How to Troubleshoot RV Refrigerator Problems

RV refrigerators usually go bad in one of three ways:

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1

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Is there 120-volt A/C power to the refrigerator power outlet? If yes, turn the refrigerator on. A volt ohm meter can check for 120 VAC at the heating element.

2

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Do you hear a spark, but no gas valve "click"? Does the gas valve click and igniter spark, but the burner doesn’t ignite? Or flame is weak? Does the refrigerator light on gas, but won’t stay lit?

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3

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Your venting or cooling unit is probably the issue. Your venting or cooling unit is probably the issue. Look for loose insulation, jammed leaves, needles, or bird nests on the roof vent. Look for loose insulation, jammed leaves, needles, or bird nests on the roof vent.

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Now what?

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How to Troubleshoot RV Refrigerator Problems

What to do when your refrigerator dies and your food is in peril.

RV refrigerators usually go bad in one of three ways:

RV refrigerators usually go bad in one of three ways:

Get more troubleshooting tips

1

The RV refrigerator only cools on LP gas. It won’t cool on electric power.

The RV refrigerator only cools on LP gas. It won’t cool on electric power.

2

The refrigerator only cools on electric (shore power), but not gas.

The refrigerator only cools on electric (shore power), but not gas.

3

The refrigerator doesn’t cool on gas or electric.

The refrigerator doesn’t cool on gas or electric.

Now what?

Now what?

With a few basic tools, and clear thinking, it's not impossible to diagnose and fix RV refrigerator issues like these.

With a few basic tools, and clear thinking, it's not impossible to diagnose and fix RV refrigerator issues like these.

Get more troubleshooting tips