Fridge on propane

**Larryjb** · 10-08-2017, 03:27 PM

When we got our TM, I tried and used the propane fridge. All worked well. It wasn't difficult to light. On our last trip, I tried for several hours to get it to light and never did. I used the AC mode. Normally, I'd use the AC mode anyway, but it concerned me that I could not light it. Can some one give me some possibilities to look for? For starters, I was not low on propane. The stove worked like a charm. I tried lighting it exactly to the manual, and also with the thermostat setting at various settings.

We are planning a trip next year where I may have to rely on propane for overnight stops. I don't want to have the same problem if I have no electrical hookup.

(please don't suggest the solar route. I need to save for a couple of years before I can afford to get that set up.)

**commodor47** · 10-08-2017, 04:16 PM

Larry,

Given the year of your unit, I suspect it may be an issue with the burner. But, you should follow the troubleshooting steps as outlined in one of Bill's postings in the "technical library": http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ad.php?t=17615

I am assuming you have a Norcold refrigerator, which is the one listed in the above link. If you have a Dometic unit, I would suggest you look for (Google?) the troubleshooting steps for that model.

I have done extensive troubleshooting on our Norcold and will be glad to offer assistance with regard to any of your questions.

Let is know what you find and how you resolve the issue.

Dick

**Larryjb** · 10-08-2017, 04:26 PM

Thanks Dick, I'll certainly look into that. I did have the fridge working on propane in early August, and then again for a day on our second trip. Then when I switched it to DC while we moved to a new campsite, I couldn't get it lit after that.

Shane826 · 10-08-2017, 05:01 PM

Mine quit working on propan unexpectedly, too. Hard part for me is getting someone to punch the buttons on the fridge so I can inspect what’s going on outside with the vent panels removed.

**Larryjb** · 10-09-2017, 02:52 PM

I pulled the side panel today. The burner looked clean, but did not yet clean it out, so it could still be dirty inside.

I had my daughter press the igniter while I looked for a spark. I could not see any trace of a spark, so I presume this is the fault. I pulled the control panel off from the fridge and the sparker appear connected to the sparker wire. I tried this with the trailer plugged into AC.

So far, I've exhausted all the issues I've read about here in my searches, except for perhaps, the one person who had to replace the flame meter module.

I haven't tried lighting it manually yet, but it's clear to me that the sparker is the first issue.

fourteener · 10-09-2017, 05:29 PM

Larry,
There's a lot of different things that can happen. You may want to read this string also, as I had a bit of a different issue.

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ad.php?t=17680

All I can tell you, is be persistent, and don't give up, because when you figure it out, it will light in 15-45 seconds in 2-3 clicks of the igniter!

**Larryjb** · 10-09-2017, 05:43 PM

I will be persistent, trust me!

Once fixed, not only will it light within 15-45 seconds with 2-3 clicks, the whole solution to the problem will likely take about 10 minutes. It is just going to take me a few weeks to figure out that solution!.

I fear I have a faulty piezo igniter. When I pulled off the front panel, it looks as if I'll have to pull the fridge out and remove the top metal plate just to get at the piezo igniter assembly.

**Larryjb** · 10-09-2017, 06:11 PM

Dometic manual.pdf

I've come across the following manual. It may not be the exact manual for our Dometic fridges, but it seems to contain a lot of useful information just the same. It is possible the igniter wire is far enough away that it will no longer arc. I'll try this adjustment.

**Larryjb** · 10-09-2017, 06:49 PM

Bingo! I got it.

I had wondered if the igniter electrode may have been too far from the burner to arc, but I felt that if it used to work, it should still be okay. I removed the electrode, cleaned it up a little, and reinstalled it slightly closer to the burner. Low and behold, after bleeding the line for 90 seconds, it lit right up without any of the shields that would have concentrated the propane around the burner.

I'm not sure if it was just some corrosion around the electrode, or if it simply required readjustment, or both. But it's working now.

I see that the flame is blue within 1/8" of the burner, but then is more orange. Should the entire flame be blue?

**Larryjb** · 10-09-2017, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larryjb

Attachment 16232

I've come across the following manual. It may not be the exact manual for our Dometic fridges, but it seems to contain a lot of useful information just the same. It is possible the igniter wire is far enough away that it will no longer arc. I'll try this adjustment.

This manual I found has good diagnostic routines. Because it's a poor scan of an old manual, many of the images are useless.