Top 20 Thetford Norcold RV Cooler/Freezer Questions & Answers

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I have a Thetford Norcold M941R RV refrigerator. It stopped working during winter, I replaced the board upgrade now it flashes L1 error. Where is the high temperature limit switch please?

Edited OP text for clarity. Moved to the correct category. These dual voltage fridges are very specialized. There is no help online or parts schematic if that model number is correct. Contact the maker direct. https://www.thetford.com/products/refrigerators/http:/www.thetford.com/products/refrigerators/ https://www.google.com/search?q=norcold+m941r ..
8/3/2021 9:10:00 PM • Thetford Norcold... • 121 views • 0 helpful votes
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Norcold RV Refrigerator not cooling or freezing. Fault code lo dc

FREEZER /FRIDGE NOT COOLING: Optimum refrigerator temperature at or below40° F(4° C). The freezer temperature should be0° F(-18° C). Check temperatures periodically. Appliance thermometers are the best way of knowing these Check ur cold control thermostat, ur thermistors in both fridge and freezer ( they should be checked for both ohms and for amount of current being put out as per ur model ), ur air flow vent from freezer to fridge.( to make sure it opens and closes without any restrictions) On thermistors check for A close circuit and amount of ohms not just an Ohm reading. As per ur model. Most should atleast show 1200 ohms. Also Check door seals for leakage. Evaporator coils Poor cooling is often the result of a heavy frost build-up on the evaporator coils. You can't see these coils without removing a panel on the inside of your freezer. A sure sign that there is a build-up is the presence of any frost or ice build-up on the inside walls, floor, or ceiling of the freezer. Such a frost build-up usually indicates a problem in the self-defrosting system or damaged door gaskets. If one of the components in the self-defrosting system fails, the refrigerator continues to try to cool. Eventually, though, so much frost builds up on the evaporator coils that the circulating fan can't draw air over the coils. There may still be a small amount of cooling because the coils are icy, but with no air flow over the coils, cooling in the refrigerator compartment is quite limited. FAN check to see if it is operating or restricted A fan that is not blowing or restricted will not circulate the cold air properly. Often, the first thing that folks do when their refrigerator starts to feel warm is turn both controls on the coldest settings.This is exactly the WRONG thing to do.Turning the cold control to the coldest settingwillkeep the compressor running longer and make lots of cold air. But turning the air door to the coldest settingclosesthe airway to the food section. Lots of cold air is made, but most of it stays in the freezer section, and the food section actually getswarmer. Condenser Self-defrosting refrigerators all have a set of coils and a cooling fan, usually under the refrigerator, that need to be cleaned regularly. If these coils get coated with dust, dirt or lint, the refrigerator may not cool properly. The coils may appear to be a thin, black, wide radiator-like device behind the lower kick-panel. To clean them, disconnect the refrigerator from the power source, use a refrigerator condenser brush and your vacuum cleaner to clean the coils of any lint, pet hair, etc. You may not be able to get to all of the condenser from the front, it may be necessary to clean the remainder of the condenser from the rear of the refrigerator. May also need to check the defrost timer, u can get by and test manually by placing a small screw driver into the tiny slot or hole underneath the timer and turn slowly clockwise till u hear 1 click. this will engage ur defrost cycle in about 15 minutes u should be able to come back and feel the heat in freezer as it melts the ice providing ur terminator is not bad? Another way to test it is with a multi meter. Remove timer it from fridge and you will see 4 prongs numbered 2,1,4,3 in that order. Place ur meter prong on prong 1 & 3 (if your fridge has a capacitor wired in series with the windings, then u check for micro fares rather than OHMS) If u cannot confirm this test, still try the next. Take ur meter prong and connect to prong 1 & 4, it should read resistance or ohms ( closed) now remove prongs and place on prong 1 & 2, this should now read infinity or open (no ohms) now take a small screwdriver place it in the tiny hole or slot under the timer. Turn it clockwise slowly till u hear 1 click. Now ur 1& 2 should read closed ( showing ohms or resistance) now place meter prongs on 1 & 4 and you it should now show open ( or no resistance - no ohms) this is how u know ur timer is good, Remember when testing for ohms ADJUST meter to use a high ohms rating in the thousands as the resistance is very high in OHMS. And adjusting to low ohms rating may give a false reading or not show the proper resistance.. THE COMPRESSOR: If you hear a clicking sound coming from the back of your refrigerator/freezer, then the problem is most likely the compressor, relay and or capacitor is overheating or not getting proper power and will not start.The compressor is the component on your refrigerator that allows your refrigerator to cool. If this component is not working properly your refrigerator will stop cooling. Most of the time the compressor is not the component that has failed. To check ur compressor with multi meter: Disconnect and remove the relay and capacitor from compressor, some located next to compressor in a casing. You wills see 3 prongs coming out of compressor. 