Are you the type who performs your own repairs when things go awry? If you are not afraid to get your hands dirty, you can be spared a lot of aggravation and money by troubleshooting minor repairs yourself. All you need is a little patience and detailed guidance. Imagine this scenario: you are driving down the highway and a family member brings you a drink from the refrigerator. The can is lukewarm. “What is this?” you say as you pull off the highway and into a rest area. It’s then that you open the refrigerator door and discover that your fridge has no power and none of its contents are cold; what do you do?
Below is a step-by-step approach to diagnosing the problem and getting your refrigerator running again:
Figure 1: Turn on the refrigerator
Step 1: Turn on the fridge
First, turn on the fridge. (Figure 1) It will automatically look for power, beginning with AC. If it does not find AC power, it will then search for LP power. (Figure 2) For the purpose of this tutorial, the refrigerator is a Norcold model which has a digital display. There is a “FL” flashing in the display, which means the fridge cannot light because it is not receiving any gas. (Figure 3)
Figure 2: Refrigerator searching for LP power
Figure 3: Refrigerator cannot light
Figure 4: Determine if LP is running to your refrigerator
Step 2: Check your coach’s LP detector
Locate your coach’s LP detector, usually in the kitchen area near the floor, and determine if LP is running to your refrigerator. (Figure 4) There are a lot of reasons why your LP would shut off - low battery voltage,excessive pet dander and cologne spray are just a few. This automatic shut off feature was designed for safety.
Step 3: Check another appliance for LP
To confirm your coach is receiving LP, ignite your stove. You could also check your furnace or water heater if you prefer. (Figure 5) If your stove lights, you can conclude that you have a valve problem with your refrigerator. If your stove does not light, locate your LP tank on your coach’s exterior. (Figure 6)
Figure 5: Confirm your coach is receiving LP by igniting your stove
Figure 6: Check your LP tank
Figure 7
Step 4: Check your LP tank
Your LP tank is located behind a door that has no lock so that in the event of an emergency that requires immediate LP shut off, you never have to look for or fumble through keys to gain entry. (Figure 6) In this case, you simply want to make sure that your LP is turned on.
Open the LP door and flip the emergency shut off switch to the ON position. Now test for LP flow by turning the ‘Bleed Off’ valve counterclockwise. (Figure 7) If you hear a slight ‘hiss’ similar to the sound of air escaping from a car then your coach has LP in its tank. Turn the valve all the way clockwise to stop the LP flow then return to your coach’s interior and ignite your stove to confirm this is the case. (Caution: do not open this valve while smoking.)
Figure 8: Check your refrigerator’s valve
Step 5: Check your refrigerator’s valve
So far you have determined that your coach has LP flow and that the problem is that your refrigerator is not receiving LP. Next, gain access to your refrigerator valve by removing the refrigerator vent panel, which is located directly behind your refrigerator on the coach’s exterior. (Figure 8)
Once you have revealed your refrigerator’s wiring system (Figure 9) locate your refrigerator’s valve. Notice the line is running vertical. This means it is in the OFF position. No gas will run to the fridge if the valve is in this position. Turn the valve to the ON position by turning it until the line is horizontal. To expand on this functionality, the line on the valve shows the direction of the gas flow. In the horizontal (ON) position, the gas flows from left to right, continuing to the refrigerator. In the vertical (OFF) position the gas is halted and therefore does not run to the refrigerator.
Figure 10: Check your refrigerator for power
Step 6: Check your refrigerator for power
Now that the valve is ON, replace the vent panel and then proceed to the inside of your coach. Turn on your refrigerator. Remember, when the fridge turns on, it will automatically look for AC power and then LP. The refrigerator’s diagnostic display now flashes “LP” and within a few seconds a dot lights up in the corner. If you were plugged in to shore power, the diagnostic display will flash “AC” and within a few seconds a dot will light up in the corner. (Figure 10)
Note: you should always consult your owner’s manual or a certified RV technician before attempting to repair your RV. To reach Lazydays technical support call 877.329.5236.