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Topic: All of a sudden, my fridge is not cooling well, but the freezer seems fine (Read 341 times) previous topic - next topic
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All of a sudden, my fridge is not cooling well, but the freezer seems fine
Hi Folks,

My 2000 Mid-Bath refrigerator has been working like a champ.  Yesterday, we put some newly cooked (and mostly cooled) food into the fridge, and so we weren't too surprised that the fridge temp was ~50 degrees when we checked it.  The freezer is working fine and keeping things frozen well, even when we added some of the same food there.  Not frozen solid yet, but getting there.  We're running on propane, since no A/C in the minimal campground we are staying in; the cooktop burners are working fine so propane is flowing, and we get no check lights -- fridge is holding solid on propane.

Today, the refrigerator was up to about 55 degrees.  Is there anything or any failure condition that would keep the freezer working properly, but the fridge not cooling well?

We've had a couple warm days with bright sunshine (about 82-84 up near Banff, Alberta, Canada), but haven't had this problem in the past.

I checked out a few previous threads, but my search terms did not get me to the right leads, so I'm reaching out to you all.

Thanks very much in advance.  I have limited internet in this area, but should be able to receive notifications of any replies.  Much obliged!
Steven & Carol Crisp -- 2000 26.5' Blue Mid-Bath named Thistle Dew Too
Our RV Motto:  "No place to be ... and all day to get there"
2024 Adventure: The Great Eclipse Escapade!  HI(Air),NV,AZ,NM,Mason,TX(Totality!) ...
Re: All of a sudden, my fridge is not cooling well, but the freezer seems fine
Reply #1 –
Where are you and what are the outside temps?
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: All of a sudden, my fridge is not cooling well, but the freezer seems fine
Reply #2 –
Quote from: joel wiley  - 
Where are you and what are the outside temps?

Hi Joel, we're a bit east of Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada.

Outdoor temps both yesterday and today got up to 82-84 with full sun, but also cooled down to about 45 at night. 

Thanks for any suggestions or inputs on what might be the cause of the Fridge not cooling properly when the Freezer is working.
Steven & Carol Crisp -- 2000 26.5' Blue Mid-Bath named Thistle Dew Too
Our RV Motto:  "No place to be ... and all day to get there"
2024 Adventure: The Great Eclipse Escapade!  HI(Air),NV,AZ,NM,Mason,TX(Totality!) ...
 
Re: All of a sudden, my fridge is not cooling well, but the freezer seems fine
Reply #3 –
Hi Folks,

Just a thought here. Check the thermistor on the cooling fins at the back of the refrigerator. Perhaps it got bumped when you placed food in and dislodged from the fins.

I’m checking YouTube. I’ll post any advice that seems useful. https://youtu.be/Gsihtpi_kqc

https://youtu.be/W79Ga6fklhA

Both videos point to the thermocouple (?) inside the thermistor housing sliding too low in the plastic mounting bracket.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: All of a sudden, my fridge is not cooling well, but the freezer seems fine
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
Hi Folks,

Just a thought here. Check the thermistor on the cooling fins at the back of the refrigerator. Perhaps it got bumped when you placed food in and dislodged from the fins.

I’m checking YouTube. I’ll post any advice that seems useful. https://youtu.be/Gsihtpi_kqc

https://youtu.be/W79Ga6fklhA

Both videos point to the thermocouple (?) inside the thermistor housing sliding too low in the plastic mounting bracket.

Kent
Hi Kent,

Well that was about as perfect a youtube video as you could have sent!  Indeed, my white slide was at the top as it should be, but when I went to look for the thermocouple, it was not there, and dangling on the side of the fridge.  I had to pull a bit more cable through the back to get it long enough to go to the top, and if that cools too much, I will lower the slide.  I hope that works, and that the thermocouple is not damaged (as it didn't look identical to what was in your video).

Anyways, I'm cautiously optimistic, and will report back tomorrow!  Thank you very much for doing that research, as my cell connection is paltry; indeed I'm amazed I could watch your video.  Very much appreciate the assistance, Kent!
Steven & Carol Crisp -- 2000 26.5' Blue Mid-Bath named Thistle Dew Too
Our RV Motto:  "No place to be ... and all day to get there"
2024 Adventure: The Great Eclipse Escapade!  HI(Air),NV,AZ,NM,Mason,TX(Totality!) ...
Re: All of a sudden, my fridge is not cooling well, but the freezer seems fine
Reply #5 –
Hi guys,

I’m optimistic that this will solve your issue. Good news for all of us. Keep us posted.

