Norcold refrigerator issues

[Jdaniels]

Checking out the rv today and turned on the refrigerator. Apparently I have an issue with the gfci breaker, currently checking that out. The fridge will work on an extension cord. Tried it on lp and it will light with the ignitor clicking but after about 30 seconds the clicking stops and the flame shuts off. Any suggestions?

[777 Driver]

Originally Posted by Jdaniels

Checking out the rv today and turned on the refrigerator. Apparently I have an issue with the gfci breaker, currently checking that out. The fridge will work on an extension cord. Tried it on lp and it will light with the ignitor clicking but after about 30 seconds the clicking stops and the flame shuts off. Any suggestions?

IIRC, there's a flame sensor. If, after a period of time after the igniter starts (30 seconds?) the flame sensor doesn't sense flame, is shuts off the LP.

Good luck,
Stu

[Jdaniels]

Thanks, I believe this is the issue. The ignitor will glow red but about the time it is glowing, I hear a click and it shuts off. I plugged a shop vac into the gfci outlet and it didn’t trip. Plugged the fridge back in and it held. May be a weak breaker.

[Jdaniels]

After more testing, I’m leaning towards a new control board.

[Old-Biscuit]

Could just be the spark electrode
Electrode provides the spark for ignition BUT is also used for 'flame proving' signal which circuit board needs to recieve to keep DC on gas valve


Flame Proving signal is generated by the FLAME
It is a 'milliamp' DC current that can be stopped easily by:
Dirty/loose high voltage wire connection at circuit board transformer
Loose high voltage wire inside the ceramic insulator
Cracked ceramic insulator

Dirty/sooted electrode
Dirty/loose spark electrode assembly mounting screw (ground path)


Could be bad circuit on the circuit board


But would rule out spark electrode first...cheaper

[777 Driver]

So, does the burner ignite...or not?

The refrigerator will function solely on 12v power. All the control functions require 12v. The control circuits, the gas valve and ignitor will all function on 12v power. The only time 110v power is necessary is to power the electric heating element. Even then, all the control functions are powered by the 12v power.

What model is your refrigerator?

Take care,
Stu

[Jdaniels]

Model N811F Yes the ignitor does light and the flame stays lit for around 30 seconds, sparking the entire time, I assuming from the constant clicking, then there is an audible click on the left side of the unit and the flame shuts off.

[Jdaniels]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Could just be the spark electrode
Electrode provides the spark for ignition BUT is also used for 'flame proving' signal which circuit board needs to recieve to keep DC on gas valve


Flame Proving signal is generated by the FLAME
It is a 'milliamp' DC current that can be stopped easily by:
Dirty/loose high voltage wire connection at circuit board transformer
Loose high voltage wire inside the ceramic insulator
Cracked ceramic insulator

Dirty/sooted electrode
Dirty/loose spark electrode assembly mounting screw (ground path)

Could be bad circuit on the circuit board


But would rule out spark electrode first...cheaper

I did take this loose and clean it a bit, but didn’t do anything with the mounting bracket or screw, may have to give that a try too. Thanks

[777 Driver]

Here's a link to the Service Manual for Models N61X/N81X: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/10...-N81X%20Series

Do you see an error message/fault code on the control panel?

Can you see the flame while it's burning and describe the appearance of the flame; in particular, is the flame blue or orange? Blue is good; orange suggests that the burner needs to be cleaned. It may be possible that a dirty burner (orange flame) is causing the flame sensor to sense bad/no flame and close the gas valve.

Take care,
Stu

[Jdaniels]

Thanks Stu, I have the manual for our model. It does not have that in depth of error codes, it is an 04 model I believe. It only has a few different series of blinking lights and after the second set it says to see your service technician. As far as the flame goes it is a good blue flame, ignitor/sensor is in the flame and will glow red before the board clicks and shuts the unit down. I’ve found both items online and since I have to order them, I will probably just get both.

[777 Driver]

Good luck!

Take care,
Stu

[rockintom]

While you're getting some good info here, I must agree with Old Bisquit's post. He has lots of years of experience and always shared great info with me.

[Jdaniels]

Update: installed a new control board and everything works as it should. Thanks for the help.