1 goes to ur srtart winding, 1 goes to ur run winding and the center goes to ur ground. Place ur meter connector or prong on the start prong and the other on the ground (center prong) take note of the reading in OHMS for example 5 ohms. Next place meter prong on run prong and the center ground prong agin. Take note of the reading in OHMS. Example 4 ohms Next place meter prong on the start prong and the other on the run prong, now take note of the reading example 9 ohms. Now match the total of this ohms test with the total of ur two separate test. 9 ohms, if they match ur ok give or take 5 percent plus or minus. One more test to make to test of there is a short in compressor attach meter prong to ground prong and rub the other end of meter prong to metal ( scrape the metal clean of paint and test on metal surface not painted surface. If it shows continuity or ohms , u have a short in ur compressor. It should show infinity TO REPLACE RELAY AND CAPACITOR WITH A HARDSTART KIT YOU CAN USE A 3 in 1 start kit for compressors sizes 1/4 through 1/3 HP. And a 5 in 1 for higher H.P. (BE SURE TO MATCH WITH UR COMPRESSOR MODEL NUMBER AND TYPE) The kit includes relay, capacitor, and overload device, pre-wired. The kit will replace all 3 electrical components on capillary refrigeration systems. For newer systems with a run capacitor use proper kit. For smaller horsepower compressors useTJ90RCO810. The wire set up is as follows the red wire goes to the right side of compressor prong, the white wire to the left side prong, the black wire to the center prong, and the 2 other black wires go to the power and the ground connection Lastly you should also check ur THERMISTORS in the freezer and fridge section for continuity OHMS and for amount of OHMS current being put out. In most models around 13000 ( give or take 150 ohms) ohms is required. 1-3 TEMPERATURE CONTROL As the food in the fridge gets colder, it gives off less heat, and the air inside the fridge will remain colder. A thermostat called aCOLD CONTROLwill cycle the cooling system on and off to keep the temperature inside your fridge within a certain range. You can adjust that range using one of the dials within your fridge. On most fridges, all the cold air for both the food compartment and the freezer compartment is produced in one evaporator. Since the freezer is so much colder than the food compartment, most of the cold air that is produced circulates to the freezer compartment. Only a small amount is needed in the food compartment to keep it down to the proper temperature. This amount is adjusted by a smallAIR DOORin the duct between the evaporator and the food compartment. The control for this air door is the other of the two dials within your fridge. If you hear your compressor "short-cycling" (starting and stopping at short intervals) try jumping across the two leads of the cold control thermostat ( in the fridge compartment) with an alligator jumper. You can also check both for live voltage current and ohms- If there is a greenthirdlead, ignore it for this test; it is the ground wire. If the fridge starts running constantly, the cold control is bad. Replace it. To test or change the cold control, first Pull the knob off it and remove any plastic cover plate or housing from it. You will see two wires leading to it. There will also be a thick, stiffCAPILLARY TUBEattached. The capillary tube is the liquid-filled temperature-sensing element of the cold control, and operates in the same manner as a thermometer Read more: http://removeandreplace.com/2013/10/31/fix-refrigerator-freezer-wont-cool-freeze/#ixzz3WDEo5NDJ http://www.appliancerepair.net/refrigerator-repair-1.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqXN-ZCuptk THIRMISTOR CHECK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53ZFeiWgtuk REMEMBER GOD IS THE REASON FOR GOOD ADVICE" Refrigerator Is Not Cooling What To Check And How To Fix Top Freezer Thermistor Testing Replacement Troubleshooting Thermistor Problems in Refrigerators
1/2/2017 11:34:23 PM • Thetford Norcold... • 1,659 views • 0 helpful votes
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We have a Norcold model N811FLT, it is connected to power, but is continuously running on gas. We've tried resetting it with no change. Could it be the power board or the control board?

