Dometic Fridge Compressor [Problems and Solutions]

Learn about problems that can occur with a Dometic fridge compressor and how to solve them from this article.

Dometic Fridge Compressor
Photo Credit: Walmart.com

Dometic Brisk Air 2 Compressor Troubleshooting

To troubleshoot your Dometic Brisk Air 2 Compressor, here are parts to check:

1. Thermostat

Check the thermostat and ensure it is not faulty. Turn the dial from the lowest setting to the highest setting and listen for an audible click.

If you hear a click, the thermostat is good. Otherwise, change the thermostat. It is defective.

The function of the thermostat is to regulate temperature and signal the compressor when to supply cold air. So, once the thermostat develops a fault, it could make the compressor stop working.

2. Start Capacitor

Check the start capacitor to ensure it is not faulty or weak. Use a multimeter to test its continuity, and change the component if you find it damaged.

The start capacitor stores current and kick-starts the compressor.

If the start capacitor is defective, it will not kick-start the compressor. And when it becomes weak, it will delay the starting of the compressor.

Changing a start capacitor is not a huge task, as this video explains…

3. Condenser Fan

Ensure the condenser fan is still functioning. Check the fan blades and the motor shaft for anything that may be obstructing them, and remove the obstruction.

Furthermore, use a multimeter to test the fan motor for continuity. If the fan motor does not have continuity, you may need to change it. That is an indication that the fan motor is defective.

Since part of the function of the condenser fan is cooling the compressor, when it malfunctions, the compressor will, too. A malfunctioning condenser fan can cause the compressor to overheat or stop working entirely.

4. Evaporator Coils

Check the evaporator coils for corrosion. If the evaporator coils are corroded, they will cause the refrigerant inside them to leak. That will, in turn, affect the running of the compressor.

Furthermore, check the coils for dirt, and clean them. Use a coil cleaning brush and warm soapy water for effective cleaning. Additionally, ensure the evaporator coils dry before coupling the unit.

For corroded evaporator coils, the solution is usually changing the entire piping. However, only a capable service technician should carry out the repair.

Moreso, it is essential to clean the evaporator coils at least twice yearly.

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5. Control Board

The control board controls the general running of the unit and sends voltage to the cooling system. The compressor is part of the cooling system.

So, when the control board damages, the compressor cannot receive the voltage it needs from it. If this is the case, change the control board.

However, before accusing the control board, ensure none of the other faulty components cause the compressor problem. Then, let a service technician handle any repair or troubleshooting that has to do with the control board.

Nevertheless, if you find it difficult troubleshooting your Dometic Brisk Air 2 compressor, contact Dometic. Alternatively, chat with our service technicians using the chatbox on your right.

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Dometic Fridge Compressor Problems – Solutions

Below are the possible problems a Dometic fridge compressor can have and their solutions:

1. Overheating Compressor

When a Dometic compressor starts to overheat, it could mean there are malfunctioning parts. Some of those parts are the RV fridge fan and the temperature control thermostat.

Furthermore, check the level of the refrigerant and the internal temperature of the fridge. If the internal temperature of the appliance is warm, the compressor will work harder to stabilize it. Similarly, when the level of the refrigerant is low, the compressor will work harder, too.

Additionally, if the compressor does not get enough ventilation, it will cause the compressor to work twice as hard. Consequently, the compressor will start to overheat.

However, note that the compressor is usually hot while it is running normally.

2. Constantly Running Compressor

If you notice that your Dometic fridge compressor runs for longer than necessary, check the door gasket for wear and tear. Furthermore, check the surrounding temperature of the fridge and the number of times you open the fridge door.

If the gasket has any cracks or the room temperature is warm, moisture will increase inside the fridge. As a result, the compressor will keep running to stabilize the internal temperature of the unit.

Therefore, change the gasket whenever you notice any cracks on it. Then, position the fridge in a colder room and away from direct sunlight, and only open the unit when necessary.

3. Compressor Not Running

When the compressor stops running, it may mean that the start relay, thermistor, overload device, or thermostat is faulty. Those parts contribute to the running of the compressor. Check these parts and replace them if necessary.

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In addition, the compressor may be dead because it is old. And in this instance, the solution is buying a new compressor.

Also, ensure there is a power supply, electric or propane, to the unit. If you use propane to power the fridge, ensure the propane tank is not empty. Otherwise, the compressor will not work when there is no power supply to it.

