Norcold refrig question
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 217
Likes: 1
Norcold refrig question
Hi All
Was wondering if anyone has a suggestion as to what I should look for/adjust to fix this refrigerator problem? We have an 2006 McKenzie Lakota 5th wheel which we bought new in 07 it has a norcold frig. The frig works fine and cools fine when we are not moving, on electric and gas, if the switch is in auto it will switch between gas and electric without a problem and back the other way, of coarse if the switch is on gas it stays on gas. The issue is that the last 4 or 5 trips I've noticed that after driving awhile with the switch in "auto" (I actually haven't tried driving with the switch set to "gas only) that the lights are blinking, which means that the flame went out (technically it says 'if blinking check gas'). I then have to move the switch to "off" and then back to "auto" and then the flame lights again. I don't know why it has started doing this but we have a 8 or 9 hour trip in two weeks and I really don't want to be stopping ever hour to make sure the flame is lit.
I'd appreciate any ideas.
Was wondering if anyone has a suggestion as to what I should look for/adjust to fix this refrigerator problem? We have an 2006 McKenzie Lakota 5th wheel which we bought new in 07 it has a norcold frig. The frig works fine and cools fine when we are not moving, on electric and gas, if the switch is in auto it will switch between gas and electric without a problem and back the other way, of coarse if the switch is on gas it stays on gas. The issue is that the last 4 or 5 trips I've noticed that after driving awhile with the switch in "auto" (I actually haven't tried driving with the switch set to "gas only) that the lights are blinking, which means that the flame went out (technically it says 'if blinking check gas'). I then have to move the switch to "off" and then back to "auto" and then the flame lights again. I don't know why it has started doing this but we have a 8 or 9 hour trip in two weeks and I really don't want to be stopping ever hour to make sure the flame is lit.
I'd appreciate any ideas.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Try checking the tip of the pilot light for corrosion, a little probably won’t be a problem setting still but at 60 MPH it might be.
Also check all the shrouds around the pilot.
<O
</O
BUT a lot of people don’t travel with the refrigerator on. It will stay cold a long time if you don’t open it.
<O</O
You could check on some of the RV forums to see if you have a known problem.
ab
Also check all the shrouds around the pilot.
<O
</OBUT a lot of people don’t travel with the refrigerator on. It will stay cold a long time if you don’t open it.
<O
</OYou could check on some of the RV forums to see if you have a known problem.
ab
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 241
Likes: 1
From: AZ, SSA
Strictly speaking, you aren't supposed to tow while any of the gas is on, let alone running anything on it. If your fridge is a three way, run it on the 12v when on the road. Once you stop and set up to stay, turn on the gas at the cylinders and check all of your connections before lighting any flames. Moving the trailer can cause leaks to develop.
If the fridge is a two way (gas and 120v) and the tow is a long one, get some dry ice, wrap it in newspaper and stick it in the fridge, preferably the freezer compartment. On short hauls, as long as the fridge was cold when you shut it down and you keep the door closed, you should be alright.
If the fridge is a two way (gas and 120v) and the tow is a long one, get some dry ice, wrap it in newspaper and stick it in the fridge, preferably the freezer compartment. On short hauls, as long as the fridge was cold when you shut it down and you keep the door closed, you should be alright.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
Likes: 317
From: Whittier, CA
I always tow with the fridge running on gas. I know some folks don't, and some do but turn it off when refueling. Not me.
But I have had a few times when towing in the wind when the fridge won't stay lit. An '06 will almost certainly have electronic ignition, and if it does not successfully light in about 45 seconds, it stops trying and alerts you with the check light. Turning it off and back on just forces it to try again.
I think you need to have the gas jet checked and probably cleaned, and make sure all the flue parts are adjusted properly to prevent the wind from blowing out the flame.
Sorry, but I would not own a rig that I had to put dry ice in the fridge.
But I have had a few times when towing in the wind when the fridge won't stay lit. An '06 will almost certainly have electronic ignition, and if it does not successfully light in about 45 seconds, it stops trying and alerts you with the check light. Turning it off and back on just forces it to try again.
I think you need to have the gas jet checked and probably cleaned, and make sure all the flue parts are adjusted properly to prevent the wind from blowing out the flame.
Sorry, but I would not own a rig that I had to put dry ice in the fridge.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I always tow with the fridge running on gas. I know some folks don't, and some do but turn it off when refueling. Not me.
But I have had a few times when towing in the wind when the fridge won't stay lit. An '06 will almost certainly have electronic ignition, and if it does not successfully light in about 45 seconds, it stops trying and alerts you with the check light. Turning it off and back on just forces it to try again.
I think you need to have the gas jet checked and probably cleaned, and make sure all the flue parts are adjusted properly to prevent the wind from blowing out the flame.
Sorry, but I would not own a rig that I had to put dry ice in the fridge.
But I have had a few times when towing in the wind when the fridge won't stay lit. An '06 will almost certainly have electronic ignition, and if it does not successfully light in about 45 seconds, it stops trying and alerts you with the check light. Turning it off and back on just forces it to try again.
I think you need to have the gas jet checked and probably cleaned, and make sure all the flue parts are adjusted properly to prevent the wind from blowing out the flame.
Sorry, but I would not own a rig that I had to put dry ice in the fridge.
Our 07 Dometic (in a HitchHicker) uses a pilot light, I've wondered many times why???
ab
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,383
Likes: 1,867
From: Frederick, MD
I have always towed with the fridge on. I will turn the gas off if going thru a tunnel, otherwise leave it running.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Texas
HhMm never thought about it, I read too much and assume too much. Maybe it has both.
Our hot water heater has a light that says "Pilot Out" but it has an igniter. Does the igniter light the pilot?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 950
Likes: 6
From: Waco, Texas
I have always rv'd with the gas on. I shut it off when fueling. I asked the Dept of Transportation, here in Texas, about this a few years ago, and they said, no problems, just use common sense.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
Likes: 317
From: Whittier, CA
If you don't have to light it with a match, then it is electronic ignition. I think the "pilot light" you are seeing on your fridge is actually the heating flame. Fridges use a very small flame to operate, and are very efficient. That is also why they blow out so easily on the road if the control box isn't designed well.
When you see the warning light, it just means that the electronic ignition failed. That is to prevent leaking gas and there is a solenoid valve that stops the gas flow.
