norcold 12101MD problem

[werkendoc]

I am getting an error code saying my high temperature limit switch is open. When I located the switch according to the manual it appears that I have a resettable switch, however I do not know how to reset it. I had the first recall done when i received the notice, I come to find out now there is a second recall which I was never notified of. The dealer has ordered the parts, however he cannot get me in for the repair for 3-4 weeks. We are suppose to leave on vacation next week which we cannot do without a refrigerator. Can someone perhaps explain how the reset switch works? Is is possible to bypass this switch for the time being until the next recall can be addressed.

[Wayne Pryor]

Push on the center. If you have an Ohm meter you can test the switch. Read across the terminals, you should read closed. (Continuity)

[ottffss]

Thanks for posting a pic, it really helps identify what you are talking about!

That resettable switch has been replaced by a new safety switch with the recall - the black box with lights on it and a new thermocouple under the aluminum wrapping behind the the vent pipe. Apparently your refer has triggered that safety black box and a light is on, on that box????

You CAN NOT reset this safety device. In all probability it is a "false positive" hence the reason for the "second" recall which is not really a recall. Norcold is well aware of a defect in the early black boxes resulting in "false positives" and instead of automatically declaring your refer DOA when the box trips, there is now a diagnostic that must be run first. These boxes are up to at least "rev E" (look on the box for your rev number) and will be replaced (not recalled) as they indicate a false positive triggering - much to your dismay. Hence there is no recall for the black boxes as has been reported.

You can, but I won't condone it in any way, easily bypass the black box and get the refer in operation again. There are other posts of how to do this, but unless you positively know how to inspect for the causes of this box triggering, I won't advise it. Because the black box triggered, you could actually have the refer failure that results in the numerous refer fires that this box protects against.

[Wayne Pryor]

The "Black box" or Temp Monitoring Control comes with the 2nd recall which does away with the limit switch and installs a thermocouple next to the 120VAC heating elements. Recall kit P/N 634737. Werkendoc did you remove the wires from the limit switch? Whatever you do, "DO NOT" compromise safety.

[werkendoc]

Thank you for the quick response. I went and re-examined the situation and indeed when I traced the wire i did find the back box with the light on it, however the red light was not illuminated. The original picture was the red herring to mislead me and make my day more stressful. I also found the sensory that is now wired to the black box. So from your explanation the box is not resettable, and must be replaced once again, is that correct?
Thanks for you help.
Ken

[werkendoc]

On the tag to the thermocoupler it says: 634678 Rev.A MFG date: 12/17/10

[Wayne Pryor]

We replace them.

[ottffss]

If the light is OFF on the black box and you still have the high temp error code - there is something else askew or something new to me about the black box failures....

You have an old version of the box, "rev A."

I'll let Wayne take it from here...

My question is, can these boxes "fail" with out triggering the light?
Also, if one has the rev A, and all is still well, should we just have that box replaced anyways?

[bdaball]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ottffss My question is, can these boxes "fail" with out triggering the light? Also, if one has the rev A, and all is still well, should we just have that box replaced anyways?

Yes, been there done that.

Without a fully functioning box you are suseptable to high temperature without notice or in otherwords, FIRE! Don't go there.