Check the pressure regulator and ensure the pressure is correct. Like any dual-fuel refrigerator for RVs, a Norcold refrigerator has a boiler that heats the coolant to trigger the refrigeration process. The heating element I linked to probably isnt compatible with your RV fridge. Unfortunately, if your RV fridge isnt cooling on gas or electricity you may have a bigger problem than just a dirty gas orifice. There are many other things that could be wrong but I have found that if you have an RV fridge that wont cool enough the main problem is a dirty orifice. Thetford and Norcold are proud to support retail outlets that sell and service our products Simply select Retailers or Service Centers below, and enter your location (City & State or ZIP). The fin temperature should always be below 30 to keep the refer compartment in the low 30'sThe steps shown can be found here in section 9 on page 73http://rvrefrigeratorrepair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Norcold-Service-1210 First, if you have a Norcold refrigerator, good for you. You can find this switch on the back of the refrigerator and the other electronics and wiring. Were Jenni and Jesse. Once I took apart the burner and cleaned the orifice the right way the flame became strong and the fridge cooled down right away. This brand is among the pioneers of automatic switch systems, enabling refrigerators to switch to propane when they no longer use shore power. Thermistor wiring terminals corroded / broken. Poor cooling on AUTO LP or manual LP mode. Red, flashes on five (5) times every five (5) seconds. Power light is on. The Norcold fridges are designed to shut off at about 880 degrees F. They do this when there is a problem and the temperature levels get too high. If youre lucky cleaning the orifice will get your fridge cooling properly again in no time. However, the fault code is generally associated with an overheated boiler and is often a false alarm. Hours: Lunch:We are open for lunch Tuesday - Friday, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Cleaning the air vents should resolve this issue.3. If you can remove the orifice now is the time to soak it in rubbing alcohol for around two hours. This is an interesting read! If the Norcold refrigerator thermistor is attached on the wrong cooling fin, the fridge will appear to not cool correctly. First, check to see if the power cord is plugged in correctly and that there is power going to the outlet. Blank display- Refrigerator does not turn ON. This should be done on all four sides of the door. If its plugged, it wont get hot enough to cool down normally. The chimney is hot. The DC voltage to the refirgerator is too low to support cooling when operating on propane gas. If the power cord is plugged in and the fridge is set to cool mode, but the fridge still isnt getting cold, its possible that the cooling coils are dirty. Norcolds 121X series of RV refrigerators are some of the most popular on the market, and for good reason. Thanks for the comment! If the seals are good and theres no air leaks, then its possible that the fridge is low on Freon. However, like any appliance, they can occasionally have problems. If thats not possible, you can call the Norcold service hotline again and ask what the next best step is. Look at the end of the tube and you will see the plug. If youve ever owned an RV, you know that one of the most important appliances is the refrigerator. Categories for the Norcold 1200 & 1210 Model Refrigerators: Inside Refrigerator (bins, shelves, etc.) Leave a comment below. Ensure your RV batteries are charged with your multimeter voltage reader. Pretty sure were gonna have ice here in a bit thank you very much! Everything Id heard and was reading said the flame should be blue with hardly any yellow on top. Rv refrigerators (18 pages) Refrigerator Norcold 121X series Owner's Manual. Norcold RV refrigerators are one of the most popular brands on the market. My guess is that its either a clog in the heat coils or an ammonia leak. Rv refrigerators (40 pages) Refrigerator Norcold 121X series Owner's Manual. AC voltage is unavailable to the refrigerator control panel. I am just taking a guess, but I would say that your RV refrigerator would not be a candidate for running on a device that converts 12 volt DC to 120v AC. Its true that you want as little space as possible between the back of the RV fridge and the wall. Closed on Sunday, Street Address:BACK DOOR705 Main StreetColumbia, MS 39429 AC heaters connected incorrectly to power board. When the refrigerator is disconnected from shoreline power and AC is no longer available the refrigerator switches to DC operation. What Is