Norcold 641 3 way refrigerator won't relight

scotch · 06-06-2009, 02:54 PM

We have a reoccurring problem since September 2008. We set the refrigerator on auto and cool it with AC before leaving home. The refrigerator shifts smoothly to LP and runs well for several hours. Usually late at night we receive a no flame warning. It will not relight immediately but usually will after being shut off for several hours. The dealer is unable to make it happen in the shop and can find nothing wrong in the refrigerator. Gas pressure is at spec. Batteries test well and are delivering full charge. Any thoughts as to what is happening?

**"007"** · 06-06-2009, 11:41 PM

Welcome scotch to irv2.
You do not show what year your slide-in is but I would check the sensor that sticks into flame of burner and make sure it clean of any carbon and look at flame make sure it blue, not yellow may have to adjust air tube intake. If its a older unit may have rust dropping down on burner. When its cool place a paper towel over burner and gently tap chimney to release rust from side walls of chimney.

**RV Wizard** · 06-07-2009, 03:41 AM

scotch, welcome to our website and forums. I am sure you will enjoy it here. I also recommend cleaning of the burner and igniter, also check to be sure you have good tight connections at the board and re-lighter module. Be careful not to break the porcelain insulation on the igniter and the gap to burner should be about 3/16".

scotch · 06-07-2009, 12:08 PM

Thank you for your response - our camper is a 2006 - was used very little until spring 2008. Techs say it's very clean and , when it runs, is burning well.

scotch · 06-07-2009, 12:15 PM

What might be the reason that several hours need to pass before the LP will relight after failing to relight at the proper time and sending a "no flame" code?

**"007"** · 06-08-2009, 12:21 AM

When the sensor heats up may have a disconnect, cools off, remake of connection to indicate everything ok to reignite.
As Mike said heat can cause open of circuit, corrosion of conections and just non use will cause problems.
By moving and reconnecting spade clips will clean connections. Try with spark circuit for starters and check mounting to ground side of spark circuit. Rust just happens and mounting has to be cleaned at times.
More than likely it will be something simple.

**RV Wizard** · 06-08-2009, 04:16 AM

The refrigerator is not in a slide out is it? If so you might want to inspect the flexible gas line for a kink.

scotch · 06-08-2009, 10:28 AM

Thanks guys - the refrigerator is not located on the slide.

After receiving your earlier messages I removed the metal box surrounding the burner, looked around and watched it burn - I did notice that the ignitor which I guess is also the sensor had a spot that glowed orange (appears to be a deposit). I talked to Norcold as well and they felt that the ignitor is probably the problem. It's off to the shop for recheck and install of ignitor as Norcold warranty is still good.

I'm still not quite understanding why heating up is the cause. We're located in Phoenix with high temps yet the LP works fine and is yet to fail. When we're in cooler country it routinely runs for a few hours and then (after about twelve hours of operation) doesn't ignite. Will let you know if it works (but it will be a little while before we go to the woods again). Thanks again for your help.

scotch · 06-08-2009, 05:51 PM

Just heard from the tech at the Lance dealership - they pulled the ignitor, found a hairline crack in the ceramic insulator and replaced it - they believe that it was probably the cause of the problem - we hope so and will find out on our next trip!

**"007"** · 06-09-2009, 07:59 PM

When your in cooler locations your refridge does not operate as much and ignitor has a better chance of coming open than when your in a warmer location.

**RV Wizard** · 06-10-2009, 04:30 AM

"The Woods" is probably a much higher altitude and your lp gas pressure setting will probably be even more critical since the air is a little thinner. This could be the cause of ignition problem too. I recommend you have the lp working pressure set to 11" water column under load while they are replacing the igniter.

scotch · 06-11-2009, 01:06 PM

The "woods" are at higher elevation, varies from 4,000 to 8,000 feet but the problem occurred throughout the range. The gas pressure was tested and found to be low. The low pressure was thought to be the problem. The regulator was reset and has been delivering 11 inches of pressure. Problem persisted after the adjustment. We now have a new ignitor in a clean firebox with pressure at specs. It as been running for two days in Phoenix with no problem. Time will tell if it works in the field.