Three way fridge not working

[Jugar99]

I just wanted to say a big thank you for some of the constructive comments made with regards to my motorhome fridge failing to stay late after initially starting with no problem. Having done all the usual dismantling and cleaning to know avail, I picked up a tip to repeatedly rotate the selector switch 30 or more times. This is the dial that selects gas, battery, mains electricity, etc. After what must’ve been 60+ clicks of the switch… Hey presto… It is fixed. Absolutely amazing and thanks again! PS I am reliably informed that the thermocouple rarely fails with a fridge unit.

 

[Figaro]

Glad it's working but I don't understand what repeatedly turning the switch will do.
You may still have a problem ?

 

[Richard n Ann]

Time for a new switch?

 

[Treeeev]

Glad it's working but I don't understand what repeatedly turning the switch will do.

The only thing I can think of is that it is cleaning the switch contacts?

Cheers

Trevor

 

[Robin McHood]

The only thing I can think of is that it is cleaning the switch contacts?

Cheers

Trevor

Good chance that is exactly what it is doing. Its possible that there is some sort of corrosion build up on the contacts when unused for long periods.

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[ianthebuilder]

That happens with my left elbow!!

I think I get a calcium build up on the joint, and sometimes I can’t touch my face,, but when I lay bricks or exercise it for a day, it works lovely!! Same principle I reckon!! Lol x

 

[ambulancekidd]

Tis a very handy forum with advice which is second to none.

 

[DBK]

I just wanted to say a big thank you for some of the constructive comments made with regards to my motorhome fridge failing to stay late after initially starting with no problem. Having done all the usual dismantling and cleaning to know avail, I picked up a tip to repeatedly rotate the selector switch 30 or more times. This is the dial that selects gas, battery, mains electricity, etc. After what must’ve been 60+ clicks of the switch… Hey presto… It is fixed. Absolutely amazing and thanks again! PS I am reliably informed that the thermocouple rarely fails with a fridge unit.

That's what worked on mine, it does clean the contacts which is needed I believe as the voltage from the thermocouple is tiny.

However, in the end I had to replace the switch, the fault kept returning. I stripped the faulty one down, cleaned everything but it still wouldn't work reliably but replacing it cured the problem.

Tip: Photograph the switch with all cables in place for safety then change over one wire at a time to the new switch.

 

[Jugar99]

Thanks for all the comments guys. I think it does clean the contacts somehow but it may be a signal that the switch is failing. I will wait and see.

 

[bigalw35]

I had a similar problem in Germany last year, and it was the switch, but just dirty contacts, so I carefully stripped the switch apart, cleaned it with brake cleaner, then a quick spray WD 40, reassembled then removed the thermostat end of the thermocouple and cleaned the contacts there, but only with brake cleaner, it now works perfectly

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[tonyidle]

Buy contact cleaner - the stuff that's actually called Contact Cleaner. Don't dismantle the switch just thoroughly hose ever possible entry point with the stuff. Dry it off then refit. It will not fail again and the switch doesn't wear - the contacts develop very minor corrosion through lack of work.