vitrifrigo fridge issue

[g8dhe]

I would guess that one of those fuses covers the fridge, try removing, cleaning the pins, and reinserting each in turn if you leave the fan running you can also work out which one covers the fridge - i.e. it stops!

[peeky1323]

I rigged up an inline fuse and ran direct to the battery. It was exactly the same so low voltage is not the issue. So either needs regassing, or controller I guess. Can these be regassed by any A/C engineer? With it out of the van I will find somewhere to take it I think.

I would guess that one of those fuses covers the fridge, try removing, cleaning the pins, and reinserting each in turn if you leave the fan running you can also work out which one covers the fridge - i.e. it stops!

[g8dhe]

Right yes in that case the next most likely is a leak and a need to re-gas it, never heard of anyone having the problem, so maybe a visit to a refrigeration specialist is called for.

[peeky1323]

OK bit of an update. I bought an LED tester kit for the compressor. I am about 45 minutes from anywhere I could buy the stuff so I thought though £9 was a bargain. It shows 3 flashes which the diag page says is a Compressor start failure:

"3 Flashes Compressor Start Error
This could still be a voltage error, due to a power surge or similar, or a faulty
compressor controller.
First turn off the power to the unit for 1 minute to let the system reset. Turn the
power back on and see if the fridge runs.
If the system still fails to start either:
Return the control box to Penguin Refrigeration for testing
Replace electronic controller: 1E50895"

I don't think it's voltage. I put some spade connectors (with inline fuse) and 17A wire and connected direct to the leisure battery. So the question is, I am now wondering if I spend £114 on a new controller in the hope that's the issue. I called a few refrigeration engineers and no one wants to touch it. They said if it need regassing that's cause it has a leak so throw it away. If I spend the £114 and it doesn't fix it I am stuck. I can't find a fridge that will even remotely fit.

[g8dhe]

I would guess that a leak is just as likely as electronic failure possibly more likely!
The compressors are available as a replacement kit see here http://www.vitrifrigo.com/eng/cooling-units.html that might be a solution, or maybe ring this company I found them very helpful in the past http://penguinfrigo.co.uk/

[peeky1323]

I ordered the Controller from Penguin in the end. I spoke with them and they said that leaks were rare and the compressor should run but just not cool with low coolant and what I was seeing was (99% sure) electrical. We will see. Fingers crossed and thank for all your help. I can't afford a new compressor. It will be a 12v Halfrods cools box taped into the big open space where this fridge lived if it doesn't work.

Since buying a few months ago I have had a new Diff, Sheared manifold bolt, Dash bulbs replaced, Sheared bolts on the under tray when trying to change oil, new washer bottle, which has also just failed and started leaking, hopefully I can actually go camping soon!

[g8dhe]

Lets hope so!

[peeky1323]

In case anyone else has issues with one of these compressors/fridges Penguin Frigo have some good videos on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... nguinfrigo

Shows to troubleshoot even for a mere mortal like me

[peeky1323]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all your help and input. New controller arrived, installed, and fridge now working So happy. Going away in it tonight so just in the nick of time. While putting all the interior back together I was able to put some screws in that were missing too, and straighten things up a bit so it's better than when I started!

Let the good times roll.... until the next problem

[mikeonb4c]

Great news. Mind you' if you hang the beers out the window in this weather they should be plenty cold enough

[g8dhe]

Excellent news!