you can reset the control board . to do this you must ground the # 15 terminal with a jumper wire to ground. this is usually the terminal next to the white & violet wire. check diagram.
7/7/2014 4:59:01 PM • Thetford Norcold... • 682 views • 0 helpful votes
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Need a 8662 manual

http://bryantrv.com/docs2/docs/8682.pdf This will get you what you want. It covers both the 8682 and h 8662.
7/10/2014 6:31:50 PM • Thetford Norcold... • 234 views • 0 helpful votes
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Why does amana frostfree refrigerator ice up when you overload the freezer?

sounds like the airflow is being block by the overload of product. No air flow means a frozen coil.
6/6/2014 10:15:08 AM • Thetford Norcold... • 74 views • 0 helpful votes
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I have a Norcold n611 fridge gets too cold and freezes even on lowest setting.

The temperature control thermostat, alson known as the colds control thermostat has gone bad and basically isn't converting electrical/temperature signal properly and needs to be replaced. If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jason_4570d45317834dd3
5/10/2012 6:22:45 PM • Thetford Norcold... • 3,431 views • 6 helpful votes
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Fridge worked fine last camping

Also keep in mind that these units are very sensitive to being leveled; even a minor tilt will cause them to quit cooling. These units are not equipped with compressors as are home refrigerators which are not quite as fussy as the evaporative type.
8/4/2011 8:57:38 PM • Thetford Norcold... • 472 views • 1 helpful votes
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We have a Norcold N841F.

Hello,
Sounds like you have a defrost problem since the freezer side is working okay . It probably is not blowing cold air into the refrigerator side , so to check the defrost circuit , unplug the refrigerator and inside the refrigerator section at the top about 2" in from each side in the back , there are "D" slots to put a finger in , and pull downward and forward , to remove the control panel cover . Once removed , there is a 1/4" screw on each side holding the adjustment indicator panel on , 1 phillips screw behind both light bulbs , and 1 screw holding the complete panel to the rear wall . After removing these 5 screws , at the top right corner , with about 6-8 wires going to it , is the adaptive defrost board . Sometimes you can see the electronic board and on newer refrig's , a white box will be seen. Inside this box , is the adaptive defrost control . Disconnect the plug going to the board and on the right side of the PLUG , the far right wire is yellow , then another color , then white . Useing a small insulated wire with both ends stripped , insert one end into the yellow wire hole and the other into the white wire hole . This will bypass the adaptive board and send power directly through the defrost bimetal ( thermostat ) AND heater to check if they are good .Plug the refrigerator back in . Now , wait about 3-5 min and look for a red glow at the bottom of the inside freezer panel , which will be the defrost heater or listen for sizzling which will be the frost melting and dripping onto the heater .If NO red glow , watch for a spark while removing the jumper wire you installed , from the plug . If a spark IS seen , then the heater was on and the heater AND bimetal are good . If you see the red glow , hear the sizzling , or see the spark , then the adaptive defrost board should be replaced . If no glow , sizzling or spark , then unplug the refrigerator and reinstall the refrigerator control section . Remove the food in the freezer section enough so that the 2 screws holding the lower freezer panel on and the freezer panel , can be removed . Remove the panel . If the heater (black element at the bottom of the coils ) wires are visible , trace then to the top of the coils and disconnect . Use an ohm meter to determine if the element is good . If the element IS good , at the top of the coils , is a 1" cylinder with 2 wires , clipped onto the coils . This is the defrost thermostat ( bimetal ) . Replace this part if the element shows good . If the element shows bad , replace the element . NOTE 1 : sometimes the element and the bimetal come wired togather and the replacement part comes with a new heater and bimetal already wired togather . This would be the adviseable replacement part . However , each part can still be replaced individually . NOTE 2 : If looking at the bimetal and the top plastic " cap " looks cockeyed , replace the bimetal as moisture has gotten inside and disturbed its designed function .

