12 volt fridge prob

Post by **yogi** » 18 May 2006, 20:38

hello pepes, wonder if anyone can help? dont have 12 volt fridge opperating at mo, fine with gas and 240v but no 12. this is on a 82 devon by the way.
have got power to switch in panel on wardrobe wall , power from switch to
switch relay, however no power in heavy red wire i suspect is power in to relay, and none on heavy yellow which i think goes to fridge via fuse holder, [fuse ok], the red wire comes from a box under the seat which has tremba written on it and resides next to the split charge relay. i can detect power in to this item but nothing out on the relavant wire. is this the guilty item, what is it, and where can i get one please?

Website · Post by **dbroada** » 18 May 2006, 20:42

have you tried it with the engine running? It could be that you have a relay like the split charge one which allows the fridge to work only when the engine is running. Incidentally, the fridges draw too much current to run on 12v without the engine running.

Post by **kevtherev** » 18 May 2006, 21:14

If it did it would flatten it in a few hours

Post by **yogi** » 18 May 2006, 21:26

ok, will try tommorow, thanks for that.

Post by **jed the spread** » 18 May 2006, 21:56

i know its not one but on westys the fridge only works when the alternator is running.

jed

Post by **stuckin88** » 21 May 2006, 07:55

A 3 way fridge in a camper should be wired so it only works on 12 volt mode with engine actually running---the fridge is wired to van battery not leisure battery as the current drain is too much----dont expect too much from an old fridge running in 12v mode--made worse by Westys not having outside fridge vents to use cold air-so it has warm air from inside the van around it--when starting from home--plug yer van into mains overnight to cool fridge--leave yer beer in yer fridge in yer house--before ya leave transfer beer to van & run on 12v while drivin--yool be ok----this is assumming fridge is working ok in all modes--they are sposed to be serviced occassionally--

Post by **trundletruc** » 21 May 2006, 15:32

It said in the instructions for our fridge that when travelling with the engine running the 12volt system will only maintain the temperature in the fridge. It cannot be used to get the fridge cold in the first place.

As above coll the fidge overnight on the mains electric or on the gas.

Website · Post by **dbroada** » 21 May 2006, 16:24

Mine does. Most fridges don't have thermostat control on 12v but run flat out. Some get cold, some don't. It depends on the efficiency of the set up (as Billy said) and how level it all is. They don't work when on a slope - which is why I can't pre-cool mine - so won't be working at full efficiency when being driven.

Post by **yogi** » 21 May 2006, 21:10

thanks for all the above, have tried it with engine running and power is indeed running through the right veins, will be pre cooling prior to trip to bashtie weds, so will see what transpires. would this be a similar reason why i cant get anything other than a 12 volt air bed pump to run from a fag lighter socket previous owner wired to leisure battery, cant get dvd player or small telly to run of this socket though it will in car?

Post by **kevtherev** » 21 May 2006, 21:25

Hmmmm I suspect the battery may need a charge..and check theres a fuse on that fag lighter

Post by **Horza** » 22 May 2006, 12:12

Voltage drop. If you can beg borrow or steal a multimeter then check the voltage at the battery with the engine off, then check the voltage at the socket. You may have enough from the battery (around 12v) but the wiring might be letting down the socket.

If it is then I would install another socket closer to the battery using my own big thick wire and an inline fuse.

If the voltage at the battery is poo then haul out the battery, check to see if it needs topping up (if it's this type) and charge it on a bench with a good charger appropriate for the battery (proper lesure batteries need proper lesure battery chargers).