Dometic fridge issue

[nl_keystone]

Just today out of the blue, my fridge keeps making a noise like a fan or motor is starting up. The noise happens roughly every 15 seconds and last for about 5 seconds. It happens on 120 and LP. It also happens when i turn the fridge off completely. Is it possible there is a 12 volt fan behind the fridge or something? This is very annoying but i am also concerned my fridge may be on the way out...

[charliez]

Probably the converter and not the fridge. Is the fridge installed anywhere near the converter?

[nl_keystone]

Originally Posted by charliez

Probably the converter and not the fridge. Is the fridge installed anywhere near the converter?

Opposite ends of the trailer.

It is most def the fridge. I took off the access panel outside and the worst thing is theres no way i can get to any sort of fan from there...this should be interesting.

[jelag]

there are some relays and controls with mechanical parts on the circuit board that might be failing and buzzing.... could this be what your hearing...

[nl_keystone]

After more research and some looking for myself, seems i have a fairly common issue. There is a small 12v fan with a thermostat switchmounted on the back of the fridge. Problem is the fan is pointed at the thermostat switch lol

[nomad95]

They probably set that up on a Friday afternoon. Before a long weekend . Haha
Sounds like a easy fix . Good luck.

[nl_keystone]

Originally Posted by nomad95

They probably set that up on a Friday afternoon. Before a long weekend . Haha
Sounds like a easy fix . Good luck.

Coincidentally the same timing for my fixing it LOL actually of all the internet searching on this ive done, im suprised nobody here mentioned it as a know issue. I always feel bad about going on other forums before checking here first hahaha

[Mr_D]

On most refers there is a lower and upper hatch. The fan should be installed near the upper hatch to pull cool air in the bottom and exhaust it out the top. If there isn't any access there then pulling the refer is necessary to get to the back.

[tmw188]

Wanting to purchase a 12v cpu type fan to help cool by drawing air up thru the refrig compartment. Are there any recommendations?


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[Mr_D]

I bought a gang of three or four of them from an electronics surplus firm a few years ago. Was going to install them in our '02 DSDP that we traded off last year.

[JacknKay]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

On most refers there is a lower and upper hatch. The fan should be installed near the upper hatch to pull cool air in the bottom and exhaust it out the top. If there isn't any access there then pulling the refer is necessary to get to the back.

I need to check the location of the fan on my coach. In hot weather it runs a lot.


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[nl_keystone]

Originally Posted by JacknKay

I need to check the location of the fan on my coach. In hot weather it runs a lot.


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on my unit, if you take off the back access panel and look up (its tight I needed a flashflight) you can see it right on the back of the fridge (its basically only a small computer type fan). I can't get it to from the access panel, may be able to get to it from the top vent. Right now im debating if I want to get get up on the ladder and try from the top, of if I just want to slide the fridge out into the camper and do it proper.

I haven't heard mine make a noise until temps got into the high 80's and low 90's. I'm fine with the noise, its the short cycling due to thermostat location that's pissing me off. fan runs for 30 seconds...shuts off for 1 min..runs for 30 seconds...repeat.

Another thing I thought of doing was adding an addition fan inside the access panel and put it on a switch that way it may take some strain off the main fan and I can control it when I wish to. What ever I do I will document

[tmw188]

Originally Posted by nl_keystone

on my unit, if you take off the back access panel and look up (its tight I needed a flashflight) you can see it right on the back of the fridge (its basically only a small computer type fan). I can't get it to from the access panel, may be able to get to it from the top vent. Right now im debating if I want to get get up on the ladder and try from the top, of if I just want to slide the fridge out into the camper and do it proper. I haven't heard mine make a noise until temps got into the high 80's and low 90's. I'm fine with the noise, its the short cycling due to thermostat location that's pissing me off. fan runs for 30 seconds...shuts off for 1 min..runs for 30 seconds...repeat. Another thing I thought of doing was adding an addition fan inside the access panel and put it on a switch that way it may take some strain off the main fan and I can control it when I wish to. What ever I do I will document

That's what I'm planning on doing. A friend had done that with his.

[nl_keystone]

Originally Posted by tmw188

That's what I'm planning on doing. A friend had done that with his.

Yes it may not be a bad idea. I haven't chosen a fan or anything yet. Not sure If I will do a 120AC or 12DC fan. time will tell haha