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jbrat · 03-31-2012, 01:10 PM

I have 2005 Tradition with a Norcold 1200 LRIM refrigerator. I hope you can give me some advise on a problem I am having. My refrigerator runs constantly. Never shuts off. The temperature is running close to 30 degrees.

I had a problem with the lower door hinges and replaced them two weeks ago. At that time I had the refrigerator set on 6 and the temp was running about 38 degrees. The new door hinges corrected a leakage around the door and the temperature started dropping. At first I thought it was great, that the bad seal was corrected and the frig was operating as it was supposed to. But the temp kept dropping, even when I turned the number down to 1. I called a Norcold serviceman and he said it was the thermister. I ordered one and replaced it, but it didn't correct the problem. He said the only other thing it can be is the control panel. I really hate to order a panel for $200 and find out that isn't the problem.

I Took the cover off the panel and I can't see any burn marks or discoloration. There is a five amp fuse and a glass fuse and they both seem to be okay. I tried a little trouble shooting by placing a voltmeter on the 120 volt lines leaving the panel to the AC heater. When I switch the frig to gas, the AC cuts off immediately. So I take it that the panel isn't stuck on AC. When operating on gas, the refrig continues to cool just like AC. Doesn't ever shut off. Does anyone have a suggestion on what else I could check or if I should just order a new panel. Thanks, Jeff

mfire1339 · 03-31-2012, 01:22 PM

jbrat, The thermister should be located in the proper area on the fins to operate correctly. Mine is on the second fin on the right and 3/4ths of the way up the fin.

Mike

GSGracie · 03-31-2012, 01:54 PM

I don't want to hijack the thread, but I have a Dometic that has the same problem. The wire that operates as a thermostat is loose and near the light, but not too close. Should it be attached to the cooling fins????? A simple fix if I read you correctly.

Gary RVRoamer · 03-31-2012, 02:07 PM

If the thermistor is not reading, the controller will run the cooling unit constantly top make sure the food doesn't spoil.

And if the thermistor is located in the wrong place, that can cause the fridge to run either warm or cold. It should always be clipped to a fin on the inside heat exchanger, but the right one may take some experimentation to find.

Second fin from right and halfway up/down is a good place to start.

jbrat · 03-31-2012, 02:28 PM

Gary, A friend told me today to try this site because there are more viewers and I might get lucky! So who answers my post but a fellow AC poster. I always thought you were an expert on anything motorhome and now I am seeing that other people are benefiting from your knowledge. I appreciate the comments. I do have the thermister mounted on the second fin about two thirds up. That was where the old one was located. I don't know if it means anything, but my fans don't seem to be working either. Also, I have had the safety updates and my cooling unit was replaced two years ago. Thanks again, Jeff

docj · 03-31-2012, 02:46 PM

If you go here: Service Documents you can download the service manual for your unit. It explains how to put it into diagnostic mode which will enable you to see the temperature the thermistor is reporting as well as a bunch of other stuff. I'm surprised they didn't walk you through the diagnostics over the phone.