I hope this will help to solve the problem...
8/8/2011 9:44:34 PM • Thetford Norcold... • 296 views • 0 helpful votes
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Have a Norcold 3-way fridge

Not sure who said lay it on it's side, but it should be turned upside down for 24 hrs, then back upright for 24hrs, then restart and see what you get.
5/28/2011 9:51:48 PM • Thetford Norcold... • 630 views • 0 helpful votes
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Not cooling

If your freezer is not cooling, i will suggest you check the defrost thermostat. To test the defrost thermostat, please follow the steps below:
  1. Locate your refrigerator's defrost thermostat. In freezer-on-top models, it may be located under the floor of the unit, or it could be found at the back of the freezer. If you have a side-by-side refrigerator, the defrost thermostat is found at the back of the freezer side. The thermostat is wired in series with the defrost heater, and when the thermostat opens, the heater shuts off. You will have to remove any objects that are in your way such as the contents of the freezer, freezer shelves, icemaker parts, and the inside rear, back, or bottom panel.
  2. The panel you need to remove may be held in place with either retainer clips or screws. Remove the screws or use a screwdriver to release the clips holding the panel in place. Some older refrigerators may require that you remove a plastic molding before you can gain access to the freezer floor. Exercise caution when removing the molding, as it does break fairly easily. You could try warming it with a warm, wet towel first.
  3. There are two wires leading from the thermostat. They are attached to terminals with slip-on connectors. Gently pull on the connectors to release the wires from the terminals. You may need to use needle nosed pliers to help you. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
  4. Proceed to remove the thermostat. It may be secured in place with a screw, clip, or clamp. The thermostat and the clamp on some models are one assembly. On other models, the thermostat clamps around the evaporator tubing. In some other cases, the thermostat is removed by squeezing in on the clip and pulling the thermostat up.
  5. Set your multitester to the R X 1 ohms setting. Place each of the multitester's leads on a thermostat wire. When your thermostat is cold, it should produce a reading of zero on your multitester. If it is warm (anywhere from forty to ninety degrees Fahrenheit), then this test should produce a reading of infinity. If the results you receive from your test differ from the ones presented here, then you will need to replace your defrost thermostat.
To replace the defrost thermostat, please follow the steps below:
  1. Locate your refrigerator's defrost thermostat. In freezer-on-top models, it may be located under the floor of the unit, or it could be found at the back of the freezer. If you have a side-by-side refrigerator, the defrost thermostat is found at the back of the freezer side. The thermostat is wired in series with the defrost heater, and when the thermostat opens, the heater shuts off. You will have to remove any objects that are in your way such as the contents of the freezer, freezer shelves, icemaker parts, and the inside rear, back, or bottom panel.
  2. The panel you need to remove may be held in place with either retainer clips or screws. Remove the screws or use a screwdriver to release the clips holding the panel in place. Some older refrigerators may require that you remove a plastic molding before you can gain access to the freezer floor. Exercise caution when removing the molding, as it does break fairly easily. You could try warming it with a warm, wet towel first.
  3. There are two wires leading from the thermostat. They are attached to terminals with slip-on connectors. Gently pull on the connectors to release the wires from the terminals. You may need to use needle nosed pliers to help you. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
  4. Proceed to remove the thermostat. It may be secured in place with a screw, clip, or clamp. The thermostat and the clamp on some models are one assembly. On other models, the thermostat clamps around the evaporator tubing. In some other cases, the thermostat is removed by squeezing in on the clip and pulling the thermostat up.
  5. To install your new defrost thermostat, reverse the removal process. Reconnect the wires, replace the panel, and restore power to your refrigerator. For those models where the defrost thermostat is attached to the evaporator coil, make sure you install the new thermostat in the same location and position of the old one.

