Troubleshooting Dometic Cooling Units

dometic cooling units make van and campervan travel easier, and they’re a must-have for anyone who plans on taking extended trips off the grid. They offer energy efficiency, convenience, durability, and style – making them an essential part of any van or campervan adventure. However, like any other appliance, dometic fridges can run into issues. Luckily, many of these problems can be resolved with basic troubleshooting and maintenance.

The Thermistor
The thermistor is the sensor that clips to the fins on the evaporator coils. It communicates temperature changes to the refrigerator’s circuit board via a change in resistance. If the thermistor becomes faulty it can cause over-cooling, and this is typically the first sign of cooling unit failure. To test the thermistor disconnect it from the main circuit board and place the other end (sensor end) in a glass of ice water. Normally, you should be able to get a reading of 8,000 to 10,000 ohms. If it doesn’t read close to those numbers, the thermistor is bad.

Using Your RV Fridge
The most important thing to keep in mind when using your Dometic refrigerator is that it needs time to cool down before you put food in it. If you’re going on a long trip, it’s a good idea to freeze or store the foods that you want in your Dometic before departing, so they can properly thaw and cool down by the time you need them.

When it comes to the refrigeration system itself, a Dometic fridge uses a gas absorption technique that is similar to how a residential refrigerator works. Heat boils an ammonia and water mixture, and as the ammonia vapor rises, it moves through a series of coils and then condenses into a liquid inside the evaporator. This liquid is then dispersed through a hydrogen bypass, which lowers the pressure, and it’s this dispersal that provides the refrigeration effect.

If your refrigerator is smelling of ammonia or has yellow residue around the burner area, it’s likely that your cooling unit is damaged. It’s often due to low quality OEM or aftermarket replacement coolers, which result in a ruptured tube or leaking ammonia. Ozark Refrigerators only sells top quality Dometic and Norcold RV fridge replacement cooling units that feature heavy wall, seamless tubing and a boiler design that won’t fracture under thermal stress.

Keeping some spare parts on hand is also a good idea if you’re planning on performing any troubleshooting or repairs on your RV fridge. Always turn off the power source before opening any access panels, and be sure to take proper safety precautions when working on an electrical appliance. Wear rubber gloves and shoes to avoid electrocution, and never work on your fridge in rainy or stormy weather. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to tackle any problems that your Dometic refrigerator might face on your next adventure!