Refrigerator freezing milk

[pddgm]

The Norcold(N series) in my 5'er is freezing the milk and other items on the top shelf . I read on line the thermistor might be the problem or the control panel. The fins are ice covered, My question is will the frig work if I unhook the thermistor? I read on line if you unhook it and set the control panel on a middle sitting it will continue to work.. It just started doing this two days ago..


'

[MrMark52]

I’m pretty certain there is a Service Manual for your refrigerator in the Files section of this board. It can be your friend.

Generally the controls have a default operation mode if there is an issue with the thermistor.
Thermistor easily tested following instructions in the Service Manual.

When fridge too cold, slide thermistor up - too warm, slide thermistor down (adsorption fridges work differently than one would expect - the the label used to indicate thermistor placement can be misleading).
To confirm thermistor before testing, make certain it is placed at the top of the fin on the far right.

Also, make sure the fridge isn’t packed so as to impede natural air flow.

[Old-Biscuit]

BOS...Backup operating system
Allows for continued operation if communications is lost...either from pper display and/or thermistor

*Moving thermistor location on Fins is for fridges that have 'Auto Temp Control' ----NO temp setting adjustments
Those WITH temp settings, thermostat is factory calibrated based on OEM FIN Location

With thermistor unplugged the fridge uses Time Based vs Temp Based control
Adjusting the temp settings UP will cause longer duration and DOWN shorter duration of time the heat source is on.

Replacing thermistor in Norcold N series is easy. Leads just plug into lamp assembly connection

Thermistor OEM FIN Location ----- 10th FIN from the right


Here is Service Manual for N6/N8 Series
Pg 20......BOS description
http://techsupport.pdxrvwholesale.co...er-619394E.pdf


Even a good tested thermistor can be BAD
Cheap to replace

[hilgert]

Originally Posted by MrMark52

...
Also, make sure the fridge isn’t packed so as to impede natural air flow.
...

+1...even in a non-RV refrigerator this is important...air flow is key.

In the RV fridge in our prior motorhome I installed a small 12V fan in the top part of the refrigerator section powered by a nearby 12V source...fan was aimed downward along the back side if I recall correctly. This helped immensely...the cold was more uniform throughout the fridge, no more cold/warm spots, and even things in the freezer section got colder. We eventually replaced with a residential fridge as the freezer never got really rock-hard cold (back in our ice cream days).

The residential Whirlpool in our current motorhome can get this same problem when the wife super-packs the fridge (causing localized freezing). I secretly go in and move things around (taking care not to "correct" the wife) to make sure there is sufficient air flow, which eliminates localized freezing.

Air flow...the cure to many things in refrigerators.

[pddgm]

Thanks for the advice and comments. I watched a couple of videos on testing the thermistor and feel I can do that with no problem. For some unknown reason the darn think defrosted the fins and seems to be working. I will keep an eye on it and it needed will just go buy one.

[Old-Biscuit]

Thermistor connection.......got to have good clean connection for thermostat to read the resistance of thermistor

[pddgm]

I took the thermistor off the fin t this morning and cleaned the fin with an emery board and cleaned the inside of the thermistor real good. I guess I misplaced my multimeter, so will get another from Harbor Freight. But so far the fridge is not freezing the fins and it's getting cold. Guessing it will take a day or so before I know if the cleaning worked. Went to CW yesterday and was told they do not stock the thermistor and would have to order it 2 weeks (cost 45,.00). Went on Amazon this morning can get one for 13 and another for 23.. Either can be delivered in a couple of days... Again thanks for the help..

[pddgm]

After cleaning the thermistor and fins, it seemed to be working. So set the control panel to #2(where we normally have it) and in a couple of days it started freezing milk again. So ordered new thermistor and some other stuff from Amazon, suppose to be delivered tomorrow. Will defrost the fins and clean the #10 ten and position the new one close to where the old one was and see what happens. Hoping i don't have to buy a control panel...

[pddgm]

Thanks for all the advise and help. I installed the new thermistor and after 48 hrs, the fridge is working great...

[Old-Biscuit]

Thanks for update........