Dometic DMC4101 12volt fridge won't work

[WVPete]

Our 12 volt compressor type refrigerator has stopped working. The unit works for a few hours getting the freezer cold, but the refrigerator never gets cold, the fan in the freezer is not turning, then one light on the control panel blinks and the unit stops cooling completely. My voltage is good, over 13, I have 10 gauge wire run a short distance to the unit, and the unit has worked for months while we traveled this winter.

Does anyone have any ideas? I called Dometic. They cold me to contact my local Camping World for a technician. I will do that as soon as they open but I am not hopeful they will know what they are doing.

Thanks

[PNWGirl]

Perhaps this might help? https://www.rvingknowhow.com/rv-refr...ut-freezer-is/

[Persistent]

Originally Posted by PNWGirl

Perhaps this might help? https://www.rvingknowhow.com/rv-refr...ut-freezer-is/

The OP said he had a "compressor" type refer, not an absorption refer.

See page 15 of the operations manual.
https://epi.dometic.com/externalasse...ref=1193655403

[PNWGirl]

Originally Posted by Persistent

The OP said he had a "compressor" type refer, not an absorption refer.

See page 15 of the operations manual.
https://epi.dometic.com/externalasse...ref=1193655403

At least I was trying to help, since no one else was.

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by PNWGirl

At least I was trying to help, since no one else was.

It's hard to offer help with a problem if you have no experience with that problem, so most of us don't.

Its best to let it sit and hope someone come along that has some experience in it.

[Old-Biscuit]

Which Mode is fridge in........Performance, Silent, ECO?

How many snowflakes are showing......1 or 5

Hove your tried a reset on fridge...turn OFF/wait 5 minutes then turn back on?

If Reset doesn't correct it then sounds like control module is at fault
Which is not available

Fact is No Parts for DMC series are available

[PNWGirl]

Originally Posted by twinboat

It's hard to offer help with a problem if you have no experience with that problem, so most of us don't.

Its best to let it sit and hope someone come along that has some experience in it.

I absolutely admit that I did miss the type of frig when I first read the OP and I went to "absorption".

However, why would you leap to the, incorrect, conclusion that I had no experience with an absorption frig having this exact problem? Because I included a link?

Don't assume that someone else doesn't have the experience when all you know is a screen 'handle' and nothing else.

[Old-Biscuit]

Originally Posted by PNWGirl

I absolutely admit that I did miss the type of frig when I first read the OP and I went to "absorption".

However, why would you leap to the, incorrect, conclusion that I had no experience with an absorption frig having this exact problem? Because I included a link?

Don't assume that someone else doesn't have the experience when all you know is a screen 'handle' and nothing else.

Probably because a 12VDC Compressor fridge is completely different process than an absorption fridge
Apple to pears

[WVPete]

Originally Posted by PNWGirl

Perhaps this might help? https://www.rvingknowhow.com/rv-refr...ut-freezer-is/

I DO appreciate your help. An the help of everyone else.

I suspect it will end up being the control module. I have tried running it in every mode and at different cooling levels. When it starts to act up, after about 11 minute when I timed it once, the middle snow flake starts blinking.

I have turned it off and then back on, several times. I have disconnected it from power for many hours and then reconnected it. I think Old Biscuit is right. Control Module. I have a guy coming today that knows more than me (not too hard to accomplish)! I'll let you all know.
Thanks again for your help.

[WVPete]

Up Date: 6-26-23

I called Dometic and they told me to take it to a Dometic Authorized Service facility. That is a Camping World in this neck of the woods. I called CW and they said I have to bring it to them, they don't do mobile tech support. I said I really didn't want to do that and the lady said she had a name of a mobile tech.

I contacted them and they were able to come out. The tech knows what he is doing but he found the same thing I did. ( I am in no way implying that I know what I am doing!!!) It doesn't work. So he called Dometic while at my house. They asked what the voltage was and he told them (over 13v). They said (as Old Biscuit said), "there are no parts available for that refrigerator so we will have to send you a new one." It was installed this morning. So far, I paid $150 for the original service call. I may not have to pay any more because dometic allowed the tech some installation fees. In any case, I am not complaining. Just glad the refrigerator is getting cold again.
Thanks for your help. This forum is really helpful to me on a regular basis.

[tophog]

Interesting. We just installed a new DMC4081 today (the 8 cu ft version of the 4101) and shortly after powering on the unit the interior light (not led on control panel) blinks on/off constantly and there is a 3-beep sequence that repeats intermittently.

The unit is cooling as expected but the blinking and beeping persists. Have 13.1V at the back of refrigerator via 10awg dedicated wiring. Removed power for 5 minutes... No change.

Fwiw it's set on Performance mode level 2.

Not off to a good start.

[WVPete]

I wonder when they will get parts for these units. The old one is sitting in my garage.

[tophog]

Here's what ours is doing. It's a video... click to play

https://photos.app.goo.gl/rXUUeFgA9pHYLYbWA

[tophog]

Fixed our issue which ended up being simple. Door wasn't making enough contact with door switch to disable the open door warning circuit... Glad it was so simple.