Dometic fridge series 10 not working in auto mode anymore

[handychris]

Hi,
I have a two years old Dometic fridge series 10, whose automatic feature isn't working anymore.
A wet towel that I placed in front of the control panel caused this distinction the other day
All the lights started blinking and although all the modes still work independently, it is not anymore possible to select the auto mode.
I am wondering if I somehow entered a special mode, which needs to be reverted.
I checked the main fuse and the 2 others that are on the motherboard, but nothing looked suspect there.
Any suggestion would be very welcome.
Alternatively, if you have an electrical schematic of the motherboard and control panel, it would be very much appreciated.

 

[handychris]

Hi,
I have a two years old Dometic fridge series 10, whose automatic feature isn't working anymore.
A wet towel that I placed in front of the control panel caused this distinction the other day
All the lights started blinking and although all the modes still work independently, it is not anymore possible to select the auto mode.
I am wondering if I somehow entered a special mode, which needs to be reverted.
I checked the main fuse and the 2 others that are on the motherboard, but nothing looked suspect there.
Any suggestion would be very welcome.
Alternatively, if you have an electrical schematic of the motherboard and control panel, it would be very much appreciated.

Ok, I figured it out.
I really hope it helps others stop getting ripped off.
As I suspected, there is indeed a hidden menu on these control panels.
1. Hold down the menu button for 30sec (or until all the lights start blinking).
2. Then release the menu button and press it once for Auto to appear/blink.
In my case, only auto started blinking, while all the other lights didn't anymore.
3. Press the power button to save.

I believe this control panel is also used on fridges that do not have an auto mode. That's why it can be disabled.

When I think of all these people that spend 100s in getting their control panels and motherboards replaced, because nobody knows about these hidden menus, it really makes me angry.

I was told the motherboard needed to be charged, while it was clearly an issue with the control panel.
So what, they would have changed both parts in the end if I agreed to it. It would have cost me at least 600 bucks

 

[Wightman]

Hi Chris can't help with diagram but have you got in touch with Dometic or one of their agents to see if they are willing to offer help? Good luck

 

[handychris]

Hi Chris can't help with diagram but have you got in touch with Dometic or one of their agents to see if they are willing to offer help? Good luck

Yes, nobody could help, but I figured it out. Admin hasn't published my answer yet though. Thanks.

 

[1 Cup]

Is that the 12v 70 / 90 ltr compressor one ? if so mine plays games I just take fuse out for ten minutes .so it resets..

I wouldn't mind knowing what settings to use as I just june turned the volume like settings up to 3 bar from 1 of 5 !

 

[r4dent]

Is that the 12v 70 / 90 ltr compressor one ? !

I thought only absorption fridges have AES.

 

[PieterH]

Ok, I figured it out.
I really hope it helps others stop getting ripped off.
As I suspected, there is indeed a hidden menu on these control panels.
1. Hold down the menu button for 30sec (or until all the lights start blinking).
2. Then release the menu button and press it once for Auto to appear/blink.
In my case, only auto started blinking, while all the other lights didn't anymore.
3. Press the power button to save.

I believe this control panel is also used on fridges that do not have an auto mode. That's why it can be disabled.

When I think of all these people that spend 100s in getting their control panels and motherboards replaced, because nobody knows about these hidden menus, it really makes me angry.

I was told the motherboard needed to be charged, while it was clearly an issue with the control panel.
So what, they would have changed both parts in the end if I agreed to it. It would have cost me at least 600 bucks

I registered specifically to give you a big thank you! This solved my mystery of the Auto mode not selectable anymore. The control panel of this fridge is very suspectible to unintentional touches to the control panel or spikes in the power supply. In my case, turning off a 230v inverter near the fridge sent the control panel in a psycho mode, lighting up like a Christmas tree. I managed to get the fridge working again by turning it off for a few minutes ( which was a challenge on its own), but I never got the Auto mode working again. Your I instructions saved my day! PS, the button is called 'Mode' on my fridge.

 

[Robmac]

I registered specifically to give you a big thank you! This solved my mystery of the Auto mode not selectable anymore. The control panel of this fridge is very suspectible to unintentional touches to the control panel or spikes in the power supply. In my case, turning off a 230v inverter near the fridge sent the control panel in a psycho mode, lighting up like a Christmas tree. I managed to get the fridge working again by turning it off for a few minutes ( which was a challenge on its own), but I never got the Auto mode working again. Your I instructions saved my day! PS, the button is called 'Mode' on my fridge.

Stick around, there's great technical advice to be had on this forum as well as other practical tips on motorhoming even if you are not a wildcamper.

 

[Fisherman]

What causes this is fault when placing a damp or wet towel over the control panel is it sends to much information at once the the system causing it to crash. I had the same issue with my Dometic fridge, I simply removed the 12v fuse from the distribution unit for ten seconds and this fixed the issue. But I will keep a note of what you did just in case.
Your issue with the inverter when it’s close to the control panel is similar, I reckon this will be caused by induction through electromagnetic interference. Dometic should consider screening/ shielding any wiring at the control to prevent this.

 

[handychris]

I registered specifically to give you a big thank you! This solved my mystery of the Auto mode not selectable anymore. The control panel of this fridge is very suspectible to unintentional touches to the control panel or spikes in the power supply. In my case, turning off a 230v inverter near the fridge sent the control panel in a psycho mode, lighting up like a Christmas tree. I managed to get the fridge working again by turning it off for a few minutes ( which was a challenge on its own), but I never got the Auto mode working again. Your I instructions saved my day! PS, the button is called 'Mode' on my fridge.

