
Fresh food is best preserved by maintaining a constant temperature in the refrigerator and freezer. A thermometer can be helpful, but checking the amount of frost in the freezer is also essential.
- The accumulation of frost indicates that the cooling air setting is too low.
- If there is an absence of frost, it is too high, or there is an issue with the seal.
FAQ
Where Is the Reset Button on a Dometic Refrigerator?
The reset button on a Dometic refrigerator is located inside the fridge just next to the compressor and is easily visible after opening the door. However, different models have different reset button locations, but most of them are in the fridge.
Where Is the Dometic Power Fuse?
The Dometic power fuse is in the main fuse panel. Some Dometic fridges, however, have three power fuses; one is inside the fridge, while the other two fuses are in the main fuse panel.
Why Is My Dometic Fridge Not Cooling on Power?
Your Dometic fridge is not cooling on power because your RV is unlevel. Dometic’s gas-absorbing refrigerators require a flat surface so that gravity can maintain a constant cold temperature; so ensure your RV is level.
How Does Dometic Work?
Dometic works when ammonia vapor cools to liquid form and goes to the evaporator. The pressure is reduced and heat is dissipated because of the hydrogen bypass. The refrigerator stays cool with minimal propane thanks to the continuous circulation of ammonia and water.
Who Manufactures Dometic?
Dometic is manufactured in three countries; USA, Germany, and China. In a day, in the 22 plants that are there globally, 300 Dometics are manufactured in China, 400 in Germany, and 750 in Elkhart.
Conclusion
Having a functioning Dometic RV fridge is essential. When your refrigerator malfunctions, with the necessary knowledge, you can successfully solve common problems and prevent further damage without even the help of an expert.
Can you troubleshoot your Dometic circuit board the next time it has issues? Talk to us and let us know which other RV equipment we should look at in our next article.
I`m a current Law Enforcement Officer working within the Counterterrorism Bureau in New York State. I have been Camping for over 20 years. My styles of camping include tent, car, truck, van, and RV travel trailer. I have a YouTube channel where I teach all types of camping with an entertaining method: https://youtube.com/@TheSmallsRVAdventures
