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Topic: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane (Read 399 times) previous topic - next topic
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2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
We run the refrigerator on propane while driving.  It's been working fine for the last 15 years.  During a trip last weekend, it kept getting a check light.  We tried to restart it a number of times, but still got the check light.  The propane tank is 1/2 full.  I pulled over at a rest stop and opened the outside door and looked inside.  I would see the flame for about 30 seconds, then a click sound, and back to the check light.   I then turned on the generator and the frig worked fine on a/c.   When we got to the campground and we hooked up, the frig worked fine.   Today, I used the vacuum cleaner to try and clean around the burner area.  I couldn't take the shield off because it has special screws which I don't have a screw driver for.   Do you think this is going to be a trip to a service center?  General RV or Camping World is my only options.

Glenn & Joan Lambert
Redford, MI 
Glenn & Joan Lambert
Redford, MI
2017 27' Mid-Bath
Re: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
Reply #1 –
Quote from: Glenn Lambert  - 
We run the refrigerator on propane while driving.  It's been working fine for the last 15 years.  During a trip last weekend, it kept getting a check light.  We tried to restart it a number of times, but still got the check light.  The propane tank is 1/2 full.  I pulled over at a rest stop and opened the outside door and looked inside.  I would see the flame for about 30 seconds, then a click sound, and back to the check light.  I then turned on the generator and the frig worked fine on a/c.  When we got to the campground and we hooked up, the frig worked fine.  Today, I used the vacuum cleaner to try and clean around the burner area.  I couldn't take the shield off because it has special screws which I don't have a screw driver for.  Do you think this is going to be a trip to a service center?  General RV or Camping World is my only options.

Glenn & Joan Lambert
Redford, MI
Glenn, the same thing happen to me on our '02 about 4 yrs ago. I wound up taking it to a small RV repair place in Boulder, CO and they said it just needed a good cleaning and adjusting. I tried that myself to no avail. It's worked fine since.
Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
Reply #2 –

The electrode went bad on mine and she wouldn't run on gas. Bought this part at Amazon. Amazon.com: Dometic 2932781012 Electrode with Wire Lead: Automotive

Installed it in all of 10 minutes (thanks to the Lazy daze Companion for step by step instructions) and the old girl is running like new.

Good luck!

Dave

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
Reply #3 –
Mine did the same thing a couple of years ago.  I used a small wire brush to remove the corrosion off of the flame sensor\electrode, and it's worked fine ever since.  Worth a try!
Bill
2003 -- 23' FL
Re: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
Reply #4 –
Older Dometics used a thermocouple to detect the flame, newer models uses the ignitor contacts to sense the flame.
Other possible causes include low propane pressure and a dirty jet,
The refrigerator's jet needs be cleaned every few years, it slowly accumulates a coating that reduces the jet's internal diameter.
Use rubbing alcohol and a old plastic toothbrush to clean the jet. Never use any metal object to clean or poke the jet.

The propane's pressure needs a manometer to measure the pressure and is used to adjust the regulator.
A 15 year old propane regulator is ripe for replacement, it's rubber diaphragm will eventually go bad and leak.
Our 2003 LD has gone through two of them.

Larry
 
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
Reply #5 –
I called the local General RV.  They would not be able to look at the refrigerator until after September 1.  Wow!  They must be busy!  I guess I will have to figure out how to clean the area myself.  The removable shield has some kind of special screw heads.  Looks like a box head.
Glenn & Joan Lambert
Redford, MI
2017 27' Mid-Bath
Re: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
Reply #6 –
"Never use any metal object to clean or poke the jet."
----
Or a toothpick! It won't scratch like a metal "poker", but it can break off in the jet's orifice.  :o
2003 TK has a new home
Re: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Glenn Lambert  - 
I called the local General RV.  They would not be able to look at the refrigerator until after September 1.  Wow!  They must be busy!  I guess I will have to figure out how to clean the area myself.  The removable shield has some kind of special screw heads.  Looks like a box head.

A starting point.

http://www.fourwh.com/NewDometicRefrigeratorManual.pdf
Re: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
Reply #8 –
Glenn,
The square depressions in the head of the screws require a Robertson screw driver.  They come in several sizes and are easy to obtain.  Home Depot carries them.  They are really useful and have lots of purchase when you want to crank down on them, on or off.

Harold
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
Reply #9 –
Thanks for all the advice and the Dometic attachment!   I also called the local Camping World.  They were booked up for the next 5 weeks, but the service guy at least gave me some suggestions on cleaning the thermocouple.  
Glenn & Joan Lambert
Redford, MI
2017 27' Mid-Bath
Re: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
Reply #10 –
Glenn,
The last time I went to Camping World for a RV repair, I was so underwhelmed by what I was told and saw that I took my RV home and fixed it myself. 

I'll bet you do just fine fixing your fridge.  Good luck and keep us posted.