Now time to chill out.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: All of a sudden, my fridge is not cooling well, but the freezer seems fine
Reply #6 –
Hi Folks,

Well, my quick update is not too encouraging.  This morning the fridge was about about 44 degrees (though it was about 45 degrees outside last night ;-).  We thought maybe it would keep cooling off, but in fact, was up to about 52 later today.  Granted it is hotter out side (about 92 or so, but not sunny, quite overcast).

So I'm afraid maybe the thermistor is not working or damaged (it certainly does not look the same as in your video).

Below are pictures of the end of the sensor wire (thermistor?), how I have inserted in into the clip, and where I have positioned the clip.

If anyone can help correct any mistakes I may have made, I'd welcome that input.  If anyone has additional suggestions as to the likely cause of the fridge not cooling down, even though the freezer is working perfectly, after reading this thread and seeing these pictures, I'd love to hear them.

Thanks again everyone!
Steven & Carol Crisp -- 2000 26.5' Blue Mid-Bath named Thistle Dew Too
Our RV Motto:  "No place to be ... and all day to get there"
2024 Adventure: The Great Eclipse Escapade!  HI(Air),NV,AZ,NM,Mason,TX(Totality!) ...
Re: All of a sudden, my fridge is not cooling well, but the freezer seems fine
Reply #7 –
you say the freezer is fine, but are you monitoring the temps there? Are they near 0 F or simply cold enough to freeze cubes? There is no balancing between fridge and freezer, as with a compressor fridge. If the freezer really is approaching or below 0 F then the fridge door seal is suspect.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: All of a sudden, my fridge is not cooling well, but the freezer seems fine
Reply #8 –
Hi guys,

Your photos show a different tip (thermistor) than the YouTube video. Your rig is 22 years old so perhaps the device was made differently back then. Then too perhaps the fridge is just on its last legs if it is the OEM unit installed at the Mothership.

I know that thermocouples do fail and perhaps a replacement thermistor is a possibility. I’m sure RonB, Larry or others may have an idea on this matter. If you have the refrigerator manual in hand, perhaps there is a parts pic there that can help you find the replacement.

Very curious photo you showed. Almost looks like something is missing. Perhaps snagged and fallen off.

Good luck.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: All of a sudden, my fridge is not cooling well, but the freezer seems fine
Reply #9 –
Question here, in your one picture it shows the thermistor set off from the plate. Should it be in contact with the aluminum fin. I guess I never really looked at ours. It also seems as though something is missing on the tip.

Jon
1994 MB
Re: All of a sudden, my fridge is not cooling well, but the freezer seems fine
Reply #10 –
Here is a pic I found on line that looks like yours. It’s a Dometic so it appears that they have changed the design over the years or for other refer applications.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: All of a sudden, my fridge is not cooling well, but the freezer seems fine
Reply #11 –
Thanks everyone, sorry for my delay getting back -- have had limited cell service.

Good news -- the fridge is now working properly.  In addition to my dangling thermistor ☺️, I think we had a very full fridge, and my wife, the great fridge packer, had put something large in that corner in front of the fins and the thermistor.  So without air movement (we haven't put in a fan), I think the thermistor thought everything was nice and cool, so stopped cooling, and the rest of the fridge warmed up significantly.  I moved the offending produce.

When I checked it a day or two ago, I found it at 25 degrees 🥶, so I pulled down the thermistor clip until the tip of it was right in the middle, and that keeps the temp at the low end of the refrigerator range, which is perfect.

So, back to Kent's optimistic outlook, it looks like everything is working well in this 22 year old fridge!  Woohoo.  Thanks again for everyone's help and input!
Steven & Carol Crisp -- 2000 26.5' Blue Mid-Bath named Thistle Dew Too
Our RV Motto:  "No place to be ... and all day to get there"
2024 Adventure: The Great Eclipse Escapade!  HI(Air),NV,AZ,NM,Mason,TX(Totality!) ...
Re: All of a sudden, my fridge is not cooling well, but the freezer seems fine
Reply #12 –
"we had a very full fridge, and my wife, the great fridge packer, had put something large in that corner in front of the fins and the thermistor."

Yes, that could have done it. A reasonably full fridge is actually better than a mostly empty one, because the thermal mass of the contents helps to maintain an even temperature, just as the mass of a flywheel helps to maintain an even speed. But blocking air circulation too much, and especially blocking the temperature sensor, can lead to problems.

A fan helps to even out the temperature throughout the fridge compartment. You can find recommendations if you search the archives here.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"