Refrigerator running too cold

hlh1 · 03-15-2022, 04:05 PM

Hi all,

My refrigerator is running below freezing. I've lowered the temperature sensor to "warm" it up but it's not enough. Any ideas?

bobbecky · 03-15-2022, 04:56 PM

That white thing on the fin behind your thermometer needs to be higher on that fin. I would move it up about centered on the fin to start with, and then keep an eye on the temps. That part is called a thermistor and is what helps control the temp inside the fridge.

CedarCreekWoody · 03-16-2022, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbecky

That white thing on the fin behind your thermometer needs to be higher on that fin. I would move it up about centered on the fin to start with, and then keep an eye on the temps. That part is called a thermistor and is what helps control the temp inside the fridge.

No, that is backwards. Lower it for warmer, and he has done that.

hlh1 · 03-16-2022, 08:40 AM

Any ideas on how I can warm this thing up without leaving the door open? I wonder why it's running so cold.

German Shepherd Guy · 03-16-2022, 08:44 AM

Is it running too cold on both electric and gas? If not on which one?

jxnbbl · 03-16-2022, 08:59 AM

If you've already done things like include a fan in your fridge to ensure a more even temp then it probably is a defective - "thermistor", the bulb that you are sliding up/down. I know from experience that these really don't change the temps that much, but at the same time I preferred my fridge almost too cold as the recovery rate on these isn't that great. I was looking at replacing mine with a thermostat which really was just one of these 'cut the wires, splice in, and turn the electrical back on modifications. I googled and found the link to the site. (I subsequently upgraded my trailer so do not have experience with these):

https://www.snip-the-tip.com/

hlh1 · 03-16-2022, 10:19 AM

So far I've just been testing the fridge on electricity and not gas. I think I'll go ahead and buy that adjustable thermister. Thanks for that info!

hlh1 · 03-16-2022, 10:32 AM

I wonder if it being empty means there's no load on it and it's running cold. I ordered the adjustable thermister.

jxnbbl · 03-16-2022, 11:05 AM

The other item to consider is that your thermometer isn't working correctly. For your test I'd just put a small pool of water in something like a piece of tinfoil on each of the shelves. Theoretically, if it is that low consistently each of them should end up with a skim coat of ice pretty quickly.

I have a "mercury" thermometer (alcohol based i believe) which is pretty accurate. When the fridge is shut tight and I have a fan running and it is about 60 degrees out....it gets to high 30s completely full. When in Florida and it is 90 degrees and/or we are in/out a bit it will float in the mid 40s. I also move around items as sometimes water bottles on the top shelf will freeze while water on the bottom shelf of the door is cool but not close to frozen...the opposite of "warm air rises" - more of a proximity to the fins.

The fan helps for sure.

hlh1 · 03-16-2022, 11:11 AM

What kind of fan can run in these Dometic refrigerators?

**chuckster57** · 03-16-2022, 11:32 AM

Thermister test:
https://www.arprv.com/dometic-thermistor.php

I have a fan that runs on 2 D cell batteries, sits in the condensation tray blowing up.

Hblick48 · 03-16-2022, 11:34 AM

I installed one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/Deluxe-RV-Ref...725HQ9BN&psc=1

CedarCreekWoody · 03-16-2022, 12:14 PM

Have you actually put food in it and used it? It may run warmer with food. Most do.

**JRTJH** · 03-16-2022, 12:51 PM

I would suspect that your thermistor has either failed or is not properly connected to the control board. It sounds like the refrigerator is in "limp mode".

I'd first switch from electric to gas to verify the same condition. It will probably work the same way, which will "verify the thermistor failure and the limp mode operation"...

At that point, you'll need to confirm the thermistor by doing the tests identified in the service manual or by just replacing the thermistor. If you choose to "just replace the thermistor" and it continues to do the same as now, then it's the control board that needs replacement.

I'd caution you that "just replacing the thermistor without verifying if it works" is considered, by some people (me included) as "throwing parts at it without knowing the solution"...

hlh1 · 03-16-2022, 01:10 PM

I'm a newbie with this RV. Where is the fridge control board hiding?

I just switched over to Propane to see if there's any difference.

**JRTJH** · 03-16-2022, 01:39 PM

Go outside, remove the lower refrigerator vent cover, look inside on the lower left of the refrigerator and you'll see a black plastic cover. The control board is under that cover.

DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER IF THE REFRIGERATOR IS PLUGGED INTO 120 VAC. There are exposed contacts under that black cover that would electrocute you !!!!! There is a power cable from that area that you'll see going up to the only 120 volt outlet behind the refrigerator. UNPLUG IT BEFORE REMOVING THE BLACK COVER !!!!!

hlh1 · 03-16-2022, 02:16 PM

Propane is giving me the same 30 degrees that 120 VAC is giving me. I had a look at the Fridge control board, after disconnecting the 120 VAC. All looked good, I guess. So I'm thinking the fix is the variable thermister that is on the way.

You all have been a great help!

jxnbbl · 03-16-2022, 02:22 PM

Probably that is the problem. I would recommend a fan as they actually do work...I have something like this:

https://www.beech-lane.com/rv-fridge-fan

and the batteries "run forever" (I carry an extra pair and every trip it just starts up and runs 24x7 - so 4 long trips last year)

hlh1 · 03-16-2022, 02:28 PM

that's a nice little fan and the price is right.

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