May need new cooling unit for Dometic RM 1350 fridge
Cindy T said
04:20 PM Dec 10, 2013
When it rains, it pours. Last week, the furnace failed. This week, the refrigerator has failed. Haven't determined yet if the cooling unit is the problem, we're trying to figure it out. But if that's the problem, I want to get the replacement part from a reliable source. Local RV dealer wants $993 for the unit. Does anyone know of a reliable source where I can buy a cooling unit cheaper than that?
Update - I'm realizing I may have asked a dumb question (Not unusual for me. ) I assumed cooling units were a relatively small part that could be ordered online & shipped to me. But I just watched a short video online about replacing the unit & it looked pretty large. I'm thinking that I'll have to purchase it locally or shipping would be pricey. Is that right?
-- Edited by Cindy T on Tuesday 10th of December 2013 05:35:09 PM
Lucky Mike said
05:10 PM Dec 10, 2013
cindi.....there are rebuilders that remanufacture the cooling unit....lots of them in fla. it will depend on where your at.....
Cindy T said
05:19 PM Dec 10, 2013
We're in the Denver area. I've only checked with 1 RV place so far & got the $993 price. I'm going to check around more here locally.
Mike, thanks for that link. If you see my update to the original post, I thought shipping might be really expensive. But on the site you shared, shipping's not too bad.
01zeosix said
04:12 AM Dec 11, 2013
Cindy T wrote:
We're in the Denver area. I've only checked with 1 RV place so far & got the $993 price. I'm going to check around more here locally.
Hi Cindy-
You might want to consider a re-built unit or an aftermarket. Many folks go to rvcoolingunit dot com for parts and the "Amish" cooling unit. They also have replacement Dinosaur boards, fans, and other parts of interest.
After you determine the problem might be worth a look-see, as another alternative to what has been already offered up.
Another very viable option might be considering replacing the unit with a residential fridge. Many are doing that, too. Lots of posts here and on other forums about that, too.
Leon is the guy who repaired Howard and Linda’s unit.We’ve been to his shop when H & L had theirs’ repaired and spoken with him at length.If ours were broke, we’d work with him.He will give you options and as much information as you can take in.
Bill
The Bear II said
08:57 AM Dec 11, 2013
If you have an amonia type smell the cooling unit has gone bad. If no smell and the refrig and freezer are not cold you may just have a bad control card. I had a problem not to long ago and in torubleshooting fixed the problem. It turned out the connections on the control card must have been dirty.
In testing I had taken each connection loose and then connected the wires back onto the card. The refrig and freezer started working.
The control cards can be tested by the RV dealer. It's an easy DIY replacement. Dinosaur Electronics makes a good replacement card.
WestWardHo said
10:08 AM Dec 11, 2013
With both of your recent problems there could be a common cause. Would make sure to use a surge protector at the power connection and check all power to control boards.
Also when checking board area look for yellowish powder, another indication that it is the cooling unit. If not then check control board.
Jesse
bjoyce said
10:23 AM Dec 11, 2013
About $1000 sounds very reasonable to me, the replacement cooling unit on our Norcold 1200 was $1300. Remember a new 1350 is over $3000, my mother-in-law just bought one when her Norcold died and she did not have the space for a residential due to being in a narrow hallway.
Cindy T said
12:17 PM Dec 11, 2013
We don't have the ammonia smell, or any powdery substance, so perhaps it is the control board.
Lucky Mike said
12:39 PM Dec 11, 2013
do you have any lights showing on the control panel?
do you have an interior thermostat dial inside the fridge?
does it work on Gas?
If you are on shore power did you open the outside compartment and check (physically Reset) the GFI and check the outlet for power?
do you feel any warmth on the chimney?
these are some of the questions that need answers online to walk you thru the repair and lower the confusion level of guessing
hereis a link to the manual to your unit........page 16 is for troubleshooting
-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Wednesday 11th of December 2013 12:40:12 PM
Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry
01zeosix said
02:22 PM Dec 11, 2013
Cindy T wrote:
We don't have the ammonia smell, or any powdery substance, so perhaps it is the control board.
Check on the board itself for a blown 2 amp fuse. There are two of them. Might have blown when you had trouble with your "other" board. BTW: You can get both types of replacement Dinosaur boards at the link in my previous post. The site also has a list of items to check before you order. They will also help you out if you give them a call.
