The NO-NONSENSE RV Refrigerator Repair & Troubleshooting Guide ~Figure it Out in 5 Min

Norcold Thermistor Ohm Chart and Location Guide:
www.arprv.com/...
After watching too many long and useless KZbin videos on KZbin just trying to find the proper Ohms of a RV refrigerator thermistor, I decided to make a simple, no non-sense RV refrigerator repair guide.
Simply put, you either have a thermistor problem, a control board problem, or a heating element problem. They are not that hard to troubleshoot, and I cover most of the common failure points in the video.

[@kelank12]

Purchased: August 2023 - still works GREAT!I kzbin.infoUgkxxsUnXhGsSJLim_XnMHyQK0u3XVaW-CGn live in a studio and during the summer it gets scorching hot - really old building with no ac units. I can’t express how EASY it was to install. This unit has been a life savior during the summer and some days during other seasons where it can still be a bit warm at night. In this small place is my friend, a husky, poodle mix and myself. We need AC - lolI don’t use the dehumidifier option - I’m not sure if it will leak in my house, since I did not install the small draining hose that came with it. May look into it late but I don’t worry about much humidity in the apartment. I don’t understand why the negative reviews since all things mentioned, I personally did not find issues with. Definitely worth it!

[@DaemeonArkenyonZane]

7 years in and this video is STILL saving asses. Good job, dude, you saved me a lot of trouble.

[@umacks]

I love the "No Nonsense " approach...no BS just problem solving. Thank you

[@TheWulff82]

Great walkthrough! I would like to add something. If your unit has been off for a length of time, the oil will gum up. Similar to gas when old. So many people change parts and testing them out often frees up the obstruction. I would suggest tapping on the tubes with a small wrench when it's heating up. Be sure to focus on the bends. The tube is pinched more. Do this periodically and you might find things start working all of a sudden. I've been the hero on many older RV's by doing this first. Great vid! Thermistor can be spliced as well. Some older models are hard to access.

[@TrailerDayz]

Great Feedback and Info!

[@billszymborski584]

Tapping on what tubes? The LPG or the cooling tube in refer back?

[@TrailerDayz]

@@billszymborski584 He's talking about the coolant tubes

[@Factory928AC]

Ima have to try this

[@TheWulff82]

Cooling tubes

[@scottdonaldson9390]

Finally a KZbin DIY Video that was to the point and Not full of Fluff! Thanks!!

[@MEGA-zr7br]

Thank you for providing a USEFUL, NO-NONSENSE video!! I get so irritated at people that make a reality show video so they can be the star instead of a troubleshooting video like yours.. thanks again!👏

[@Qurph1]

Great, useful video - thanks! This guy should do another video showing everyone how to shoot a perfect "how to" guide.

[@nachoadam1082]

Not many people can say “no nonsense” and actually deliver; thank you for not wasting my time with a 20 minute video. I’ve had my trailer for a year. On my first trip, we were off balance, and the “check” light came on the fridge. So I rebalanced the trailer and all was good. Last night we got to a camp site late, we were off balance, but no “check” light, so I planned to just rebalance in the morning. Woke up today with no lights on the fridge. The whole unit is off and completely unresponsive. Any advice? Maybe a 2nd breaker panel I don’t know about? I hope!

[@lukedahm1982]

A very great guide. Straight to the point and without the bullshit!

[@GadgetClass]

Agreed

[@haydennolen200]

Best video I have found for a comprehensive guide on all potential issues. Thanks!

[@tetonpoodleboy]

Great video. One more suggestion - my fridge was underperforming and when I checked with a manometer the gas pressure was way low. An adjustment to the regulator fixed the problem.

[@TrailerDayz]

Great input! I didn't think of that when I made the video.

[@nicolebarrows1555]

Oh my goodness, thank you sooo much for the video! Definitely saved us from needing to buy a new fridge. Had my husband check the resistor and it showed nothing! Thanks again!

[@TrailerDayz]

Awesome!

[@victorreppeto7050]

You are the MAN!!! I don't even have to go look to know it is the thermistor I am having a problem with!! This is going on my maker space group page!!

[@TrailerDayz]

Awesome! Glad to help!

[@ThatsMrDFW]

The best diy video on the internet.

[@TrailerDayz]

Thanks!

[@bonnieabrs1003]

Also check the celinder above the flame. Turn gas off. There are 2white plug ins on the side. Pull one out, & between the two plug ins is a small reset switch. Something else to try. Also reset all GFIC as they can prevent elect to continue. One more thing. Take off the black removable box over the panel. At the bottom of the circuit board are two wires that contain fuses that can be blown. Not hard to replace. Many stores have them.

