13
EN
Diagnostic Procedures
7 Installation Issues
NOTICE:
Improper clearances and/or ventilation can
lead to high ambient temperature, causing cooling
issues and possible damage to equipment electronics.
Many refrigerator problems are caused by issues outside
of the product itself. When diagnosing a refrigerator
problem, always check the issues described in this
section before replacing components.
Operational Issue
Potential Issue
The refrigerator does not operate in
gas mode.
Gas Pressure
The refrigerator does not operate in
AC or DC mode.
The refrigerator cools insufficiently
during AC operation, but cools
properly during gas and DC
operation.
The refrigerator cools insufficiently
during DC operation, but cools
properly during AC and gas
operation.
Power
The refrigerator does not get cold
enough in any operating mode.
Improper
Installation
Ambient
Temperature
The refrigerator does not operate in
gas mode.
Altitude
The fresh food compartment freezes.
Frost builds up rapidly.
Humidity
7.1 Power Issues
The following checks should be made using the battery,
converter, or generator, where applicable. Do not
use a test light, as it does not provide enough useful
information for a proper diagnosis.
Use a digital multi-meter to take readings. Check that the
DC power to the refrigerator is between
10.5–18
VDC for DC operation, testing with the interior
lights of the RV both on and off.
Check that the AC power to the refrigerator is between
103.5–126.5
VAC for AC operation.
7.2 Gas Pressure Issues
Check that the gas pressure is between
10.5–11.5 in. W.C., ideally as close to 11
in.
W.C. (at
the refrigerator) as possible. Perform the check with
a minimum of 50% (ideally 100%) of other gas-fired
appliances operating while the refrigerator is in
operation. The pressure should be tested using a U-tube
manometer. If using a digital-type manometer, calibrate it
often with a U-tube manometer.
Check the outside air temperature. As the air gets
colder, it reduces the capacity of the liquid propane (LP)
tank and the gas pressure is affected by a combination of
the fill level of the LP tanks and the ambient temperature
outside.
To raise the tank temperature and increase the capacity
of the tank:
1. Place an insulated, fire-resistant blanket over the
tanks.
2. Place an illuminated 75 W light bulb under the
blanket.
The temperature of the bottle should rise 10–20 °F
[(-12)–(-7) °C] over a brief period of time, which increases
tank capacity.
7.3 Installation Issues
Specific clearances are required during the installation
of the refrigerator. Check the installation manual for the
refrigerator to find the proper dimensions, and ensure
that the existing installation location complies with the
requirements. In addition, check for these potential
installation issues:
• Air space: after installing the refrigerator within the
cabinetry, there should be less than 0.5 in. (13 mm) of
open air space on the sides and top of the refrigerator
or performance issues can occur. If there is any
open air space around the refrigerator, fill the space
with insulation. There should be no more than 1 in.
(25 mm) of space between the cooling unit and the
side wall of the RV. If there is more than 1 in. (25 mm)
of space, install a baffle box to fill the extra space