Fridge working or not?

[1664]

I figured if Helga tried the gas option first at least you can see the flame is lit. Then we KNOW the fridge is getting the required heat, and we'll know (hours later) if the fridge works at all. If it does, there's a problem with the electrics; if it don't then the electrics are (probably) fine and the fridge itself is the fly in the ointment.

[Helga]

Ok. now as for 240 volts - it IS conected to the house, and is working as the leisure battery is charging and the plug works in the van... short of removing the fridge from its housing to check where the two wires enter it then I must presume it is attatched.

As for 12 volt conection... I'm not sure how to test, as all the wires are behind the fridge and can't access them without removing it... but I do know that everything else attatched to the 12 volt system IS working... can't find any fuses on the line however, which is a little worrying.

There is gas yes, and it seems to light - I can't see the pilot, but can see that the electronic warning light is on, which the waty book says shows that the gas is lit... PLUS I can hear a 'gas burning' noise and there is gas in the tank yes.

Now finally, the level ground bit.... it isn't 100 % level... far from it! it is leaning over as it is sideays on on my drive and is listing enough for a football to roll... Is that really going to effect its working?

Problem is I can't leave it anywhere flat AND plug it in over night... or obviously leave it on 12 volt. So, I think I'll bring it to work tomorrow and leave it on gas on the flat - 8 hours at work on gas should surely show it making a difference yes?

We can then, I suppose, take it from there.

[chriscburgess]

Think you need to take it out (see Wiki) Then put a plug a 240 plug on the end of the mains lead and feel the 240 v element it should get hot so that you will burn your hands within 5 minutes, if not buy a new one from Ashbridge Tel 01233895200. I have the same one cost £30 last year now cols to 2 degrees c

[1664]

OK, first things first. Does your fridge control panel look anything like this? (Exactly the same would be even better)


Left to right; Red ignition switch, Gas selector knob (Off, 1, 2 and 3), 240v Mains thermostat knob ( 1 - 9 I think), Electric selector switch (240v, OFF, 12v)

and forgive me for ignoring the electric avenue for now but the gas route will either prove or fail the fridge.

There is gas yes, and it seems to light - I can't see the pilot, but you should be able to see it easily through the little round window in the bottom left hand side corner of the fridge at the back.

but can see that the electronic warning light is on, which the waty book says shows that the gas is lit... the red opaque electronic ignition switch should flash and click when it is trying to light the gas, but stop flashing and clicking once the gas is actually lit

PLUS I can hear a 'gas burning' noise you shouldn't hear anything really. The little gas flame you (should) be able to see is not in fact a 'pilot' light as such - that's actually all there is to see; it doesn't fire up like a domestic boiler or anything. The little flame is all you get 'cos that's all that's needed to evaporate the 'goo'and there is gas in the tank yes.

Now finally, the level ground bit.... it isn't 100 % level... far from it! it is leaning over as it is sideays on on my drive and is listing enough for a football to roll... Is that really going to effect its working? Yes, it HAS to be as level as you can get it otherwise the flame (which always points straight upwards regardless) will not be directly under the the bit that needs to get hot and heat up the 'goo'

So, I think I'll bring it to work tomorrow and leave it on gas on the flat - 8 hours at work on gas should surely show it making a difference yes? That's the best option, yes

We can then, I suppose, take it from there.

Yes. But certainly try it tonight just to make sure you can see the flame - if you can't; it ain't lit.

[Helga]

No, my fridge looks like this:

It is an Electrolux RM184EGI.

Right, I'll forget electric for now - after dinner will go and try and find flame... but there isn't a round hole or anything! Will see what I can see though...

[1664]

Bladdy Westfalia No, doesn't look like you've got a little window - that's spoiling a ship for a happeth of tar. I'm not familiar with that particular model either. Does your electronic ignition work like I suggested?

[Ian Hulley]

It's an expensive to replace Westfailure only fridge

[Rozzo]

has it got a grill hiding in it

[Helga]

Ignition IS definately working - I started the gas to see if I could see the flame, but couldn't... anyway left it on until now and there is heat behind the fridge where I can slip my hand plus the metal grill in the fridge (as seen in that previous picture) does seem now to be acutally coldish... not freezing, but certainly cooling down... don't think it's my imagination either.

Also, I tested the socket under the sink where the fridge's white cord plugs in for 240 volts, and the socket is live.

Going to put a thermometer in and out of the fridge to see if cooler than the van now...

HOW expensive, as a matter of interest, is it to put a new fridge in Van like this whilst retaining the original westfalia suround? Who does things like that?

[lhd]

In the bottom left hand corner of the fridge there is a tiny window to see the flame.
It's very dificult to see unless it's dark.
Rob.

[Helga]

Yippee!!! Final check before turning off the gas and it has a small amount of ice and everything! My milk will be safe! I'll sleep now...

Now, onto the elctrics... what is the next test? I suppose, I should, on Saturday morning, plug her in and leave her all day on 240 - though that didn't do much last time!... But I'll try again on Saturday.

[Helga]

Bum, just turned it all off - will check tomorrow night when dark! Thanks.

[1664]

It's very dificult to see unless it's dark.

it's even more difficult to see when it's not there

Actually I've just remembered - the fridge in my dad's camper didn't have a 'window' inside, it had a little flap that pulled down at the bottom on the FRONT left hand side below the door. Not much use as you don't seem to have that either judging from your picture.

Anyway we can assume that the gas / 'goo' aspect of the fridge works and that given a couple more hours things would be cooling along nicely. Just out of curiosity, did you move the van to a level(ish) surface?

That just leaves the two electrickery aspects to check. Easiest check with 240v is just to switch it on and wait but you've already tried that. Was it level when you tried that? I'm not sure if it matters on 240 but it certainly wouldn't hurt to try it. Do you possess a volt/ohm meter? Please say "yes"................a 'yes' would be most helpful at this stage.

[lhd]

As for 12 volt conection... I'm not sure how to test, as all the wires are behind the fridge and can't access them without removing it... but I do know that everything else attatched to the 12 volt system IS working... can't find any fuses on the line however, which is a little worrying.

For the 12v.
Under the sink you will see a connector with two wires going in and out each end.
Put a volt meter across the two wire and you will see if you have 12v going to the fridge,remember it will only work when the engine is running as there's a relay under the drivers seat which makes sure it doesn't drain the battery.

Also there are two fuses behind the drivers seat on the door pillar one is for the Eberspacher heater the others for the fridge.
Rob.....

[Helga]

That just leaves the two electrickery aspects to check. Easiest check with 240v is just to switch it on and wait but you've already tried that. Was it level when you tried that? I'm not sure if it matters on 240 but it certainly wouldn't hurt to try it. Do you possess a volt/ohm meter? Please say "yes"................a 'yes' would be most helpful at this stage.

[/quote]

Yes indeed I do have a volt meter

But, for 240 volts I will try it tomorrow after work - will ask my chum to get it going mid afternoon and will see how cool it is by tomorrow evening. And no, it wasn't on level ground!!! I must have good 'goo'