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Old 07-08-2013, 06:31 PM   #1
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Norcold fridge

Our fridge seems to be overworking and only going down to 45 degrees when the camper is about 80 to 90 degrees. Hot summer. Is there any maintenance we should be doing for the refrigerator? It freezes ice cubes in colder weather.
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Old 07-08-2013, 06:34 PM   #2
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Re: Norcold fridge

There are a number of threads on fridge cooling that should be easy to find with a search. Here's one recent one;

viewtopic.php?f=40&t=11109


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Old 07-08-2013, 09:03 PM   #3
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Re: Norcold fridge

I too have had about 4 or 5 episodes of the Norcold just failing to cool down. The compressor runs but the inside stays above 50 or 60. What is so frustrating is that I will pull the fridge out, put it on my work bench, where it works just fine. I'll put it back in and it continues to work. That just happened this week again, so with a cross country trip planned for next week I'll keep my fingers crossed. Its got me baffled.

I did do a ventilation modification (added two fans)http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/vie...hp?f=13&t=5364 and this did reduce the run time when the weather is warm.

I'll probably avoid a Norcold when I need to replace this one, but of course the dimensions of a new model will require modification of the cabinetry.
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Old 07-08-2013, 09:28 PM   #4
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Re: Norcold fridge

I had issues years ago where the compressor would run, but the fridge wouldn't cool. Turns out one of the wire connectors was loose, and once I re-crimped all the connectors, the fridge cooled once again.

viewtopic.php?f=40&t=7219&hilit=norcold+blade


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Old 07-11-2013, 10:55 PM   #5
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Re: Norcold fridge

Quote:
Originally Posted by BACKRDS
I too have had about 4 or 5 episodes of the Norcold just failing to cool down. The compressor runs but the inside stays above 50 or 60. What is so frustrating is that I will pull the fridge out, put it on my work bench, where it works just fine. I'll put it back in and it continues to work. That just happened this week again, so with a cross country trip planned for next week I'll keep my fingers crossed. Its got me baffled.
Same as mine.

Did you try the burping technique?
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Old 07-12-2013, 10:59 PM   #6
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Re: Norcold fridge

I only put cold things in and only then at night, and I never put more than two warm drinks in at a time, and also dance on one foot in the 50 living room hoping this trip it will keep cooling... my goal is to one day have a fridge and not a glorified styrofoam box. I've had a few trips with my Dometic and it's glorious to have real, hassle free cooling.
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Old 07-14-2013, 10:23 AM   #7
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Re: Norcold fridge - what kind of coolant?

I'm very un-mechanical. Don't know much about my Norcold fridge. Does it have coolant that has to be replenished? What is the basic maintenance. RV dealers in Boise don't have a clue about it.
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Old 07-14-2013, 11:43 AM   #8
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Re: Norcold fridge

Service manuals can be found on their website.

http://www.thetford.com/HOME/PARTS/N...9/Default.aspx
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Old 07-14-2013, 12:02 PM   #9
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Re: Norcold fridge - what kind of coolant?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rapidz
I'm very un-mechanical. Don't know much about my Norcold fridge. Does it have coolant that has to be replenished? What is the basic maintenance. RV dealers in Boise don't have a clue about it.
Seems like I remember somebody wanting to cut on a port so they can add Freon or whatever they use so it means probably not unless modified. I'd like to know for sure myself.
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Old 07-14-2013, 07:40 PM   #10
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Re: Norcold fridge

There is nothing I've ever heard of needing to be done except keep the coils clean like any fridge. I wish there was so it could be refurb'd/improved
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