Norcold RV Fridges

Norcold is a well-known brand of dometic parts that come in various sizes and feature different features to suit your needs. They are compact and quiet, and dependable enough to last years without any significant repairs or maintenance.

Most Norcold refrigerators are gas absorption models that run off either propane or electricity. They look and function a lot like your home fridge with cool products in one compartment and frozen foods in another. Many also offer the option to convert them to a freezer.

In order to ensure the fridge can operate at peak efficiency, the absorption system is designed so that the water-based ammonia solution runs at a lower temperature than the surrounding air. This is done by heating the water with an electric element or LP gas flame, causing the ammonia solution to boil. Once the ammonia solution has reached a certain temperature, it’s allowed to pass through the coils.

However, the colder it gets outside, the more difficult it is for the fridge to maintain that lower temperature inside. Eventually the ammonia solution will become gel-like and start to restrict the flow through the coils.

To solve this issue, Norcold developed the Cold Weather Kit, which is essentially a heater for your fridge. It draws 12V from the back of your unit and powers a heating strip on the weak solution tube – warming the ammonia solution just enough to stop it from becoming gelatinous.

The Cold Weather Kit is thermostatically controlled, so it only turns on when the temperature in the fridge compartment drops below a set threshold and then turns off again once the temperature rises past that level. It does this to keep the ammonia solution at an optimal temperature – ensuring that your fridge can maintain that low temperature and working effectively for longer periods of time.

Besides the Cold Weather Kit, Norcold has a number of other solutions to keep your RV fridge running at peak performance and to extend its life. These include a thermistor troubleshooting guide and a list of parts that can be replaced when necessary.

1. Thermistor Problems

A faulty thermistor can cause a lot of problems with your Norcold RV fridge. This part is located on the cooling fins in your fridge and needs to be attached in the correct position. If your thermistor is not in the correct place, then the fridge will not be able to cool correctly and may be making strange noises.

2. Connector Troubleshooting

Some Norcold RV fridges have a connector in the fridge compartment that contains two wires. These wires go to a connector within the fridge and then into a connection on the thermistor that supplies power to an interior lamp for the fridge. If the resistance of these wires is high, this may indicate a problem with the thermistor.

3. Temperature Sensor Failure

The Norcold RV fridges all have a temperature sensor that is used to tell the fridge when to turn on and off in order to reach a specific temperature. If this component is not in the right position, or if it is corroded, then the fridge won’t work properly and will be in danger of overheating.