Norcold RV Fridge/Freezer issues

[fastcatkerry]

Hi, I'm new to the site, and new to RV'ing just last year. Shortly after we got our 2001 Jayco Eagle fifth wheel, we got an "H" code on our Norcold refrigerator/freezer, which by the manual the previous owner was so good to keep, indicated it was an issue with the electrical, so we've been just running it on propane since then. Lately, it has been giving us an "F" code which is a "failure to fire". after pushing the mode button, it does fire up and run, but a few hours later it shuts off again, and we have to constantly keep an eye on it. We keep the fridge on in our yard since we don't unload it after each trip, and after losing a full fridge and freezer full of camping supplies (worth probably $200), I watch it faithfully morning before work and after I get home to make sure it is always running and so far I have to reset it at least 2 times a day.

I would really like to get both the electrical and propane side of things figured out so I don't have to babysit it all the time and constantly worry whether or not it is on, does anyone have any input as to how we can fix the problem without it costing us an arm and a leg?

Please help

[BFlinn181]

Which model of Norcold is it? Do a little reading on here about the Norcold 1200 if that's your model. The electrical issue could be a burnt heating element. First check for 120 v in the outlet behind the fridge accessed through the outside hatch. It could be on a GFI that has tripped elsewhere in the RV, all the outlets are usually protected by a GFI outlet in another location.

If you have power, then using a multimeter you can test the element for continuity using the OHM setting. If no resistance, the element is bad.

The propane issue could be the ignitor. Check for soot around the orifice and perhaps the wrong gap in the ignitor. If your manual doesn't give good directions, Google it and there are videos and troubleshooting guides available.

Good luck with it.