What To Know
- In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to turn on an RV refrigerator, from checking the power source to troubleshooting common problems.
- To clean the condenser coils, use a vacuum cleaner or a brush to remove the dust and dirt.
- To clean the condenser coils on your RV refrigerator, use a vacuum cleaner or a brush to remove the dust and dirt.
If you’re an RV enthusiast, you know that a reliable refrigerator is essential for keeping your food fresh and your drinks cold. But what do you do when your RV refrigerator isn‘t working? Before you call a repairman, try troubleshooting the issue yourself. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to turn on an RV refrigerator, from checking the power source to troubleshooting common problems.
Checking the Power Source
The first step in troubleshooting your RV refrigerator is to check the power source. Make sure that the RV is plugged into an electrical outlet or that the generator is running. If the power source is working, move on to the next step.
Turning on the Refrigerator
Once you’ve verified that the power source is working, you can turn on the refrigerator. Most RV refrigerators have a switch or button that you need to press to turn them on. The switch or button is usually located on the front of the refrigerator, near the door.
Setting the Temperature
After you’ve turned on the refrigerator, you need to set the temperature. The temperature setting dial is usually located inside the refrigerator, near the light. Set the temperature to the desired setting, usually between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If you’ve followed the steps above but your RV refrigerator is still not working, there may be a problem with the refrigerator itself. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
Refrigerator Not Cooling
If your RV refrigerator is not cooling, check the following:
- The thermostat: The thermostat may be faulty. To test the thermostat, unplug the refrigerator and wait 5 minutes. Then, plug the refrigerator back in and turn it on. If the refrigerator starts cooling, the thermostat is likely faulty and needs to be replaced.
- The compressor: The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator. If the compressor is not working, the refrigerator will not cool. To test the compressor, listen for a humming sound when the refrigerator is running. If you don’t hear a humming sound, the compressor may be faulty and needs to be replaced.
- The condenser coils: The condenser coils are located on the back or bottom of the refrigerator. The coils can become clogged with dust and dirt, which can prevent the refrigerator from cooling properly. To clean the condenser coils, use a vacuum cleaner or a brush to remove the dust and dirt.
Refrigerator Not Defrosting
If your RV refrigerator is not defrosting, check the following:
- The defrost timer: The defrost timer is responsible for turning on the defrost heater. If the defrost timer is faulty, the defrost heater will not turn on and the refrigerator will not defrost. To test the defrost timer, unplug the refrigerator and wait 5 minutes. Then, plug the refrigerator back in and turn it on. If the defrost heater turns on, the defrost timer is likely faulty and needs to be replaced.
- The defrost heater: The defrost heater is responsible for melting the ice on the evaporator coils. If the defrost heater is faulty, the ice will not melt and the refrigerator will not defrost. To test the defrost heater, use a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity, the defrost heater is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Answers to Your Questions
How long does it take for an RV refrigerator to cool down?
It can take up to 24 hours for an RV refrigerator to cool down.
Why is my RV refrigerator not cooling?
There are several reasons why your RV refrigerator may not be cooling, including a faulty thermostat, compressor, or condenser coils.
How do I clean the condenser coils on my RV refrigerator?
To clean the condenser coils on your RV refrigerator, use a vacuum cleaner or a brush to remove the dust and dirt.
How do I defrost my RV refrigerator?
To defrost your RV refrigerator, turn it off and unplug it. Then, open the doors and let the ice melt. You can also use a hair dryer to speed up the defrosting process.