[@brendaberry981]

Finally a video with basic instructions ! Thank you. I'm going to get to work on figuring out and hopefully fixing my fridge. Nice video

[@georgekubrick3134]

This is the style I wished cooking videos were made in. A+++

[@CT9905.]

I THANK you very much for this information about the thermistor and how to trouble shoot the problem.

[@garygilbert1999]

You truly rock! I wish all videos were like yours. Short, no nonsense guidance to fixing my rv refer. You are now my go-to source and my new friend. Thanks. I have subscribed. I don't usually subscibe, but the quality of your production is worthy.

[@TrailerDayz]

Awesome! Glad you liked it.

[@kennethwoodward4669]

Well done I don’t know if this will help anybody and my thermister Ohm’s was reading like 10.8 and fridge was cutting off a lot I changed my thermister and that seems to have fixed it so like this man says go to simpler things first always !

[@kennethwoodward4669]

Also side note : I have the exact same fridge as he did in this video

[@JC-kz4zo]

Best KZbin video I’ve seen so far, thank you so much!!!

[@pamelaouellette6682]

I can't find the link for the item/thermostat- can you share if you have?

[@pamelaouellette6682]

Oh I see he says link to table. I'll look further and hopefully match it.

[@danielsnook5029]

Love how dirty the back of your fridge compartment is. I'm also a member of this club. 🤣

[@Keithf1]

The symptoms you described fit my situation, cooling fins frosted over. Removed lamp cover to discover it was full of water, electrical connections green with corrosion. Dryed it with compressed air then sprayed the contacts with electronic contact cleaner. Restarted, Perfect operation restored. Thank you for setting me on the correct course.

[@leemiller986]

Freezer cold but fridge not any ideas

[@JSquaredExpedited]

Thank you for that no bs Straightforward troubleshoot video I get so irritated by people who take 12 min to tell a fix.

[@TrailerDayz]

Me too. You're welcome!

[@Toys4YouJucariiPentruTine]

Thanks for the info!!!! Useful! Our fridge is not working on 12V. Works fine on 220 and gas

[@billszymborski584]

Ours is older and it only works on 12v when the engine is running. Basically it is run off the alternator. That is what our manual says. 1990 Hawkins Motor Coach with 3 way Dometic Refer.

[@Toys4YouJucariiPentruTine]

@Alonso Jayson thank you!!

[@skeetermcswagger0U812]

You're RV frigerator shouldn't have 220 going to it, I don't think you're being completely honest.

[@thecentralscrutinizer5105]

@@skeetermcswagger0U812 ...never met a RV fridge that runs off 12volts either

[@skeetermcswagger0U812]

@@thecentralscrutinizer5105 Just just for the record, all RV Refrigerators except for Class 'A' units with optional residential units need 12VOLT(DC) current to do anything. There used to be a prevalence of a 12VDC only option in what was known as a '3 way' refrigerator but that proved problematic because even the heating element for the cooling unit ran off of 12VDC so it was equivalent to plugging a waffle iron into your cigarette lighter plug in your car.(this configuration of unit were slowly phased out in the mid-'80 and are only used in slide-in truck campers & and marine/boat applications) have yet to ever see an RV refrigerator that actually works on anything but,12VDC/LP or 12VDC/110-120 AC.

[@MrCoyotebob]

Follow up after getting new thermistor. After blowing a fuse (because I'm an idiot) and getting this installed we have had to lower the setting from 8 to 3. Worked great! Thanks for the info!

[@TrailerDayz]

Awesome! It's amazing how much one sensor can affect the system

[@Buck1954]

Good No-nonsense information. I probably have a thermister issue.

[@TrailerDayz]

Glad to help!

[@RestoringReality]

You're right, there are no other helpful videos in this arena. Well done. Tks.

[@MrCoyotebob]

I was having problems with mine not freezing, I checked this and it is bad. Thank-you! Part is ordered.

[@TrailerDayz]

Glad I could help! Give us an update when you get the new part in.

[@dudcam405]

Title was perfectly executed, thank you for no nonsense information!

