Dometic 2-Door Refrigerator Recall

[MCB128]

While trying to contact Dometic about an awning problem I discovered that they have a recall of about 10 models of their refrigerators made between 9/1997 and 9/2006. I registered all their equipment on my RV when we got it last year, but they didn't call me on it. Maybe due to National be out of the picture. Anyway my 2007 TropicalCal has one of the models. We have been using it without any problems so far, but this is a recall that is a FREE fix from Dometic. There is a danger of fire from a crack in the burner unit. Advise giving them a call at (800) 544-4881. You will need the model, serial number and your VIIN. They were closed today and will have to check on Monday for a PERSON. Hopes this helps.

[MCB128]

While trying to contact Dometic about an awning problem I discovered that they have a recall of about 10 models of their refrigerators made between 9/1997 and 9/2006. I registered all their equipment on my RV when we got it last year, but they didn't call me on it. Maybe due to National be out of the picture. Anyway my 2007 TropicalCal has one of the models. We have been using it without any problems so far, but this is a recall that is a FREE fix from Dometic. There is a danger of fire from a crack in the burner unit. Advise giving them a call at (800) 544-4881. You will need the model, serial number and your VIIN. They were closed today and will have to check on Monday for a PERSON. Hopes this helps.

[Richard S.]

For 2003 and newer models this is the extended recall. You can go on line to DOMETIC and check your serial and mod. number. nAlso go to the RV Systems and Appliances Forum on the main site it has a link and info.

[Glenn and Kathy]

Took mine in Oct 1, took them less than 1 hour. I checked by entering model and S/N at dometic.com/recall. The preprinted info from Other sources said mine wasn't included, but the recall website said I needed the update.


Glenn

[tropical36]

If this is the same thing, that's been going on forever on these forums, I think the serial number affected list only includes the over and under and not the side by side models.
Also, the recall I'm familiar with, only guards against the fire danger and doesn't fix anything.
Are we on the same page here... or is this something new?

[RV Wizard]

The recall is not a fix, it is an upgrade for safety.

[RJB]

IF IT IS NOT A FIX THEN WHAT DO WE DO TO GET IT FIXED PERMANENTLY AND IS THE PROBLEM WITH THE REFRIGERATOR DANGEROUS.

[RJB]

i have had the recall fix done on my 2005 seabreeze and i was told that it is ok.

[kennersonf]

My refrigerator was part of the recall also so I scheduled an appointment to have it fixed earlier this year with Camping World. The problem is that some of the burners develop a crack and leak ammonia causing a fire hazard when running the refrigerator on propane. Before I took it in, I did some research and found that the possible defective part is not replaced. Instead, a metal shroud is put in to shield the pilot from the defective part to help reduce the chance of fire if it did leak. I confirmed this with Camping World and cancelled my appointment. The metal shroud they were going to install was just going to make it hard for me to do maintainence on the pilot orafice. My refrigerator works great. I figured that if they weren't going to replace the defective part why mess with it.

[TXiceman]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RJB:
IF IT IS NOT A FIX THEN WHAT DO WE DO TO GET IT FIXED PERMANENTLY AND IS THE PROBLEM WITH THE REFRIGERATOR DANGEROUS. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

"Upgrade" is lawyer speak to avoid the word FIX. If it had to be fixed, the company might be admitting liability which leads to law suites...so you get the lawyers to weasel word the statemen.

Ken

[RV Wizard]

OK, let me try to explain my self and this issue better.
All ammonia/water absorption refrigeration systems have the potential to develop a leak (due to the corrosive nature of ammonia) and if the lp burner is active when this leak develops, the hydrogen used in the system can feed the fire to a large enough size to cause significant if not total damage to the vessel.
With this, the Highway Traffic Safety Administration has required Dometic to issue this recall to protect everyone else on the highways.
The recall kit does not fix anything; as you cannot control the natural, internal deterioration of the cooling unit due to corrosive refrigerant. It is designed to first contain the fire within the burner area and second, a thermal fuse is put into the circuit to shut down power in the event of a larger than normal fire from the burner area. With the loss of power to the board, the lp gas valve will close and the fire should go out unless another fuel source were present.
The recall is to try to make things safer, if in the small chances a leak in the system were to develop in the right place, at the right time, under the narrow fuel/air mixture ratios needed to have a more serious problem.
Not all of Dometic refrigerator models nor all serial numbers of included models are needing this upgrade. It depends on how the cooling unit and burner area was designed originally.
There are two things that will cause a cooling unit to fail; a restriction or a leak of refrigerant. This recall will not prevent either.

[tropical36]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RJB:
IF IT IS NOT A FIX THEN WHAT DO WE DO TO GET IT FIXED PERMANENTLY AND IS THE PROBLEM WITH THE REFRIGERATOR DANGEROUS. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
The ...FIX....supposedly removes the danger and also their liability. A real fix, may come from a new fridge. I have the optional side by side model which luckily for me, wasn't affected. Not sure if they are of the same dimensions, but you may be able to get one of these from an RV salvage supplier, without paying such an outrageous price. The optional upgrade alone when new, was ridiculous enough as it was, but then, I didn't buy it new.

[tropical36]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I figured that if they weren't going to replace the defective part why mess with it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
So you won't burn up, along with your RV, I would imagine.