A Gas Orifice And Where Is It Located On An RV Fridge? Norcold products are proudly supported by a comprehensive warranty. Again, if it is said switch it cannot be reset but must be replaced by an authorized dealer. I spent hours researching what could possibly be wrong with it online. My rv fridge only gets cold using lp gas. Despite the strict instruction to avoid fixing the problem yourself, theres a quick fix you can try. Norcold refrigerator error codes Norcold Inc. is an American company producing refrigerators. Just remember the magnet reset routine and the replacement procedure. Is Your RV Fridge Not Cooling? So if you give them the module number, theyll probably say you have the wrong module on your fridge. Fresh food compartment door open or ajar for more than two (2) minutes. The access panel allows you to see the bottom of the RV fridges cooling unit as well as the propane burner set up. . These are normally secured by a single bolt you can remove with pliers or a drill with the proper size of head on it. Havent found what you where looking for? Step 3: You can apply several methods to clean out the plug. When your RV is not level, it can cause the liquids in the fridge to slosh around and prevent proper cooling. Spark/sense electrode wire has no continuity. LOVED the part about resorting to the Vodka cleanse. DC voltage to the refrigerator control panel is too low. It would save much time of searching for solutions. If you press the Set Temp key and the refrigerators temperature continues to show on the screen, the refrigerator is running on the Back Up Operating System. The unit is either full on or full off. Once you get the wind cover out of the way you should be able to see the orifice and burner tube clearly. The flame is normally covered by a metal wind guard but if you peek through the holes on the side you can usually see it. Youll need to check the levels and add more if necessary. A heavy-duty vehicle like an RV is also high maintenance, so theres little room for setbacks. Norcold RV Ice Maker Diagnosis and Repair - YouTube 0:00 / 18:52 Norcold RV Ice Maker Diagnosis and Repair You Can Too RV 694 subscribers Subscribe 75 Share 4.1K views 1 year ago. DP. It will reset itself when temps return to safe operation levels. Once the outside RV fridge access door is removed you should be able to see the cooling unit, the propane lines, and the burner below it. If you're having trouble with your Norcold 121X RV refrigerator, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. It was the burner orifice. There happens to be another 5amp fuse on the control board at the rear access panel. Finally, its possible that your Norcold fridge needs repairs. If there is, this could restrict air flow and prevent proper cooling. If so, you should be able to locate it in the back of the fridge. We took the dive and purchased an Amish built RV fridge cooling unit that was sure to not only keep our RV fridge cold but also be more efficient and effective in hot summer temperatures. refrigerator with ice maker (20 pages) Refrigerator Norcold 121XAC series Installation Manual Rv (19 pages) Why is it open? Why is an intermittent beeping alarm tone sounding off? The 121X-XX series gas absorption refrigerator cools on 120 volt AC power or propane gas. Try This One Simple Trick. Many problems arise from a DIY repair. See your dealer or authorized Norcold Service Center. - That the battery charging equipment of the vehicle is operational. WARNING: Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service or maintenance can cause injury or property damage. I am a 65 year oldSenior with no man around that knows anything about this and Im on Social Security so if its something I could try to fix myself I would be so grateful for any advice. However, the amount of absorption is determined by the speed at which the coolant will pass through the condenser coils, which is determined by gravity. Norcold RV refrigerators are a popular choice for many RVers, but they can sometimes be tricky to troubleshoot. In some documents the low voltage for a typical RV fridge is 10.5VDC, but this is just a rule of thumb. If everything looks good there, take a look at the control panel and make sure all the settings are correct. Temperature number flashes when SET TEMP button is pushed. Temperature number flashes when TEMP SET button is pushed. The refrigerator is operating on propane gas. More than 15.4 volts DC input to power board. Light is on for both. If the Fault Code continues, see your dealer or authorized Norcold Service Center. Make sure that your RV is parked on level ground before checking any other potential issues.2. Power