[@TrailerDayz]

Anytime :)

[@joebarker8081]

You rock Bro 100%....most "how to" videos go on and on and end up not learning a thing...Thank you so much for your time in making simple...short ...but informative and helpful learning vidoes....I live in my camper...it's sat up skirted and all.....So.... my f ridge quit yesterday and problem is pretty much the opposite of this...it's a norcold,...model #9182...there is no ice....no frost build up..and no cold at all...kicks on and everything just won't get cold....it's been running just on electricity for years now.....any other ideas?...I liked the page and am going to try and find another that might maybe solve my problem....thank you again for great instructions and helpful ideas...your definitely my first choice from now on... With great appreciation Joe B.. Cheyenne Wy.

[@kaylaashburn9216]

Same issue with mine you ever figure out the problem?

[@rennithepooh]

This is great! My fridge is not working 😕 my mototrhome is a little older I have an 88!! I hope this helps I'm gonna work on it today

[@TrailerDayz]

Awesome! Still a lot of classic old RV fridges out there cooling away.

[@sachavan]

Finally found what I was looking for. Thank so much for this super helpful video.

[@TrailerDayz]

Glad you found it useful!

[@YOUTUBEfucku]

You are correct, Simple & easy and straight to the point.

[@VictorGonzalez-ev1dj]

That was short and simple, But Very Helpful thanks,

[@mac-doien9298]

Thanks for the overview of RV refrigeration..!

[@Mikesroadtrip-ec5kp]

I have the same frigi. I just bought the camper everything was working a week ago. Now the frig doesn't work but the freezer works. Thanks my frig is a 3 way and doesn't work on any setting. A/C or Propane or DC.

[@raven7068]

Straight to the point, very informative video 👍😉

[@olioli7652]

*Easy to assemble **Fastly.Cool*

[@patsamms2363]

GREAT DUDE wish more people think the way U do. Gonna check out your other videos. Again great work!

[@douglascrouch1802]

Good straight to the point video, well informative information. I have a Norcold N811 stopped cooling after a week of "below 0" temperatures. I thought the unit had went out, turns out the "Thermistor" was the problem. I too ordered from Amazon, too bad they made you remove the links because it only helped their business. Good Job!

[@TrailerDayz]

Sweet! I'm glad I could helo! Amazon, sadly, is proving to be a beast to those that made them... You should see the reports of all the sales I sent their way.

[@dsrthrse7917]

Thank you for your time and this video. Got my meter out and was able to tell the thermistor was going bad. Ordered a new one from the link you provided. Fridge works great now!. I was having the same trouble trying to find useful information so thank you again!.

[@TrailerDayz]

Mark E. Loring Cool!

[@skeetermcswagger0U812]

I was almost waiting for him to say;"... and if your engine in your motor home doesn't start, its PROBABLY thermistor." or ".....if your wife doesn't get along with you when you're watching the game it's PROBABLY your thermistor." LOL!😅

[@427max]

Thank you very very much will be highly recommending your channel to a lot of people

[@barrygodwin6250]

Great help just info to fix No crap like where you are,whats the weather hears my dog Thanks

[@robormiston2841]

Nice video thanks. I just bought a boat fridge. 12 volt and 110 ac current. But I get it down to the boat and let it set a day level and plug it in and then nothing , it's a Norcold Tek 2. But no sounds no vibration and no on light. So I looked up a video and yours looked good and it was and thanks for a great video. So it sounds like whatever it is probably a control board is my guess but it's a replaceable part. I need to try the 12 volt part yet. I need some longer wires or test leads. I have the same fridge in my Sailboat but bigger and it's worked great for years. Some old timer told me that if you get one that won't cool anymore to flip it upside down. Ok after unplugging it lol. Upside down and tape a vibrating sander to for 24 and 9 times out of 10 it will work. He said the freon settles in the low points of the system and buy agitating it will free it up and make it work like new again. I haven't tried it yet but makes sense. He swears buy it.

[@TrailerDayz]

All of them need 12V always, even if you aren't running in 12V mode. The 12v controls the electronics.

[@TheMutedMajority]

Same problem I have same fridge, keep getting no co error and resetting 2 x a day. I have same reading on thermistor, Soon to have no mo no co! Thanks for the no nonsense. Some other video was telling how to check an ac outlet , I'm like wha the... ?

[@staceytroffer8287]

You are good!!! Very simple very easy to understand

[@TrailerDayz]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@gregpatey6355]

good video on how to troubleshoot the thermistor, but it fell far short of the title of the video... it gave a brief description of how the system works, but didnt show how to troubleshoot the gas valve or the igniter... and more importantly, the outputs of the board itself..... nor did it mention the fuse. another couple of minutes could have covered it.... but what was shown was to the point, which is good.

[@stevet710]

Excellent subsystem description and t-shoot breakdown. Merci!

