Problem with Dometic fridge Rm 8401

[Bel24]

Hi
We have a Dometic rm 8401 fridge in our van which at the moment only cools very slightly on gas, battery or hook up.

When the gas is operated the burner lights fully, but after 1/2hour starts to dwindle away to next to nothing. When it's on battery the current cconsumed at first is about 10.5 amps and then that starts to dwindle down to about 6 amps after 1/2hour. Exactly the same on hook up. All the fascia display works and I have tried changing the temp control from min to med to max and it makes no difference.

Anybody got any suggestions what the problem could be.

Thank you

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

Your fridge will only operate on 12 v when the engine is running unless you have a large battery bank and plenty of solar panels.
If the gas light goes down after half an hour and the fridge isn't cool enough, it could suggest that the fridge "thinks" it is up to temperature so maybe it needs a new thermocouple . Also if running on EHU but not cool enough suggests a thermocouple/ thermostat issue.
Obviously the fridge is working but it probably needs thermostats checking or cleaning and reattaching with a good thermal paste
There are a few threads on here that could help.
You don't say how old your fridge is ,IE van.
Ps
I see from your other post that your van is at least 10 years old ,which would suggest it's possibly time for the thermostat to be cleaned reseated or a new thermocouple..
Best of luck.

 

[Lenny HB]

I to think it sounds like a thermocouple problem. It could be the electronics not interpreting the thermocouple reading correctly. Probably worth changing the thermocouple to start with.

A common problem is the thermal paste drying out or making poor contact with the fins but if it was that I would expect the gas/electric to be working flat out but not cooling.

 

[GeoffnDee]

The Dometic operating instructions suggest that winter vent covers should be fitted if there is a loss of cooling performance when outside temperatures are low. (if you are somewhere that is cold)

 

[Bel24]

Thanks everyone the fridge is six years old we have lithium batteries with a capacity of 400 a/h and the fridge is also wired through solar panels Appreciate the quick responses very informative

Have you any idea where the thermocouple is situated ?

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[Lenny HB]

Have you any idea where the thermocouple is situated ?

Normally in a plastic clip on the bottom right hand side of the fins inside the fridge.

This is my 8505 fridge, you can see the white lead to it that I have circled.

 

[Bel24]

I will have a look now I know what to look for thanks very much for the help

 

[namwaldog]

Service Instructions for your model is available in .pdf format in the Resources section at......

Dometic 8xxx series Service Manual

.pdf file with service instructions for most Dometic 8xxx series Fridges

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[Bel24]

Hi namwaldog I am unable to download I get a message no permission to download

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

If you have paid your subs then you will probably have to wait a little while untill your membership has been approved..

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[Richard n Ann]

I will have a look now I know what to look for thanks very much for the help

Might be known as a Thermistor if you need to order a new one.
The thermocouple more usually shuts the gas off if the flame goes out.

 

[namwaldog]

If you haven't paid your subs, (the £20 pa will give you access to loads of information) then you won't be able to access the Resources Section.

Have a look at.....

https://www.4mcculloch.co.uk/images/mediator/559/599719262.pdf

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

If you haven't paid your subs, (the £20 pa will give you access to loads of information) then you won't be able to access the Resources Section.

Have a look at.....

https://www.4mcculloch.co.uk/images/mediator/559/599719262.pdf

Plus you only get to put up 5 posts for free.