Dometic fridge: mode switch won't turn

[BillJ999]

I've got an RM2453 Dometic refrigerator. This is a three way model that has a switch to select DC, AC or gas. The switch is in the DC position and I can only turn it to OFF. From there it blocks and will not go any further. It used to work fine.

I am having a propane pressure problem which will be corrected soon. Could this affect the rotation of the switch, or will I have to pull the fridge to replace the switch ?

Any help would be appreciated.

["007"]

Welcome BillJ999 to irv2.
Looking at this PDF of your refridgerator the switch has a shaft that may be binding or a contact thats bent not allowing switch to move to 112v & gas position.
If you can not get to internals of switch to adjust the contact you may have to replace it.
You could try a contact spray lube cleaner to see if it will free up the shaft.

[BillJ999]

007,
Thanks for the reply. As soon as I can, I will give the contact cleaner a try. My fridge has a bunch of black sealant in the back of it which will make pulling it out a hassle. I wish I could avoid it !!!!

["007"]

If you can pull off Basel after removing knobs if necessary maybe you can see into switch to see what is binding the turn of switch.

[BillJ999]

I pulled the knobs and bezel off but there is a plastic strip that I cannot remove. I am left with a small hole around the button. Not much room to see through. I tried a bit of spray contact cleaner but it didn't help.

I guess I'm back to pulling the fridge. I guess that's why they invented those boring winter nights!!!

Bill

["007"]

Do you see any screws around perimeter of piece that may hold it to frame or if you squeeze the frame ends may have locking tabs that may release to pull off face of fridge.

[BillJ999]

I'm new to all this, but from what I see in the parts catalog, there are two different functions controlled by this switch.
- The foremost section has a module with electrical switches. This of course determines if 12v, 120v or nothing is applied to the electrical heating elements.
- A shaft comes out the back of this module into a separate module with a valve controlling the propane.
I suspect that the shaft between the two modules only turns when I go from 12v off towards propane on. This is what seems to be blocking any further rotation of the button.
The controls are on the upper part of the fridge, just below the counter top. I only have an inch of room to work with, and the problem seems to be in the rear.
For those who have done it before, pulling the fridge might not seem a big issue, but this is my first try. Also, as I said before, there is black sealant around the rear of the fridge and I'm sure it will be quite a job to get it out.

["007"]

Why they put the black sealant around is beyond me just want to make it harder for us or techs screws would have worked.
The gas valve must have froze up and may need replacement or maybe some PB Blaster to free it up.
It looks like a pull if you cannot get behind from vent opening outside.

[BillJ999]

Yesssss .... got it to work without pulling the fridge.

I first tried contact cleaner, but I'm afraid that didn't help. As a matter of fact, it felt as though the little movement it did have (between DC and OFF) was now harder than before. An old technician's trick: if you do something and it gets worse, then you've found where the problem lies and are close to finding a solution. I concluded that the contact cleaner must have cleaned off what ever lubrication there was and made it worse ... so I musn't clean it, but lubricate it!

I looked at the diagram again and saw that there is a bushing and a couple of other parts connecting the switch assembly to the gas cock. Could there be corrosion here? I was finally able to spray some lithium grease in there by using a long tube and inserting it at an angle in a slot next to the assembly and trying to reach in behind it. BINGO ... the switch now turns just like new.

I can't really try all the modes today ... too cold out ... but I do know it works on DC. Will try 120v and gas later.

007 ... thanks for the help.

["007"]

Great job Bill we all new you had it in you to get it fixed, sure makes life easier when all is working.