[@morticia981]

You totally saved me. Thank you for getting to the heart of the matter. This is exactly what's wrong with my fridge. I'm ordering the part immediately. Thanks again!

[@FarrierDad]

Awesome helpful video! Buying my first horse trailer with livingquarters and fridge and wanted to know how it all worked. Wished i wouldve looked into this before my parents replaced theirs with a normal fridge.

[@TrailerDayz]

Thanks! Glad I could help :)

[@roccolococo5543]

Awesome video very straight to the point , any suggestions for a norcold1200Lrim, freezer works (gets down to zero)but fridge does not get cold ?

[@billszymborski584]

Great video for DIY folks! Thanks!

[@TrailerDayz]

You're welcome!

[@Jerrylb]

this was a perfect video thanks for shareing your knowledge

[@TrailerDayz]

Thanks for the feedback! Glad to help!

[@jensbornagain]

Thanks so much for for not having useless jabber. Great info thank you

[@TrailerDayz]

Glad to help!!!

[@dustincartner9773]

Thank you for not bla bla blaing right to the point

[@TrailerDayz]

No Problem. Glad to help people out!

[@Bzerker22]

This is a great video, How ever my Refer works fine on AC mode and it works for about two days on LP then one day unexpectedly it will shut off and the check light will come on. sometimes it will go for a week without that happening. Any ideas. thanks again

[@brandonpalmertree8870]

I replaced my thermoster. I also replaced thermostat. I’m at 50 degrees in fridge. The freezer works great. The pipes are hot so it’s expanding ammonia. What about the fan? I’m also it to the point of swapping for a residential fridge and we Rv full time. I have norcold N8XF

[@jaybarnett4599]

FYI. In extreme temps, 108 plus in Az mine would not cool enough for dairy. Tried everything. Finally i checked the upper outside pannel. Tons of heat. I removed the cover so air could flow freely and bingo! Worked 👍. Still have some issues at 112 degrees plus though

[@TrailerDayz]

Good work. AZ can be tough for any cooling system. I just left there with my Sprinter van. Many if the newer RV fridges have small 12V computer fans attached to the back of the fridge that blow upwards (towards the roof vent). I can take a pic tomorrow. If you feel like it, you could do the same.

[@harmonyintouch]

wow dude! this post saved me! I'm in S. Texas with upwards of 99 degrees everyday almost all day long. I couldn't keep diary from spoiling. I would not have thought to remove that upper panel. Had fixed everything else. Now I can have cream in my coffee again. You rock!

[@robertwagnon2649]

My dometic fridge cools on propane but it will not cool on electric. I have a 2015 Forester Class C. Ive changed the 2glass fuses outside of the coach. Ive also ensured that all GFCI outlets are reset.

[@eddylee587]

Excellent info and diag!!! Mine is doing this same thing. Simple testing!!! Thank you!!!

[@jacobmiller2454]

This was vwry helpful thank you

[@TrailerDayz]

You're very welcome!

[@johngarland5166]

TrailerDayz Good day, thank you for this very educational repair video.

[@airitwide]

I have a Norcold in a 1991 Dutchmen I just bought and the fridge won't start up in propane. Thank you for this starting point in my trouibleshooting journey

[@TrailerDayz]

Glad to help. Check: Voltage to solenoid. Carbon at the gas jet.

[@airitwide]

@@TrailerDayz Will do; I subscribed to your channel by the way

[@RoadTestSuccess]

Great Vid!! Felt for heat - Good. Fridge is cooling.

[@TrailerDayz]

Glad to help! Thanks for the feedback!

[@soltero5605]

Best video on you tube and very easy to follow. Fixed my problem.

[@freedomfred6518]

Love the no nonsense video, great job! Looks like my RV fridge, buying a new thermistor right now. Can't wait to try it.

[@TrailerDayz]

Awesome! Glad to help!

[@freedomfred6518]

My thermistor goes to the control board on the outside. Are the wires on the thermistor in your Amazon link long enough?

[@GadgetClass]

FreedomFred what model is it? A domestic? If so try this one: www.amazon.com/dp/B004LERB30/?tag=norcold-20

[@MF-lr8ot]

Your a really good teacher!

[@fpsidiotg6955]

Thanks for the no NONSENSE! I subbed! Bret

[@crazy2wt]

Great information! Then problem we are having is that it won't turn on at all, so I can't see what mode it is on. No lighting up. Not sure where to go from there.

