Fridge not working when driving Warm Beer Problem! (1 Viewer)

[Fatboy1960]

Hi I have me a swift 685 and the Fridge (Dometic series 9) does not work when I am driving - it’s fine on EHU
According to the manual the DC power supply is not available or insufficient. I have assumed given that the unit has an error message (flashing symbols and a buzzer) that it has power but not sufficient power. There is a real risk when I arrive in Oban tomorrow my beer will be warm Any advice that will help the fridge work whilst travelling will be much appreciated

 

[suavecarve]

I have no idea what you just said but you have my heartfelt sympathies for your beer issue.

The fridge is not likely to get cold from working off 12 volt. It will keep the fridge at the same temperature. Make sure temperature is correct for chilled beer before leaving and the 12 volt will keep it at level for perfect refreshments upon arrival.

 

[XxAnthxX]

The fridge will have power to the control panel, but requires a D+ Power signal (engine running) to allow the power to heat the fridge element.

This is to prevent the fridge to run off 12v and flatten the battery without being charged from the alternator.

Check the fuse for the D+ {alternator engine running supply Signal) or simulated D+ ( form your control panel) depending how it’s wired.

As mentioned above the 12v ‘usually‘ only manages to maintain temperature. Try running It on gas (If you stop off on route) to get the temperature down.


To avoid potential disaster.....stop off at a local off licence close to your destination and get enough chilled emergency rations to last till the fridge is hooked up and fully operational with your supplies down to their optimal temperature...

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[Off da Grid]

Presume you chill the fridge on 240v or gas before travelling first.
Could be a fuse or the relay has packed up on the back of the fridge easy to change, 5 min job.

 

[suavecarve]

Presume you chill the fridge on 240v or gas before travelling first.
Could be a fuse or the relay has packed up on the back of the fridge easy to change, 5 min job.

Chilling the fridge before leaving in order to arrive with chilled beer is on page 1 of the male motorhomers guide to survival book. Use gas or electric for a few hours to save disaster occurring

 

[Yorick]

Drink the beer on the way to save it getting warm

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[scotzsue]

Put a couple of cool blocks, or frozen food in the fridge compartment, with your already cool beer.

 

[The Coops]

Take up whisky! Problem solved!

 

[autorouter]

There are two 12V supplies to a fridge. The low-power supply comes from the leisure battery, and powers the control board and gas ignition. The fridge works off gas and EHU so the low-power supply must be OK.

The high power supply comes from the starter battery/alternator and powers the 12V heater element which causes cooling .

There is usually a separate fuse (20A), often located near the starter battery. There is a 'fridge relay' that switches the heater element power when the engine is running. The relay is switched by the 'D+' signal from the alternator, in much the same way that the split charge relay switches to charge the leisure battery when the engine is running.

Usually the fault is a fuse or bad connection somewhere. If not, it could be a faulty relay, missing D+ signal, or if you're very unlucky, a faulty 12V heater element.

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[Lenny HB]

I have no idea what you just said but you have my heartfelt sympathies for your beer issue.

The fridge is not likely to get cold from working off 12 volt. It will keep the fridge at the same temperature. Make sure temperature is correct for chilled beer before leaving and the 12 volt will keep it at level for perfect refreshments upon arrival.

That is not correct the fridges work quite well on 12 volts these days and have thermostat control. They have been like that for about 15 years.
The older fridges had smaller 12v elements and no temperature control.