light is on. Make sure theres nothing blocking vents or air intakes. Refrigerator Norcold 121X Series Service Manual. What was the recommend reset. The door was open for more than 2minutes. Other folks have stated that just turning the refer off and back on will reset the cycle.Our new board appears to be doing the same thing. If its set too low, the fridge wont cool properly. How long should I wait to know if cooling properly? Once you have removed the panel, you will see two fuse holders. When you remove the bolt to the wind cover you will be able to move it back but you may not be able to remove it completely. Where is the recommended reset? If you own a Norcold RV refrigerator, then you know that its one of the best on the market. Its a common problem and one that usually requires the cooling unit to be replaced. Steve F. RVIA Certification. If any of these things are causing your cooling issue, simply fix them and your fridge should start working properly again.If your fridge still isnt cooling properly after checking all of these things, then you may need to call a technician for help. No cooloing what so ever. If you have a Norcold RV refrigerator thats not cooling but the freezer is, there are a few things you can check to see what the problem might be. Refrigerator Norcold 120X Series Owner's Manual 12.0 cu.ft., 2-way, 4-door, r.v. In a few hours we should know if this was the problem, but at $100/hr to troubleshoot an $800 refrigerator I am willing to try. The air vents are blocked. AC voltage is unavailable to the refrigerator control. Most appliances bear up to this hash condition. These refrigerators cost a fortune. The orifice is located behind the outdoor access panel on your RV. Your article finally put the last pieces together for me. Step 1: Go to the back of the RV and remove the refrigerator back access panel. - That there is no air in the propane gas supply line. Instead, it is a variable burner (or pilot) if you will. In my experience, its been the problem every single time and since cleaning the RV fridge orifice the first time Ive had to clean it again recently to keep the flame strong enough to cool the RV fridge. 3. Heres a closer look at what these refrigerators have to offer:Size: The 121X series refrigerators come in four different sizes: 6 cu ft., 8 cu ft., 10 cu ft., and 12 cu ft. Thank you! There is the possibility that different Norcold RV fridges have different reset systems. This sounds stupid but heat is required to cool (its physics) so if the flame or electric elements are not working the refer won't cool. refrigerator (18 pages) Refrigerator Norcold 120X Installation Manual 12.0 cu.ft., 2-way, 4-door, r.v. If it is, then check to see if there is power getting to the fridge. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. The refrigerator is operating on the Back Up Operating System". You can then check the digital panel on your refrigerator to confirm if the code is gone. You dont want to blow from the large end because you dont want more dirt and debris to get stuck in the tiny orifice. Where is the reset button on a Norcold RV refrigerator? Thanks for the comment. Because the origin of overheating that supposedly trips the temperature limit switch is hard to determine, most RV experts, even from Norcold, urge owners to leave the repair work to them. If the problem is solved, the red LED will shut off. The orifice has a tiny rectangular hole the propane passes through and into the burner tube to create the perfect size and strength of the flame. It is typically located near the bottom of the unit. I am a refrigeration equipment repair technician (work with refrigerators, freezers). If your Norcold RV refrigerator is not working, one of the first things you should check are the fuses. Unplug the refrigerator dc power (through the service vent on the outside of the vehicle). I had looked at the flame many times to make sure it was blue (it was) and even taken apart the burner to see if it was dirty but Id somehow missed what I was actually supposed to do. Refrigerator Norcold 1200 Series Service Manual. While the orifice is soaking you can clean the burner tube as well using a wire brush and compressed air. The easy answer is no, but the reality is more complicated than that. Make sure that the refrigerator is correctly installed and that the vents are not blocked. Hence, they decided to give the kit a separate number, which they usually use to check for compatibility. Can I connect my AC/ DC refrigerator to a battery charger or converter? Where are your replies? Failure to do so leads to all sorts of problems. The easiest way to find the orifice is to find the flame. If