[@freedomfred6518]

It is a NORCOLD in a 1989 Ford Cobra. From the paperwork that came with my motor home it should be one of these four model numbers 662, 663, 682, or 683. Thank you

[@joeycarolina]

Love it. Simple, easy to understand.

[@sheafranklin7331]

In outside access door, my fridge looks identical to yours. The cooling unit heats up in AC and propane modes and the cooling unit is warm but the fridge does not cool down at all.

[@gideonram4607]

He said clean the flew for LP diagnosis of frig not getting cold. Its not just by wiping the top of it but removing the burner orifice and tapping all the potential burned powder like material that comes out when tapped against a hard surface. And making sure openings are fully open in burner orifice by using a razor blade.

[@lonnie4679]

Thanks so much for video always check simple things first

[@TexCynRVLife]

Oh. Re watched again. So I may possibly have a control board issue. I'll need to pick up a voltmeter & a tool that will get the screws off the control board. Taking those screws off is the hard part....then I drop them! 😋

[@whatfreedom7]

I’m lucky if mine will get below 50. It runs and cools and I checked the thermister last year according to the chart but it checked good. I’m found a test run before a trip and the first day I turned it on it hit 50°. The second day I put several waters on the top shelf and struggled to get below 60°.. it’s so unreliable I’m stuck using a cooler or may have to break down and buy a new unit which is crazy expensive. This caper is only a couple years old and was purchased new. It never has worked good.

[@aspacepigtaipei]

Excellent. Thank you for your brevity.

[@Insidermotocross]

Thank you for the video.

[@shivadasa]

Awesome video. Thanks.

[@TrailerDayz]

You're welcome!

[@bigelvisthechefrosenberg5494]

Great ep

[@MiTorito1]

Hi, thank you for your video. StraightForward. Do this fridges have fans?? My freezer is working on both electric and gas. The problem is the refrigerator section is not cooling off.

[@cr38er]

Some will have 12v cooling fans in the rear compartment to help vent upward.

[@mmajay927]

Thank you this helped a lot

[@2mrdon]

A very good video and right to the point(s). Thank you

[@socialsea]

Worked like a charm. Thanks.

[@TrailerDayz]

Awesome!

[@flashandtalusflashandtalus4335]

So I watched all kinds of videos and tried all different suggestions. In the end my driveway is at an angle and the fridge needed to be level. Ch could that first!

[@TheTURION29]

Awesome video!👍👍

[@jamesbondaygee]

Wow...this is a cool video. My Norcold seems to be functioning fine everywhere except temperature is warm in freezer and hardly cool in the fridge part. Sound like a Thermistor?

[@TheMutedMajority]

I stopped the no co error for good without ordering a thermistor. I stuck a 1.5 k ohm resistor across the thermistor terminals at the connector. I suspect I may have to manually defrost it eventually, but who cares. It's been doing great over 2 weeks now. Before, I was getting the no co error 2 or 3 times a day. The thermistor is still installed. that's just a 1500 ohm little 1/4 watt resistor was all it took. Other values would probably work too I would bet from 680 to 2.2k.

[@cliftonsnider1520]

Thanks so very much this appears to have cured the problem and my wife is happy so all’s right with the world, mine anyway. :)

[@TrailerDayz]

The Thermistor? Awesome!

[@Zizzyyzz]

Great video. Thumbs up. 👍

[@mykealantaloczy3789]

Fixed it. Thank you! !!

[@TrailerDayz]

Sweet! What was your issue?

[@douglash.1268]

Thank you very much.

[@ethandellinger8993]

I don’t have a volt meter. But all the pipes in the back of mine are hot so I’m assuming it’s the first thermometer thing. Gotta be if the pipes are hot and still not cold right?

[@tsc3576]

What if freezer works fine but fridge is warm. (Cool, not cold.) Running on Propane. Propane works fine on it.

[@bryannix3277]

great video ...... Thank you !

[@TrailerDayz]

You're Welcome!

[@masked_gaming7639]

Our 93 Southwind Norcold Fridge doesn't want to run on electric. Now we know what to check....thanks.

[@tonyrayjones1550]

Just found this video I went out and took mine off the fridge and the frig started back to cooling....but I need to order the same thermistor you have...do you have a link to where to buy? My fridge is a n811 model.

[@TrailerDayz]

Amazon made me remove all of my links. I would look there.

[@JorgeRodriguez-ef5un]

Thank you for all that useful information man. 👍

[@steverusch8605]

This guy is legit

[@Pammmy58]

Thanks for helping us figure it out!!!