Fridge Not Working

[harryj95]

Hi all,

Currently on a road trip around Europe and our fridge appears to have stopped working - ideal I know . Had a new leisure battery fitted before we left.

Earlier in the trip it stopped working when we were stationary for a couple of days - but figured out the Aux fuse had blown so swapped it out and worked again.

Now after a few weeks it doesn't seem to be working at all - either when driving, ignition on or in stationary. Fuses appear intact this time.

All other electrics, leisure battery lights, water pump are still working. It's a 12V Vitrifrigo fridge

Any ideas on how to start troubleshooting this?

[g8dhe]

Have you checked the inside light of the fridge does it come on?
If it doesn't then it could be a blown fuse or become disconnected at some point, do you have an external switch and cartridge fuse panel which powers it? What ever change the fuse, I have myself found that some fuses are failing without showing signs damage that are visible, especially those that have end caps which don't involve soldered fuse wires in the centre of the cap but merely trap the fuse wire over the edge of the glass tube and then the end cap is glued on trapping the fuse wire on the edge of the glass, these then snap in use disconnecting the circuit but no visible sign of damage
If the internal light still comes on, but the fridge does not cool down then it maybe the same as above, the lights are LED and will operate at much lower powers however as soon as the compressor tries to turn on the voltage falls due to a partially failed fuse and hence can't cool the fridge. You will see an earlier post by me on exactly this subject!

[harryj95]

Thanks for reply - had a look back through your old posts, looks like I may need to get my hands on a voltmeter if the fuse replacement fails.

Unfortunately our fridge light has never worked so won't be that helpful with this differential.

Yes, we have glass cartridge fuses within this unit at the back by the rear seats (can't seem to attach photos). Only have external switches to turn both leisure & water pumps on. Unsure if works of external mains as we don't use.

I'll see if I can order some fuses in the first instance, as doubt I'll be able to get some over here - thanks

[harryj95]

Update - yes you were correct 15V fuse wasn't working. Swapped it out with a new one and it's kicked in

Any idea why it would keep blowing?

[BongoAlf]

Hi,

Couple of things you can check:

1. Do you have the right fuse fitted, fuses are amp rated, if you have a lower rated fuse it may blow when the compressor kicks in?
2. Not sure when the fuse is blowing, but if you have exposed wires then movement may be causing a short, power 12v+ to ground, (nicks in the insulation or exposed positive terminals)
3. Check the connections at the battery, make sure that the connection from the battery to the fuses is ok, wires not frayed and securely clamped.
4. Is the battery you are running the fridge from, able to provide the necessary power required to run the fridge and how is it being recharged when you are using it?

if the battery is struggling to supply the necessary power to the fridge that may the problem.

A 15 amp fuse should be able to manage at least 120 Watt fridge, do you know what the wattage of your fridge is?