Then, ensure the fridge gets up to 12v while on the road and 240v when you get to your destination. If not, the compressor may not work.

Ensure the cable connector to the caravan is up to 6mm. Anything lesser may not send sufficient power to the compressor. And the compressor may not power up.

Furthermore, while some Dometic fridges switch automatically from electric power to propane when the electric power goes off, others don’t. So, if you switch your fridge manually, you may want to check to ensure this is not the problem.

Additionally, check the RV’s black box to ascertain if the fuse is blown. That could also cause the compressor not to function. Change the fuse if it is blown.

Blockage

Sometimes, the capillary tubes of the compressor may clog, causing the compressor to malfunction. All you have to do is turn the fridge upside down for a couple of days to clear the clog.

4. Noisy Compressor

The compressor usually hums when it runs. But sometimes, this sound becomes noisy. And that is an indication that something is wrong.

If you worry that the compressor noise is disturbing, let a service technician determine the cause. Alternatively, call the Dometic service center. They will further assist you.

Dometic Fridge Compressor Not Working – How to Fix

Here are possible reasons why your Dometic fridge compressor stopped working and how to fix them:

1. Power Problem

When you notice your fridge compressor is no longer working, the first thing you should check is the power source. If you are using electric power, ensure the outlet is live. Then, for propane, ensure the tank is not empty.

However, if the unit is on and the compressor is not working, check the voltage.

2. Low Voltage

If the compressor is not getting up to 12 volts, it will not start. And while running, if the voltage drops, the compressor will stop working.

One reason the compressor is getting low voltage is when you run the wrong cable to the appliance. Check and ensure the connecting cable is up to 6mm twin-core. Otherwise, the compressor will not run.

To improve the voltage, ensure you use a thick cable and run it for a shorter length. Also, have fewer joins. These should eliminate the low voltage problem.

3. Poor Ventilation

Little or no ventilation will cause the compressor to overheat. Over time, the compressor will fail.

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To avoid your compressor overheating due to poor ventilation, put vents beneath the fridge. It will draw more air from the outside. You can also fit a fan next to the appliance to help with the cooling effect.

4. Malfunctioning Parts

When parts such as the thermistor, thermostat, overload, and start relay are faulty, the compressor may not run. In one way or another, these parts help with the running of the compressor.

So, when they fail, the compressor will likely not work. Repair or replace the faulty parts accordingly.

Dometic Compressor System Faulty – Quick Guide

If there is a fault with the compressor system, here is how you can tell:

Use a fault indicator light to check the problem with your compressor. Attach the fault indicator light to your compressor.

It is a handy tool and will show you the exact problem with your compressor. However, there may be a few exceptions.

Below are some of the codes for a compressor fault:

1 Flash: A flash means the voltage is low. The compressor will turn off if the voltage on the Module is below 10.7v. The reason is to prevent the batteries from discharging completely.

The compressor will not start up again unless the voltage increases beyond 11.7v.

2 Flashes: This shows a high voltage. When the voltage is above 17v, the Module will turn the compressor off and switch to 24v mode.

However, the Module will not try to switch the compressor back on, except the voltage is up to 24v.

3 Flashes: This indicates compressor non-start. When the compressor fails to start, the Module discontinues restarting the compressor. Then, it will attempt again after 60 seconds.

Conversely, when the triple flash comes every 4 seconds, it shows excess refrigerant in the system. Or the system may be overheating.

4 Flashes: This indicates that the speed of the compressor is too low. And that is when the compressor speed is less than 1500 RPM. As such, the Module will shut off the compressor.

5 Flashes: This shows the Module is overheating. When the heat sink rises above a certain temperature, the compressor will shut off. Then, it will restart when the temperature drops to the operating temperature.

Note that there are times when the LED will fail to give a signal. For instance, when the compressor runs non-stop with little or no cooling due to a faulty fan. Another example is when the compressor is running short on refrigerant.

Overall, once you notice any faults with your compressor, we recommend you stop running the fridge. If you continue, the compressor may damage beyond repair.

Then, contact Dometic for further assistance if you cannot ascertain the problem with your Dometic compressor. You can also chat with our technicians using the chatbox to your right. No appointments, no charges!

Moreover, if your warranty is still active, you may be in luck and qualify for free repair from the manufacturer.

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