the flame was burning recently it may be hot so be careful when working with it. - That there is no air in the propane gas supply line. If this happens, there are a few things you can check. DC voltage to the refrigerator control panel is too low. mine do not work with gas or electric so I will try both suggestion. Any piece of machinery, however, can break down. Quality, integrity and reliability are built into each unit proudly made in America. Turn the refrigerator/freezer OFF, or choose the voltage setting again, or the voltage to the refrigerator/freezer is low. the orifice was cleanedwalla new frig many thanks for the help!!!! My refrigerator will not operate and the green power light does not come on? But even the best appliances need a little bit of care and maintenance from time to time. Norcold Inc. is an American company producing refrigerators. Red, flashes on nine (9) times every five (5) seconds. The one odd occasion when we had a cooling issue, it was related to the control board (?) My RV fridge is a Norcold, the Dometic RV fridges can look a little different on the inside but for the most part, the burner and the orifice have the same general setup and look. Error light flashes continually. You saved me the cost of a new fridge, thank you. . Remove the wet towels and dry the inside of the refrigerator. In a few hours we should know if this was the problem, but at $100/hr to troubleshoot an $800 refrigerator I am willing to try. I would also take a look at the outlet the fridge is supposed to be plugged in to and make sure all of the wires are in place and nothing is damaged. If the fridge still isn't working, test if the outlet at the back of the fridge has voltage using a multimeter. Pull out the plug from the tube. No other switches, lead wires, or electrical equipment should share the wiring between the refrigerator and battery. L1-oP can be frustrating, especially when no one can tell you the most accurate fix. First, check to make sure that the power cord is plugged in and that the fridge is set to cool mode. The thermister sensed inoperable, so temperature is being controlled by backup operating system. . However, if you follow these Norcold 121X RV refrigerator troubleshooting tips, chances are good that youll be able to fix the problem yourself and avoid an expensive repair bill. just replaced circuit board on a norcold refrigerator on my 5th wheel rv. 4 sounds like a little overkill but if you have an extra large RV fridge it might be necessary. Here Comes the Most Definite SolutionParts Replacement. They are known for their quality, durability, and reliability. - That the valve of the propane gas tank(s) is open. The company produces reliable refrigerators for families and is the leader of America in production of RV gas and electric absorption refrigerators. The door was open for more than 2 minutes. Norcold sells its modules in kits containing a module and a sensor. Without it, you wouldnt be able to store food or keep drinks cold. Its worked like a charm both times and its so easy to do you may as well give it a shot before taking it to get fixed or replaced. You can find a list of service providers in your area on their website or by calling customer service at 1-800-543-1219. It Doesnt Hurt to Try the Famous Reset Routine. Why should I contact an authorized service center? This should successfully reset your fridge back to its default settings! To protect the cooling unit from overheating, the refrigerator will automatically shut-off when the vehicle air temperature is higher than 110 degrees F. If shut-off occurs, an audible alarm tone operates from the refrigerator. I have gone through the diagonisic codes, check the screen on top of RV and all seems ok. This way, they can look at other possible reasons and give you more accurate advice. If you place the magnet on the right side of this device, you will hear two consecutive click sounds, which signifies the reset. This is not owner serviceable. DC voltage is unavailable to the refrigerator control panel or the refrigerator is OFF. Why would I smell propane, no leak at orifice. Im glad it worked for you too. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. But some, like the refrigerator, have delicate electronics. - That the fuse or circuit breaker of the vehicle is intact. First, make sure that both the fridge and freezer doors are properly sealed and that theres no air leaks. Its pretty common for something to get in the way of that perfectly cut hole which restricts the gas flow and reduces the flames strength which in turn can cause your RV fridge to cool slightly but not enough to stay within the safe temperature zones. The use of an electric element takes a little longer which necessitates the use of an electrical link. RV refrigerators need at least 12 volts of battery power to ignite. The refrigerator is operating on the "Back Up Operating System". But malfunctions are inevitable and commonplace in RVs. Same goes with our water heater. Thanks for letting us know that it worked! 