Broken 3 way fridge

[Carzmaniac]

Hi there, i have a 1996 ducato swift. Ive only just bought it. Today i have noticed the 3 way fridge is not working on 12v 230v and it tics and puffs on gas but no sustained flame in the view port. Its an Electrolux RM4201.

Any clues tip or tricks to get going on diag? Ive tried most of the basic things. It is hooked up to 240v and it is level too.

Or any advise on what could fill its spot for a reasonable price

Cheers, Rich

 

[Dave Scadding]

First re the gas I would remove the side vent and then remove the gas feed to the bottom of the flew. Then remove the gas igniter and clean also there should be a brass jet within the body this will also need cleaning.here’s an example of what you’re looking for.

 

[Dave Scadding]

Re 12v supply, it may well be a relay within the engine compartment. Probably situated with 2 or 3 other relays ( split charger etc) here’s another image of what you’re looking to find

 

[LithiumConvert]

A few basic checks with results posted here may generate more helpful responses.

Three way fridge - are you trying on each selection manually or have you tried 3-way auto?

Gas - Do you have enough gas pressure to run one or, preferably than more than one, burner(s) continuously? You need propane (red cylinder), not Butane (blue cylinder) at this time of year.

240 volt - Is all the other 240 volts equipment working? Sockets? Battery Charger? Do you know where to look for 240 volts on the back of the fridge?

12 volt. It will likely be set to only run on 12 volts while you are driving - which makes it difficult to check for the voltage on the back of the fridge. Also, many 3 way fridges take ages (and ages more, and still more) to get cold on 12 volts. They like to be already cold wwhen you drive off.

 

[Manic]

there should be a brass jet within the body this will also need cleaning

The jet on these a very thin metal, not brass and should only be cleaned with blowing out with air.

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[jockaneezer]

The fridge works by heating up a liquid which turns it into a gas and this state change causes a temperature drop, which cools your fridge.
All this takes place within the insulated tube that surrounds the chimney, either from the gas flame, or the choice of two electric heating elements (one 12 volt and one 240 volts)
I've arrowed the position of the burner at the bottom of the chimney in my pic, but just above and to the left are two sleeved wires (red and grey) These are the supplies for the two electrical heating elements.
If you can use a multimeter, follow the wires back up to the back of the control panel and check for the requisite voltage at the terminals when either supply option is selected. (You'll probably need the engine running to check for the 12 volt option)
If you have the correct voltage, then set your meter to ohms and check the resistance of the individual heating elements. I can't think of the required value, but it's fairly low, round about 120 to 150 ohms, but if you get an open circuit or some really high reading, the elements are probably goosed, replacements may be available online for around about £70 to £100.
As others have said, check the condition of the jet for the burner (plenty of YouTube videos on the procedure) but, given the age of things, the fridge may just be dead (check for a smell of ammonia or greenish crystals forming on the pipework) and maybe consider an electric compressor fridge for a replacement if you have sufficient battery/solar ?
Edited to include the picture !