Troubleshoot Your Dometic Fridge Not Cooling? Try This First

If you've ever opened your Dometic RV refrigerator only to find it's not cooling properly, it can be incredibly frustrating. A non-functioning fridge fills any RVer with dread.

But never fear - in most cases, you can troubleshoot and fix a Dometic fridge not cooling on your own, without needing to call out an expensive RV technician right away.

How Does a Dometic Fridge Work?

Before diving into troubleshooting, it helps to understand the basic operation of your Dometic refrigerator. Dometic utilizes an absorption cooling system, rather than a compressor like a standard household fridge. This makes them much more energy efficient.

The absorption cycle uses a combination of heat, refrigerant, and pressure to create a continuous cooling effect. A generator burns LP gas, creating heat that gets absorbed by an ammonia-water solution in the evaporator. This vaporizes the refrigerant, which circulates through the system gathering heat from the fridge interior. It them moves to the condenser where it cools back into a liquid, starting the cycle over again.

Start With Proper Setup

Many Dometic fridge cooling issues arise from improper setup, rather than an internal malfunction. Before diving into troubleshooting the fridge itself, double check these factors:

Confirm the Fridge is Level

A Dometic fridge needs to be as close to perfectly level as possible. Even just a few degrees off level can disrupt the absorption system and prevent proper cooling. Use a bubble level tool on top of your fridge to check it's level both front-to-back and side-to-side.

Check for Ventilation Blockage

Proper ventilation is critical for a Dometic's cooling capability. There should be open air behind and underneath the fridge, with nothing obstructing the vents. Make sure cabinets, walls, or furniture are not squeezing the external vents closed.

Verify Power Source

Ensure your Dometic is actually turned on and receiving power. For gas models, check your propane tanks are not empty. For electric models, verify it's plugged in and switched on. These simple power issues can make it seem like your fridge isn't working.

Troubleshoot Dirty or Clogged Components

If the fridge is set up properly, yet still not cooling adequately, the issue may lie in clogged components preventing normal operation. Here's how to check and fix the most common clogs:

Clean the Condenser Coils

The condenser coils are responsible for releasing built up heat during the absorption cycle. If they become clogged with dust, lint, or debris, that heat release gets inhibited and the fridge can't cool properly. The coils should be cleaned every 1-2 months with either compressed air or a stiff brush.

Inspect Door Seals and Gaskets

Faulty door seals allow cold air to leak out of the fridge interior. Check that the seals are intact with no cracks or gaps that allow air exchange when the door is closed. The seal should form a tight closure. If seals are damaged, they will need to be replaced.

Check for Frozen Pipes or Blockages

In very cold conditions, the small refrigerant pipes in a Dometic system can sometimes freeze. This blocks proper refrigerant circulation. Carefully thaw any frozen pipes and clear out any noticeable blockages.

Diagnose Thermostat and Electrical Issues

If the fridge components all appear clean and intact, the cooling problem may be electrical in nature. Here's how to troubleshoot potential electrical faults:

Reset the Fridge

Start by resetting the fridge's control board, which may clear any software glitches preventing operation. Locate the reset button on the back of the fridge near the bottom and press and hold it for 15 seconds to reset the system.

Test the Thermostat

A faulty thermostat is a common issue, where it fails to accurately sense internal temperature and won't kick the fridge into cooling mode once it reaches the set level. If the thermostat is not engaging properly, it will need replacement.

Assess the Control Panel

Erratic electrical shorts in the control panel can mimic a cooling malfunction. Thoroughly inspect the control board for any damaged wiring or components. If the issue stems from the control panel, it often requires replacement by a qualified RV technician.

When to Call a Professional

While many Dometic fridge issues can be fixed with simple DIY troubleshooting, there are certain situations where it's best to involve a professional RV technician:

• You've tried all the standard troubleshooting steps without success
• There are obvious signs of refrigerant leaks or compressor issues
• The problem seems to be rooted in complex electrical malfunctions

Diagnosing refrigerant leaks and compressor problems requires specialized tools and expertise. And electrical issues can be hazardous if mishandled. RV techs have the proper training, equipment, and experience for handling these more advanced repair scenarios.

The best way to avoid a non-cooling Dometic fridge is preventative maintenance. Follow the manufacturer's suggested cleaning schedule for your specific model. Common tasks include:

• Cleaning condenser coils every 1-2 months
• Lubricating door hinges annually
• Checking / replacing door seals as needed
• Testing electrical components
• Inspecting propane lines and connections

The Dometic absorption fridge should operate reliably for many years. But even the best maintained appliance can occasionally falter. Use the diagnostic tips in this guide to get your RV refrigerator cooling again quickly. And as always, consult the Dometic manual as a reference for model-specific troubleshooting steps.