another fridge problem

[Jim]

my refrigerator works on ac.... when i switch to gas it comes on but the ignitor still clicks and the flame shuts down after about 30 seconds..i suspect it is the flame sensor..is there anyway to test it..thanks..jim

[Jim]

my refrigerator works on ac.... when i switch to gas it comes on but the ignitor still clicks and the flame shuts down after about 30 seconds..i suspect it is the flame sensor..is there anyway to test it..thanks..jim

[Frank P. Martin]

When you switch to propane, are you on shore power or battery? If you're on battery, I've noticed that if the battery is weak, my refrigerator (a Norcold N841) will do the same thing as what you're describing.

[RV Wizard]

Make sure the burner assmy is clean. You may need to verify that you have 11" water colum of lp gas pressure feeding the refrigerator; it is very critical to be so on the ref. Make sure the flue is clean. Make sure the electrical connections are clean and tight. Make sure the ignitor is inside the flame when burner is lit. If all these are correct you could have a bad board.

[Novi]

Hi Jim, as RV Wizard said be sure the ignitor is clean. I had this same problem and the RV tech. exam. it and cleaned it. Basically a cheap lesson for me and I do it my self now. Especially true if you live in a high humidity area like I do.

[Jim]

i am on shore power and the propane was recently filled..as i said it lights up immediately then shuts down in about 30 seconds..the flame looks good..it appears the sensor that tells the board the flame is on is at fault..can i test to see if it is the sensor or the board..thanks..jim

[Jim]

is the ignitor and the sensor the same part..thanks..jim

[troth]

Yes, the ignitor and the sensor are the same part. You can remove and clean the wire tip of the sensor/ignitor (scotchbrite works well). Then remount into the flame area. Norcold manual (fridge manuals)will specify distance from burner tip (I think 1/16"?). Also you can remove the gang plug from the black box brain (disconnect shore & coach battery power first!) and clean the foil contacts with a pencil eraser, then fully reseat and reconnect the plug. If it still goes out after 30 seconds or so, I'm afraid you'll need a new circuit board (Dinosaur Electronics).

Good luck and please post your result!