Fridge question help please.

Post by **gecko** » 19 Nov 2008, 14:53

I have read loads on here regarding the fridges, removal, servicing etc but I'm hoping I can find a simple answer to my problem, before delving deeper.

The fridge works off a 240v hook up and it works from the alternator when driving along with the 12 volt switch on.
I have not used it for gas but thought I would try it.

The fridge is set up for gas and piped and exhausted out the side of the bus.
Following the instructon manual I am not getting ignition, I can smell gas out the flu but the red plastic switch does not light up and flash as the manual describes, the wiring looks fine but I cannot find a live at the switch.

Where is the fuse for the switch/fridge? Because I am sure that is where the problem lies.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

cheers dubbers
JT

Post by **jamesc76** » 19 Nov 2008, 15:23

is the fridge level some wont light if even slightly out of level!!

Post by **gecko** » 19 Nov 2008, 15:26

jamesc76 wrote:is the fridge level some wont light if even slightly out of level!!

Hi James.
Yes it's in the recommended +/- 3 degrees category, the switch should be flashing during ignition but isn't so I reckon its electrics and therefore wanted to know the usual location of the fuse.
cheers
JT

Post by **Mocki** » 19 Nov 2008, 15:49

you may find (and im not familiar with holdsworths) that the feed for the ignitor is from the instrument control panle in the back, where the water pump and lights are controlled from, so try those fuses if you have them......

its also common for the neg connection to the ignitor to be corroded and stop it working........

Post by **gecko** » 19 Nov 2008, 15:52

Mocki wrote:you may find (and im not familiar with holdsworths) that the feed for the ignitor is from the instrument control panle in the back, where the water pump and lights are controlled from, so try those fuses if you have them......

its also common for the neg connection to the ignitor to be corroded and stop it working........

Thanks Mocki, The igniter ( if that's it on the top front of the fridge) looks clean and good, no corrosion.
I have checked the fuses in the back earlier today but not tested them , I might have a look and see if I have a dodgy fuse in there.
cheers for the help, I'll get there eventually.

JT

Post by **Nicola&Tony** » 19 Nov 2008, 22:34

Does the power supply for electronic ignition come from the leisure battery, and if so, is everything ok at that end (e.g. battery is charged and working properly)?

Tony

Post by **gecko** » 20 Nov 2008, 08:02

Nicola&Tony wrote:Does the power supply for electronic ignition come from the leisure battery, and if so, is everything ok at that end (e.g. battery is charged and working properly)?

Tony

Hi Tony,
Reading up on this it seems the power for the fridge comes from the Bus battery not the leisure battery, that said, I think this power may only be the driving/chilling power that you get on the move via the alternator, I am fairly sure that they don't put any power from the leisure to the fridge for reasons I believe are due to the the fast power drainage of the fridge.

I have two wires that go to the igniter switch and I think I should have three as there is a spare 'spade connection' so I will have to check this.

I do know that the red igniter switch should flash during ignition and there is nothing but I will keep searching to find the problem

cheers JT

Post by **Nicola&Tony** » 20 Nov 2008, 08:42

gecko wrote:Hi Tony,
Reading up on this it seems the power for the fridge comes from the Bus battery not the leisure battery, that said, I think this power may only be the driving/chilling power that you get on the move via the alternator, I am fairly sure that they don't put any power from the leisure to the fridge for reasons I believe are due to the the fast power drainage of the fridge.

That's true enough for the cooling side of things, but I'm not sure that it's also true for the electronic ignition because the van isn't moving when elec ignition is being used. I know it's not the same, but the ignition for a propex heater comes from leisure battery, which is what got me thinking down this avenue.

Tony

Post by **gecko** » 20 Nov 2008, 14:40

Nicola&Tony wrote:
gecko wrote:Hi Tony,
Reading up on this it seems the power for the fridge comes from the Bus battery not the leisure battery, that said, I think this power may only be the driving/chilling power that you get on the move via the alternator, I am fairly sure that they don't put any power from the leisure to the fridge for reasons I believe are due to the the fast power drainage of the fridge.

That's true enough for the cooling side of things, but I'm not sure that it's also true for the electronic ignition because the van isn't moving when elec ignition is being used. I know it's not the same, but the ignition for a propex heater comes from leisure battery, which is what got me thinking down this avenue.

Tony

Good point.
I shall explore this avenue tonight, it does make sense to have the igniter from the leisure battery.
There are only two wires to the igniter (which doesn't flash) switch yet it has three spade receptors so there might be a wire off if I can get to see around behind it.

Thanks again, will update if I am successful.

cheers

JT

Post by **sgjacko** » 21 Nov 2008, 18:57

Yup that was the problem with mine the leisure battery was knackerded and when it was replaced the fidge and propex worked fine. There was also a fuse for the fridge that came off the Leisure battery,( probably my vans dodgey wiring though)

Good luck

Post by **Mocki** » 21 Nov 2008, 20:20

there should be three wires on the flashing switch, in , out and earth for the illumination....... the switch will be marked with which is which.

Post by **gecko** » 21 Nov 2008, 20:57

Mocki wrote:there should be three wires on the flashing switch, in , out and earth for the illumination....... the switch will be marked with which is which.

Aha, thanks Mocki, that's got to be the problem then, I found a disconnected wire sat on top of the fridge but have not managed to find out where it attaches on the igniter, one spade is large to fit the switch and the other is small, I'll will be going in again tomorrow. cheers

JT

Post by **gecko** » 23 Nov 2008, 11:21

Sadly, no luck, I connected the spare wire that was hanging around back , it had a broken spade, onto the igniter and the switch and nothing different happens. The switch might be faulty but my concern is:

I cannot find any power going to any of the wires in the switch, the fuses are fine on both the leisure and the main batteries.

Should there be power wired to the igniter switch when the van is parked, gas on, and level, I am flumuxed again, but will keep trying,,,,, jeeees it's getting cold out there!!