Hope this information helped. Thank you for using fixya
1/16/2011 8:11:34 PM • Thetford Norcold... • 1,387 views • 0 helpful votes
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Norcold model 1200LRIM. Unable to

Try to unplug it from the battery a few hours and then plug it back in and see if you are now able to select the AC or LP mode. There has been a recall on the 1200LRIM, The defect is a potential cooling unit leak caused during AC electric mode operation. Click on the link below to read more:

http://www.texastriallawyer.com/norcold/index.html
11/21/2010 12:45:39 AM • Thetford Norcold... • 695 views • 0 helpful votes
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I have a Norcold 611 and the freezer works fine,

Hi,

Check out these tips...they can help you figure out whats going wrong with your refrigerator and why it is not cooling

Refrigerator not Cooling or Fridge not Cooling

How to Defrost Refrigerator Defrost Timer Problem

Water Running in refrigerator from Freezer

heatman101

8/25/2010 1:07:53 AM • Thetford Norcold... • 961 views • 0 helpful votes
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Does overloading a refrigerator cut down on it's

Hi,
Often times it can take a day or so to catch up after loading it heavy...

heatman101
9/8/2010 7:08:59 PM • Thetford Norcold... • 568 views • 0 helpful votes
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I have a Norcold gas/electric Fridge in my rv. The

Shut it down, level it up and wait 24 hrs before turning it back on.
7/5/2010 2:48:05 PM • Thetford Norcold... • 1,550 views • 0 helpful votes
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Describe your Thetford Norcold RV

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It will almost look like this not exacly same it will be located on door side or the back side based on the model.Hope this will help you out.You have a defrost problem.Switch of the Norcold
for some hours it will defrost the system and it will start working.
Enjoy the vacation..
9/14/2010 7:11:32 PM • Thetford Norcold... • 153 views • 0 helpful votes
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Were are the fuses located on a norcold 682 unit

They are located on the circuit board on the back side of the unit under the black plastic cover.
6/30/2010 2:15:21 AM • Thetford Norcold... • 862 views • 3 helpful votes
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Gas will not stay lit

Your propane supply may be nearly exhausted, or your gas valve is having trouble staying open.

To check the gas valve, you will need a helper. Turn the fridge off. Open the lower outside vent. Put a finger on the gas valve. Ask helper to turn it on, you should feel the solenoid snap. If you don't feel it release and flame dies out, then gas valve may be defective. Measure the voltage with a multimeter instead of using finger. If voltage remains when flame dies, then defective gas valve.

If the gas valve snaps shut and then flame dies, you are looking at a corroded / damaged / misaliged flame sense. You will need a service manual, or the procedure to clean may be listed in the owner's manual. Either way, clean the electrode assembly, and reassemble. If still same problem, follow high tension wire back to circuit board, and make sure it is on good and tight with clean connections. If still not working, the replace the electrode assembly. If it remains inoperable, then circuit board may be defective. Most RV shops now have the ability to test circuit boards before purchasing a replacement.
6/28/2010 8:31:55 AM • Thetford Norcold... • 504 views • 1 helpful votes
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It has a nasty smell like diesel fuel in the

Your cooling unit may have a leak, and you are smelling the coolant, though normally this would be ammonia.

You may have food that is spoiling as well. Check the condensate / drip tray at the back of the fridge (inside). Look for water building up (likely green as well). If water is not draining, clean the hose that leads from the drip tray to the exterior back of the fridge. There will be a small evaporator cup / tray that the hose empties into. Check the end of the hose for insect activity. Note that it is normal for the end to be crimped, or it may have a plastic plug (perforated) inserted as well.
5/31/2010 9:32:07 PM • Thetford Norcold... • 1,097 views • 0 helpful votes
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