Dometic Refrigerators

[wa4bmg]

Has anyone had problems with their Dometic refrigerators losing the amonia coolant. We have a unit that is 2.5 years old. There have a number of failures here in our area. Any input would be appreciated.

[ols1932]

Ours went belly up in 2004 after 4+ years of full timing. It lost its ammonia (or whatever it is called). Somehow it leaked out. My smeller is bad so I couldn't smell it. But when it doesn't cool, that's a good sign the ammonia is gone. Had it replaced under extended warranty (sure glad I had it because these buggers are not cheap).

Orv

[hazmic]

There is a 3 year warranty on Dometic refrigerators so I would contact a dealer and let them handle it. Ours quit working at 2 and 1/2 years and was handled by Dometic. Works great now.

[bsmeaton]

There was also a recent recall on the Dometic units concerning a problem with rust through and loss of coolant, some resulting in fires.

Dometic should be able to compare your serial number to verify.

[HamRad]

wa4bmg,

We had one of the units that was under the recall. It was about 5 years old. We had the recall "fix". That consisted of a heat shield. Then about a month after they had "fixed" the unit it quit cooling. Called the Dometic folks and they said they would fix the cooling unit that failed at their cost. Local dealer did not believe they would and was somewhat surprised that they did in fact cover the complete cost.

As Hazmic indicate since it is still under warranty get it into a dealer and get it checked out. Also go to the Dometic web site and see it your unit is covered under the recall.

HamRad

[RRman]

Yes, my used 05 Dometic 2862 just lost Ammonia in less than 3 years.
As second owner, Dometic won't aid.
Given that their Fridge is so unreliable, I just replaced with a Whirlpool Apt Size Fridge for much less than $400. Did have to shave and sand down the woodwork a little to squeeze it in - somehow 24" wide was not the same for both brands!
The new Residential Fridge is of course larger inside and self-defrosting. Works great. Plug it in while loading - is cold in 30 minutes. All is still cold by time we reach campground. May get Generator or batteries and inverter someday...safer than propane.
Pics on Rv.net under "Domestic Fridge..." in Fifth Wheel forum.

[HamRad]

RRman,

Sorry to hear about your fridge problem. If (or when) mine goes out again I think I'll get the same type you have.

There was a rather lengthy discussion over on the Escapees Forum.

HamRad

[retired couple]

my problem with the dometic refridgerator is that it does not convert to gas when power is off...checked gas intake and it is fine
what could be the cause of it not working on gas all of a sudden

[noneck]

Doesn't switch to gas? So...can you hear the auto ignitor sparking? This should trigger when it looses shore power or if you select the Gas mode. After a time out period it should turn on the Check light if it has not ignited the burner. This the case your having? Make sure there are not spider webs or such in the burner tube...keep us posted on any other clues.

[retired couple]

ignitor clicks....burner tube is clean......check light comes of after a few minutes

[TMerrell]

Make sure there is not a recall on it. Our '02 had a recall that we did not know about. The coolant leaked while the fridge was on propane power...caused a fire...totaled the rig. If you have a problem with leaking coolant, strongly suggest leaving it off until repaired.

[wa4bmg]

It appears Dometic is still junk. my neighbor had his replaced under warranty 2 years ago and it it just leaked out again. They say it is not a unit in the recall. It seems all their products seem to have a problem. He was told that that a defective heater element caused the coil to burst and loose coolant. has anyone had or heard of that . Also Dometic now says taht if you don't have the refrigerator service annually thaey may not honor the warranty. Has anyone had that problem or know of anyone who has. If mine goes out again, I will go with another brand or convert to a house appliance unit and wire up an inverter for traveling.