HD
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
Reply #11 –
Well I removed the electrode.  It had a little bit of white stuff at the end. I gently brush it off with some very smooth sandpaper.  The frig does work on propane now but I have to turn it off and on about 3 or 4 times in a row.
Glenn & Joan Lambert
Redford, MI
2017 27' Mid-Bath
Re: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
Reply #12 –
Sounds like you have a crack in the electrode. This was my problem. Once warmed up from running a bit she would remain on. I started on electricity for many years before replacing the electrode. Easy, easy fix. $30 part.

I give full credit to the LD Companion for my fix. I will cut and paste here. Mods, if this is a copyright violation please remove:

Won’t operate on propane unless warmed up on AC first:
1. , The problem is probably a cracked ceramic rod surrounding the igniter wire. You can test this by removing the burner cover on the far right of the exterior refrigerator compartment, depressing the refrigerator start button, and immediately attempting to light the burner with a match. If the burner lights, let it run for a minute or so, and blow out the flame. If the igniter now (automatically) restarts the flame, then your problem is almost certainly a hairline crack in the ceramic rod, and the igniter should be replaced. Easy to do yourself, one screw and one connection. Take the old igniter with you (or the whole rig) to be sure you get the correct igniter. They come in many variations.

The Lazy Daze Companion: refrigerator
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
Reply #13 –
Hmm.. Good timing on this thread. The fridge in my '03 FL just started doing this too. Works fine on AC.  Occasionally I'll restart it and it'll run for a while, but then will kick off with a check light again.  I'll try cleaning it, and if not hunt down replacement parts. (Currently in the Denver area, any recommendations on a good RV supply store?)

BTW: One of my most useful purchases has been a Husky toolkit from Home depot. Has sockets and drivers for every screw/bolt known to man, and fits in a plastic case the size of a briefcase. Very handy when faced with some wacky screw head.
Re: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
Reply #14 –
After taking out the electrode and cleaning it the other day, I took it out again yesterday and examined it for cracks.  Couldn't see any.  I also checked the burner to make sure it wasn't wasn't clogged.  It wasn't.  I thought I would then check the thermocouple but could not figure out how in the world to removed it.  I could see a small portion of the end of it and tried to see if it was corroded, but it looked ok.  I put everything back together and now the refrigerator doesn't work at all on propane.  Oh well.  I made a service appointment at Camping World.
Glenn & Joan Lambert
Redford, MI
2017 27' Mid-Bath
 
Re: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
Reply #15 –
How long will it take to get cooling in the refer when started on Propane??  I plugged it in this morning and it 2:30 and it is so hot you cant hardly touch the metal slates.  Does it heat up before it cools down??  Sorry Newbie to RVing
Re: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
Reply #16 –
Bree,

The fridge should be cooler if notcold within a couple of hours or less. If the freezer hasn't frosted up yet then it would appear there is something wrong. It should not get hotter before it gets cold.

You probably should shut it down until someone with more information can give you data on how to proceed.

Did it work before?

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
Reply #17 –
Thank you Kent.
Re: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
Reply #18 –
Glenn,

That seems odd.  Is the gap between electrode and the burner correct?  If there's any *give* in the amount of rotation when the igniter is installed, it may be too far from, or too close? to the burner. Just a thought.
Bill
2003 -- 23' FL
Re: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
Reply #19 –
Bree49 (Do you have a name?)

"...and it is so hot you cant hardly touch the metal slates."

If by 'metal slates' you are refering to the cooling 'fins' inside the fridge cabinet, they should NEVER get hot... ambient temp. to cool/cold only.

Open the exterior panel (outside behind the fridge) and see if you can touch the cylindrical 'stack' on the right side of that compartment. Watch that it may be hot, do not burn your self. If it is hot then the heater is working. If it is not hot to the touch you need further guidance from someone here or an RV Service shop.   ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
Reply #20 –
Thank you, to Glenn and L Bones.
Re: 2002 MB: Dometic Refrigerator Won't Stay on Propane
Reply #21 –
Quote from: bree49  - 
How long will it take to get cooling in the refer when started on Propane??  I plugged it in this morning and it 2:30 and it is so hot you cant hardly touch the metal slates.  Does it heat up before it cools down??  Sorry Newbie to RVing

Starting on propane alone, with no pre-cooling by electric hookup, ours takes between four to six hours before we see the first drop in temperature. After that, things seem to snowball, and the temps drop fairly quickly, and we're ready to load it after 8 hours or so.  If I'm able to keep the rig overnight before taking off, we cool it on electric overnight and switch to propane just before leaving.  We have an external thermometer that has a sensor ribbon that passes into the fridge compartment through the door seal. That way we don't have to lose whatever cooling progress we've made by opening the door to check.  Our fridge is original equipment, now 10 years old.
-- Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