9/20/18 Update: After further research and replacing control board at back of refer it appears these warmup periods are part of an undocumented fin defrost cycle that happens about every 48 hrs. This is important because one condition involving the lower vent may lead to L1-oP. 12VDC and 120VAC, ALL Appliances, Any and ALL problems! If you turn your fridge to electric and you dont feel the fridge coils getting warm your heating element probably isnt working. refrigerator/with ice maker (18 pages), 1200 series; 120x-im series 12.0 cu.ft., 2-way, 4-door, r.v. You can find this switch on the back of the refrigerator and the other electronics and wiring. - That there is not air in the propane gas supply line. If not, fix these issues and then try resetting the fridge again. for me, not tried it for the fridge though <;*), I just went to follow your excellent suggestions. If the person you are talking to is a customer service representative and not a technician, chances are they dont know this, and they will mistake the kit number for the module number. I plugged it in to an extension cord that goes to my house. - That the valve of the propane gas tank(s) is open. Taking the fridge to a repairman wasnt an option for us. Check to see that the power cord is still in good working order and if it is properly plugged in if it is. . How Should The Flame In An RV Fridge Look And Sound? It can be bypassed temporarily. See Defrosting., Make sure the door seals correctly. Simply close the refrigerator door correctly to clear the code. When they do that, there is a possibility of a fire. refrigerator/with ice maker (18 pages) Refrigerator Norcold 1200LR Service Manual & Parts List (32 pages) Refrigerator Norcold 1200ACXX Owner's Manual (16 pages) First, make sure that the temperature control is set to the correct setting. Feel free to question any problems of repairing guide. refrigerator (18 pages), 12.0 cu.ft., 2-way, 4-door, r.v. This is a very useful service information. Gas/electric refrigerators (98 pages) Summary of Contents for Norcold 1200 Series. We now leave our display in diagnostic mode on screen 3 and monitor fin temp. Their refrigerators ensure years of trouble-free service. Amber, flashes off once every 20 seconds. If the air vents are blocked by dirt or debris, this can prevent proper airflow and result in a warm fridge. If you dont have an air compressor handy compressed air cans like the ones used to clean computers (click to view on Amazon) work great. Remove all food from the refrigerator. To access the panel, remove the screws that hold it in place. Bruce H Pulled our hair out for weeks worrying about the low frig temps and the high weather temps. This is also where we share our favorite RV and camping-related gear and accessories. - That the propane gas is at the correct pressure. 2. When an RV refrigerator starts failing (not cooling as well as it should), it means the fluid is no longer circulating properly through the cooling unit. See Cleaning., Defrost the refrigerator as necessary. cannot find them. Our AC/DC refrigerators (both Built-ins and Portable) will operate at angles of up to 30 degrees off level in both planes. The Norcold 1210 is a high-end, full-featured RV refrigerator that offers many features and benefits for users. Using compressed air from either a can or a compressor blow out the orifice from the end with the small hole. This is a more common problem than you would imagine, and one of the solutions might not be what you expect. Refrigerator defaulted to propane gas operation, but did not establish a flame (gas lockout). (Norcold will not sell you one.) The DC voltage to the refirgerator is too low. Have you tried using it on propane? I am 46. When the flame kicks on you should be able to hear it clearly even if the access door is closed. 1. The AC voltage of a Norcold refrigerator should be in between 108 and 132 volts and between 10.5 and 15.4 volts for CV voltage. Sadly, it still wasnt quite right. See Also:BougeRV CR45 Portable Fridge Freezer Reviewed For Camping/RV. . If you see a red LED light in the back it could be the unit shut down due to overheating. In addition, many small fridges work on AC, so you need shore power available. (I use pliers since they normally arent very tight), See Also:Best Portable Power Station/Solar Generator For Camping. 