Fridge issues.

bongoroy63 · Post by **bongoroy63** » Sat Sep 06, 2014 11:12 am

I am having some problems at the moment with the fridge in my side conversion.
When I last used the fridge a few weeks ago, it was working fine. It was running off the LB. However, I took the van out last night and put the fridge on before we left. Later in the evening, I went to get the milk out of the fridge only to find it wasn't cold. The light was on inside and I could hear the motor running. On looking inside at the regulator panel on the back of the fridge there was a red light flashing and next to it says 'Error code'. I have tried it again this morning and although it has got a bit colder the red light is still flashing. I am a bit concerned as I will be wanting to use it at Looe next week.
Can anyone shine any light on this problem. The fridge is a Waeco Coolmatic MDC.

Post by **Muzorewa** » Sat Sep 06, 2014 11:17 am

Low leisure battery voltage, the Waeco switches off at low voltage. What you're hearing is the fridge trying to start, but the low-voltage protection kicking in seconds later. You need to charge the LB (or replace it if it's no good) or run off the mains.

bongoroy63 · Post by **bongoroy63** » Sat Sep 06, 2014 11:31 am

I've just checked the LB and it is reading 12.8 on the meter so I don't think it can be that unless this is not enough.

Post by **Muzorewa** » Sat Sep 06, 2014 11:57 am

Measure it again when the fridge is trying to work...

bongoroy63 · Post by **bongoroy63** » Sat Sep 06, 2014 7:24 pm

Right, an update of my day. I have spent most of the day trying to get to the bottom of this puzzle!
I have gone on the Waeco website and read their trouble shooting guide. The light next to the regulator is only flashing once and according to the guide it says 'Battery Protection Shutdown - The battery voltage is outside of the set range'.
I did what Muz suggested and tried the LB when the fridge motor was on and off and on both the LB had an output of 12.8v. I then used the electric hookup and the fridge worked fine with the 'error code' going out. I have cleaned the LB terminals and still nothing has changed. I am now scratching my head as to what to try next.

Obi · Post by **Obi** » Sat Sep 06, 2014 8:05 pm

Hi, I have a different fridge but maybe a similar problem. Check your in-line fuses that run on the leads from your leisure battery, you may find it's only a blown fuse.

Kev

bongoroy63 · Post by **bongoroy63** » Sat Sep 06, 2014 8:09 pm

But surely if it was a fuse then the light and motor wouldn't work.

Obi · Post by **Obi** » Sat Sep 06, 2014 8:24 pm

Dunno Roy, until he checks it, only a suggestion and it worked for me.

Post by **g8dhe** » Sat Sep 06, 2014 10:44 pm

Fuse connections are normally only spring pressure, they corrode with moisture and this will cause extra voltage drop. Check back along the cable and locate any fuses, take them apart give them a light clean and reassemble.

bongoroy63 · Post by **bongoroy63** » Sun Sep 07, 2014 12:14 am

OK thanks Obi and Geoff I'll have a look at the fuses in the daylight. At this time I'll try anything as it's really bugging me! I'm open to any suggestions at the moment!!!

mikexgough · Post by **mikexgough** » Sun Sep 07, 2014 6:48 am

I'd also check the cable terminals at the battery and also the size of cable...and length of the the "run" from the LB to the Fridge....
Waeco's tend to have a start up "kick" of around 7 amps so if your cable is borderline and or terminals not 100%.... then that can contribute to the problem....as can fuses etc.....
Hope you sort it....and do you know the age of the Leisure Battery....? and it's usage....

I replaced a 2 yr old one (with 2 yr warranty) this year as it wasn't holding up well and I had caned it a bit........ although running the fridge,but it had started to cause issues...

but since the new battery and the solar panel.....no issues at all....

Post by **Simon Jones** » Sun Sep 07, 2014 8:54 am

If fridge is ok on hookup but not when engine running, it may suggest a problem with the split charge. What sort of arrangement have you got?

bongoroy63 · Post by **bongoroy63** » Sun Sep 07, 2014 9:49 am

Simon, now you're getting technical!!! I wouldn't know how to check that. The problem I've got is that the fridge was fitted when I bought the van so I'm not sure of the electrical set up. I do have a solar panel fitted as well so overall the electrics are totally unfamiliar to me and as the fridge is fixed into a side conversion I cannot trace the wiring very easily. The last thing I want to do is start taking it all apart before going to Looe next week. I may just have to live with it for now and use the EH when I get there. I will probably then delve into the fountain of knowledge on site and see if anyone can help me out. It will be worth a drink to someone!!!
Just one thought I had the van serviced this week and was wondering if anything may have been moved or tampered with whilst it was in the garage. It was working fine prior to go in.

Post by **Simon Jones** » Sun Sep 07, 2014 2:06 pm

I'll bring my multimeter to Looe and we'll have a look

.

bongoroy63 · Post by **bongoroy63** » Sun Sep 07, 2014 9:08 pm

Simon, thank you. However the mystery continues!!! I have had the fridge on for most of the day and guess what? It worked fine off the LB.

Im not fully convinced it won't go wobbly again so if you could bring your multimeter I would be grateful.

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