Hope this helps some. If not, do what my DW does..... Ignore me and move along to something else.
Cindy T said
05:19 PM Dec 11, 2013
I can't tell you how much I appreciate everyone's help. I'd love to toss this fridge & get a residential but that's just not in the budget right now. My husband is quite handy, & right now he's going thru the fridge manual plus reading Trailer Life's RV Repair manual, checking things one by one. We do have power to the unit, the display is on, fridge won't work on gas or elec. Seems like it's a process of elimination to discover where the problem really lies.
Cindy T said
11:09 AM Dec 19, 2013
After about 2 weeks without a fridge, we have determined that the cooling unit has failed & has to be replaced. It's the expensive repair I didn't want to do, but we have no choice but to get it done.
When it rains, it pours. Last week, the furnace failed. This week, the refrigerator has failed. Haven't determined yet if the cooling unit is the problem, we're trying to figure it out. But if that's the problem, I want to get the replacement part from a reliable source. Local RV dealer wants $993 for the unit. Does anyone know of a reliable source where I can buy a cooling unit cheaper than that?
Update - I'm realizing I may have asked a dumb question (Not unusual for me.
) I assumed cooling units were a relatively small part that could be ordered online & shipped to me. But I just watched a short video online about replacing the unit & it looked pretty large. I'm thinking that I'll have to purchase it locally or shipping would be pricey. Is that right?
-- Edited by Cindy T on Tuesday 10th of December 2013 05:35:09 PM
We're in the Denver area. I've only checked with 1 RV place so far & got the $993 price. I'm going to check around more here locally.
www.rvrefrigeratorrepair.com/index.htm
Mike, thanks for that link. If you see my update to the original post, I thought shipping might be really expensive. But on the site you shared, shipping's not too bad.
Hi Cindy-
You might want to consider a re-built unit or an aftermarket. Many folks go to rvcoolingunit dot com for parts and the "Amish" cooling unit. They also have replacement Dinosaur boards, fans, and other parts of interest.
After you determine the problem might be worth a look-see, as another alternative to what has been already offered up.
Another very viable option might be considering replacing the unit with a residential fridge. Many are doing that, too. Lots of posts here and on other forums about that, too.
Hope this helps.
Highly recommended:
www.fixyourfridge.com
Leon is the guy who repaired Howard and Linda’s unit. We’ve been to his shop when H & L had theirs’ repaired and spoken with him at length. If ours were broke, we’d work with him. He will give you options and as much information as you can take in.
Bill
In testing I had taken each connection loose and then connected the wires back onto the card. The refrig and freezer started working.
The control cards can be tested by the RV dealer. It's an easy DIY replacement. Dinosaur Electronics makes a good replacement card.
Also when checking board area look for yellowish powder, another indication that it is the cooling unit. If not then check control board.
Jesse
We don't have the ammonia smell, or any powdery substance, so perhaps it is the control board.
do you have any lights showing on the control panel?
do you have an interior thermostat dial inside the fridge?
does it work on Gas?
If you are on shore power did you open the outside compartment and check (physically Reset) the GFI and check the outlet for power?
do you feel any warmth on the chimney?
these are some of the questions that need answers online to walk you thru the repair and lower the confusion level of guessing
hereis a link to the manual to your unit........page 16 is for troubleshooting
http://www.dometic.com/9a72fc6e-2c8f-4fbd-ab52-db0472a72b9e.fodoc
-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Wednesday 11th of December 2013 12:40:12 PM
Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry
Check on the board itself for a blown 2 amp fuse. There are two of them. Might have blown when you had trouble with your "other" board. BTW: You can get both types of replacement Dinosaur boards at the link in my previous post. The site also has a list of items to check before you order. They will also help you out if you give them a call.
Hope this helps some. If not, do what my DW does..... Ignore me and move along to something else.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate everyone's help. I'd love to toss this fridge & get a residential but that's just not in the budget right now. My husband is quite handy, & right now he's going thru the fridge manual plus reading Trailer Life's RV Repair manual, checking things one by one. We do have power to the unit, the display is on, fridge won't work on gas or elec. Seems like it's a process of elimination to discover where the problem really lies.
After about 2 weeks without a fridge, we have determined that the cooling unit has failed & has to be replaced. It's the expensive repair I didn't want to do, but we have no choice but to get it done.