2. Assuming you would like tips on resetting a Norcold 121x refrigerator:1. The second time we were camping up in the mountains and unable to get any rubbing alcohol so I improvised and used vodka. Next, check the thermostat to see if its set to the correct temperature. Good idea on the lacquer thinner! Hi Guys, I'mChristopher I am Home Appliance Repair Electrician & Engineer . My suggestion to RVers who are experiencing problems with their RV fridge not cooling properly is to always do this first. Its been on hour or so (electric mode) not getting cold. The refrigerator is operating on the 'Back Up Operating System. This is so most of the airflow goes through the condenser fins to cool the fridge. refrigerator with ice maker (20 pages), Thetford 1210: supplementary guide (15 pages), 12.0 cu.ft., 2-way, 4-door, r.v. However, before giving out your module model number, remind them that you are giving them the model number, not the kit number. But even the best refrigerators can have problems from time to time. Im glad it worked for you. Less than 10.5 volts DC input to power board. Cleaning the coils may improve performance. Excessive frost buildup behind ice maker. It contains the most frequent problems relating to refrigerators Norcold and methods to solve them. The problem is the sensor has a different model number, too. If your Norcold refrigerator is not working on propane, here are the possible problems and the solutions you can do. Undo The Propane Gas Line Connected To The Orifice, 6. RV Life Hack: How To Check How Much Propane You Have Left. CAUSE: The Norcold recall kit is a black plastic box, about 2.5" square, that is clamped inside the . They are also slow to recover, so the amount of time they are allowed to open the door should be kept to a minimum. Abs where is it. If its not, then that could be the reason why its not working.Another thing to check is the thermostat. Make sure the propane gas tank valve is opened and the gas is at the proper pressure. I used lacquer thinner instead of alcohol. refrigerator with ice maker (21 pages), Manual will be automatically added to "My Manuals", Location of Refrigerator Information Label, Location of Cooling System Serial Number Label Location, Blank Display- Refrigerator Does Not Turn on, Measuring DC Voltage Across P1-1/P1-6 with Wire Harness Disconnected, Measuring DC Voltage Across Yellow/Green and Green Wires - All Models, Optical Control Display AssemblyBack View, To Check White/Red Wire and Blue Wire for Continuity, Measuring DC Voltage Across the White/Red and White/Violet Wire, Thermistor Circuit Open or Shorted Backup Operating System (BOS), Checking Thermistor Resistance in Ice Bath, Dr CodeDoor Sensed Ajar or Open for more than 2 Minutes, Fresh Food Compartment Door Adjustment Criteria, L1 Op CodeOpen High Temperature Limit Switch, No AC CodeAc Mode Selected/ AC Voltage Not Available, No FL CodeBurner Failed to Light/Relight, Electrical Power Requirements and Components, Light/Thermistor Wire Assembly Replacement, Flapper Assembly, Left Door, Fresh Food Compartment, Removable Door Seal Heater Spring Pin Removal and Installation, Harness Connector Optical Control Display Circuit Board, Diagnostic Screen 5, Segment 7, no Cooling Sensed, Location of Original High Temperature Limit Switch, The Present Configuration of the High Temperature Limit Switch, Cooling Unit Component Location -Lower Section, Sealant Application on Cabinet Opening Sides, Checking for Gas Leaks after Installation, Water Adjustment Screw and Contact Alignment Location, Checking Water Valve Solenoid Coil Resistance, Measuring Solenoid Coil Resistance through Wire Harness, Checking Voltage to the Stepper Motor Connection, Refrigerator Norcold 121X Series Service Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 1210 Installation Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 121X series Owner's Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 1200XX Owner's Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 121XAC series Installation Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 1210ACIM Owner's Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 121X AC Series Owner's Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 121 AC series Installation Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 120X Series Owner's Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 120X Installation Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 1200LR Service Manual & Parts List, Refrigerator Norcold 1200 Installation Manual, Refrigerator Norcold 1200 Series Service Manual, Page 68: Cooling System Diagnostic Flowchart.