Question Fridge works on electric, not LP

[Ashmmkay14]

Hello,
We have a 2018 Coachmen Clipper UL 17BH with the RM2351 compact fridge.

When we purchased it from its original owner, he had it plugged in at his house and the fridge was cold and working.

However we cannot get it to work on gas. The stove works, heater works. We have tried running the two burners on high and changing the button to gas on the fridge but it just cycles through its 3 mandated attempts to activate and the check light comes on.

I checked the little dial inside the back housing to make sure the gas valve to fridge is turned on and it is.

Advice or ideas? Attached photos - the top exterior fridge panel has a piece of thin board glued in, is that supposed to be there?

 

[Neemer]

When cycling through its three ignition attempts:

Does gas flow through the nozzle?

Does the igniter spark or glow?

It needs heat, fuel, and air. One or more of those must be malfunctioning.

And/or, the control board could be bad.

 

[breal14]

If it hasn't run in a while, it could be the valve is stuck closed. I have this issue with my gas fireplaces in my house. A 'gentle' rubber mallet tap usually clears it with the valve open.

 

[Ashmmkay14]

So I recorded all 3 attempts but to sum it up, the first ignition attempt has only a glow with no flame. The second and third attempt, there was red glow and blue flames. But it still kicked off and went to check light after.

The on/off button on the fridge is very finicky, sometimes it sticks in position and doesn’t cycle on or off the first time correctly. We have to mess with it. Is that what you mean by control board?

3rd ignition attempt on YouTube

 

[Neemer]

The control board is a circuit board that is the brains of the unit.

That flame looks correct to me. I’m not a tech, so I can’t help much beyond what I’ve provided already.

Here’s the owner’s manual for a similar fridge. Dometic doesn’t appear to have one for that exact model. But they all work similarly: https://www.dometic.com/externalassets/dometic-americana-rm-2351_9105304002_64747.pdf?ref=623414140

You might want to tap on that aluminum flue to see if it’s clogged. If the previous owner didn’t use the gas function, critters could have gotten in there and gummed up the works.

 

[John&Andrea]

1. Burner Tube and Flame Issues:

• Dirty Burner Tube:
  Debris like insects, lint, or dust can clog the burner tube, preventing a clean flame.
  
  • Solution: Clean the burner tube by removing any visible debris and using a pipe cleaner to probe the inside.
    
• Flame Color:
  A weak or yellow flame indicates incomplete combustion and potential blockage.
  
  • Solution: Ensure the flame is a clean, blue color.
    
• Flue Blockage:
  A blocked flue can prevent proper venting, causing the flame to go out.
  
  • Solution: Clean the flue and any openings around the flame in the outside access compartment.
    

2. Thermocouple Problems:

• Failing Thermocouple: The thermocouple detects the flame and signals the gas valve to stay open. A failing thermocouple can cause the flame to go out quickly.
  • Solution: If the flame lights but goes out quickly, test or replace the thermocouple.
    

3. Other Potential Issues:

• No Propane: Make sure you have enough propane in the tank.
  
  
• RV Not Level: An unlevel RV can cause problems with the refrigerator's cooling unit.
  
  • Solution: Ensure the RV is level.
    
• Clean Electrical Connections: Check and clean all electrical connections to ensure proper power flow.
  
  
• Check Igniter Spark Gap: Ensure the spark gap on the igniter is within the proper range (1/8 to 3/16 inches).
  
  
• Burping the Fridge: In some cases, tilting the fridge to the left and right can help clear air from the lines

 

[Ashmmkay14]

Am I missing the thermocouple?

Video of our RM2351

 

[John&Andrea]

I found this on line. I have not replaced one myself. Good luck.