HELP Fridge Problem

sally47

sally47

Joined
Apr 29, 2014
Posts
466
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Location
Warwickshire, UK
Funster No
31,221
MH
Chieftain
Exp
Since 2004
Got van ready for short trip away after being parked up since October fridge not working everything else is fine on GAS and electric ( heating - boiler-lights-cooker-water but not the fridge switch on GAS can hear it trying to ignite but won't light been trying all day (van level)put it on electric and just keeps tripping but it does work on 12volt when engine is running
Looks like need to book it in but didn't know if I was missing something thanks for any help
 
Tripping an RCD ? That sounds like an electrical fault if so.
Has the fridge been serviced, could be a faulty igniter or thermocouple.
What make and model ?
 
Why would a faulty igniter or thermocouple affect 240v as far as i aware nothing to do with that
 
Do you mean fridge tripping out or electric tripping out
 
Hi
It could be spider cob web or general muck on/over the burner hole. Sometimes rust or soot can drop from the exhaust pipe above the burner.
Regards
p-c

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Sorry don't know what happened there but as above why would dirty burner cause lecci to trip
 
Is it possible you've had a mouse in there nibbling at the wires? If all was well before you laid it up, then that would be my guess.
Take the outside vent cover off and have a shuftie for bits of cable insulation.
 
What model and age of fridge ?
If it's tripping on 240v, that could be a sign that the 240 volt heating element has failed.
If it won't ignite on gas, as mentioned, it could be something as simple as a cobweb on the burner or the 12 volt gas solenoid playing up.
Do you have a multi meter ?

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Agree Jochaneezer but the point I was trying got make that they can't be linked...must be two separate issues
 
Oh well..... all that effort to try n help and Sally47 ain't been back
 
Sorry for not getting back and thank you all can't see any sign of mouse attack and like all of you can't see how they are connected will have to book it in afraid I'm no good with GAS or electrics but hopefully when fixed will let you all know for future
 
It`s all been said, Tripping Breaker would be typical of a "short" somewhere, The gas failure, could be just dirt and muck/rust on the burner, Generally if it won`t ignite something is not allowing the gas valve to open. I suspect a good "service" is in order?. I used to get mine done as an "add on" part of the "habitation" check, until it was out of warranty. Now I do the cleaning and checks myself. You can get adaptations for a vacuum, for cleaning Computers, ideal for getting to the dirty parts of Fridges.
 
Not sure about electric side but if it's trying but not igniting gas it could be soot. Overlooked alot is soot in the flu which will stop it igniting so if you get it seen to make sure they clean the flu. Easy enough job to do.

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Hi, you are saying effectively there are two faults, the ignition keeps clicking, then soon after you day its tripping. You do not say to confirm if what you mean by tripping, do you mean tripping the electrics?? of just clicking away and not igniting the gas.. Could you be more specific please.

Flook
 
Flook .... i asked same question in post 4... still no reply
 
Poppycamper, in post 4 you said 'Do you mean fridge tripping out or electric tripping out' to me being an ex appliance person, means the same, the fridge in in your home which is run with a compressor can cut out then back in then out again, the cause of this is a faulty compressor. The absorption type of fridge in a motorhome, works in a very different way, especially using gas. if the spark (ignition) is working okay (with spark being visible) but no flame up, it is possible for it to be a gas problem you have the ignition spark but no gas to ignite. If this was a voltage problem, there would be no spark of ignition. It could also be a voltage problem depending on the type of ignition, you would hear a clicking sound but no spark. So one has to look for a spark.

If it was a voltage problem to earth, or an imbalance going through the MCD that may well cause the MCD to activate.

A hint is given when it was said, 'but it does work on 12volt when engine is running', my suspicion here would be voltage. However, the OP does not state an answer to the questions.

I suspect the OP wants it to be sorted ASAP, as they are going away soon, and it may be difficult to reply when panic mode sets in.

Like you all, I await to hear/read the outcome.

Flook
 
Oki doki flook... maybe did not explain clearly.. I meant was the electric 240v tripping the breaker or was it just the fridge alarming. I do understand difference between compressor and absorption fridges. My other point and you as a appliance engineer will be able to answer this but surely there is no 240v associated with burner operations

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That is correct, it is a 12v operation, usually run from the leisure battery. The spark should still be there though, I have just had a thought, is the interior light coming on in the fridge. These fridges are a or should be a multi function operation, low voltage, gas, and mains. with auto selection. Though mine has the touch control to select which to which.

I am glad I am now retired though, no more mucky floors to creep around etc, and being told conflicting views on the problems, Oh what joy's argh....

Flook
 
Colyboy.. yes that could be the gas problem but does not explain as the OP says "when put on electric it keeps tripping"!!
 
Try to be a bit more specific on GAS I can hear the ignite clicking and then a gush as if it lights but doesant as I can hear clicking and the blue light on the fridge flashes fault 9
On electric when I press button for electric trips in van and source
Hope this a bit more clear and thank you all for you help
 
Could be an issue with the gas valve. Try taking the lower fridge vent off, so you can see the valve on the left hand side. Try to start the fridge on gas, and then tap the valve body with a spanner. If the burner then starts, that’s the problem! We found a hefty whack cured our sticky valve!!!

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What does your fridge manual say regards to fault 9?

Have you had it checked at your local dealer, if so what was the outcome. Do you have your local habitation check person you can call and explain the problem with, they might be able to help.
 
sally47 said:
Try to be a bit more specific on GAS I can hear the ignite clicking and then a gush as if it lights but doesant as I can hear clicking and the blue light on the fridge flashes fault 9
Click to expand...
Can you see if the flame ignites? It's possible that the flame detector is not working, so it cuts off the gas after a few seconds even though the flame is OK. If not, then as JFD says, maybe a sticking gas valve.

I get that the electrics trip, but nowadays there are two different trip devices, for two different faults. The RCD (the one with a 'test' button) usually trips due to dampness/water, or more rarely insulation breakdown. The MCB (no test button) trips due to short circuit - faulty element, nibbled/squashed insulation etc.
 
As an addendum to this, I was told that sticky gas valves was a known issue when using a refillable LPG system, as the LPG you get at the garage has a lubrication additive required for use in piston engines!!
 
Oooohhhhh interesting....never heard that before but does make sense!!!!
 
Sally47, due to the various replies you have, I politely suggest you either book it in at your local dealer or find out who your local Habitation check guy is, and see if they can sort it out for you. They would most probably call at your home, where as the dealer you have to take it to them.

Sorry I cannot help you any more than this.

Flook

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