Glad it helped someone

 

[handychris]

What causes this is fault when placing a damp or wet towel over the control panel is it sends to much information at once the the system causing it to crash. I had the same issue with my Dometic fridge, I simply removed the 12v fuse from the distribution unit for ten seconds and this fixed the issue. But I will keep a note of what you did just in case.
Your issue with the inverter when it’s close to the control panel is similar, I reckon this will be caused by induction through electromagnetic interference. Dometic should consider screening/ shielding any wiring at the control to prevent this.

Removing the fuse didn't help I am afraid. The reason for this is I believe that when doing a system reset, the board gets back to its default setup, which is the one without Auto mode.
I do not understand the setup wouldn't be backed up in EEPROM, but from what I see, this is all pretty poor engineering.
Fwiw, the switch handler, which is a basic thing to get right, is badly designed causing the problem to happen.

 

[Fisherman]

Removing the fuse didn't help I am afraid. The reason for this is I believe that when doing a system reset, the board gets back to its default setup, which is the one without Auto mode.
I do not understand the setup wouldn't be backed up in EEPROM, but from what I see, this is all pretty poor engineering.
Fwiw, the switch handler, which is a basic thing to get right, is badly designed causing the problem to happen.

Yes I agree placing a damp towel over the controls should not cause this issue.
But I am positive the fault is caused by a system crash when this happens.
in effect you may be pressing all of the buttons simultaneously.
this confuses the control panel causing it to crash.
possibly with my van being newer the option of removing the fuse works for me.

 

[merl]

Ok, I figured it out.
I really hope it helps others stop getting ripped off.
As I suspected, there is indeed a hidden menu on these control panels.
1. Hold down the menu button for 30sec (or until all the lights start blinking).
2. Then release the menu button and press it once for Auto to appear/blink.
In my case, only auto started blinking, while all the other lights didn't anymore.
3. Press the power button to save.

I believe this control panel is also used on fridges that do not have an auto mode. That's why it can be disabled.

When I think of all these people that spend 100s in getting their control panels and motherboards replaced, because nobody knows about these hidden menus, it really makes me angry.

I was told the motherboard needed to be charged, while it was clearly an issue with the control panel.
So what, they would have changed both parts in the end if I agreed to it. It would have cost me at least 600 bucks

That's a great find, especially with it needing a massive 30 second press in order to enter the programming mode. Well done indeed

 

[SteveL]

Ok, I figured it out.
I really hope it helps others stop getting ripped off.
As I suspected, there is indeed a hidden menu on these control panels.
1. Hold down the menu button for 30sec (or until all the lights start blinking).
2. Then release the menu button and press it once for Auto to appear/blink.
In my case, only auto started blinking, while all the other lights didn't anymore.
3. Press the power button to save.

I believe this control panel is also used on fridges that do not have an auto mode. That's why it can be disabled.

When I think of all these people that spend 100s in getting their control panels and motherboards replaced, because nobody knows about these hidden menus, it really makes me angry.

I was told the motherboard needed to be charged, while it was clearly an issue with the control panel.
So what, they would have changed both parts in the end if I agreed to it. It would have cost me at least 600 bucks

Handychris
Thanks for this - I was on the verge of purchasing a new control panel , followed your guide and it worked perfectly

 

[maingate]

Removing the fuse didn't help I am afraid. The reason for this is I believe that when doing a system reset, the board gets back to its default setup, which is the one without Auto mode.
I do not understand the setup wouldn't be backed up in EEPROM, but from what I see, this is all pretty poor engineering.
Fwiw, the switch handler, which is a basic thing to get right, is badly designed causing the problem to happen.

They can fail as well. I have had eeproms fail on me (in other applications).

 

[Garveypeter]

Ok, I figured it out.
I really hope it helps others stop getting ripped off.
As I suspected, there is indeed a hidden menu on these control panels.
1. Hold down the menu button for 30sec (or until all the lights start blinking).
2. Then release the menu button and press it once for Auto to appear/blink.
In my case, only auto started blinking, while all the other lights didn't anymore.
3. Press the power button to save.

I believe this control panel is also used on fridges that do not have an auto mode. That's why it can be disabled.

When I think of all these people that spend 100s in getting their control panels and motherboards replaced, because nobody knows about these hidden menus, it really makes me angry.

I was told the motherboard needed to be charged, while it was clearly an issue with the control panel.
So what, they would have changed both parts in the end if I agreed to it. It would have cost me at least 600 bucks

Hi Chris,
I’ve a similar problem with an RMD8505 Donmitec. I think the panel got damp because I didn’t put on the frame heater and I could see the water running down the frame. The fridge light wouldn’t work and now the Auto or mains buttons on front control panel won’t work and it defaults to gas. I turned it off and took off the panel to try and dry it out.
I see your fix but I don’t have a menus button. You’re simply turning off the AES function but I don’t see a menus button on my fridge.
I have panel buttons L to R,
Power on off,
Mains selector
Gas Selector
Battery selector
Auto or AES selector
Fridge/Freezer door frame heater
Fridge/Freezer temperature
Temp display
Then at the end there’s the alarm/reset button. I think moisture got in behind the panel to those selector switches. Do you know how they work as there’s no connection to the actual control panel.

 

[merl]

There's a pad that's disected into 2 separate parts by a zig zag line so the 2 parts don't touch. ( Shown in the red circle) There's a conductive surface on the membrane above, the conductive surface sits slightly proud until you press it, then the conductive surface bridges the 2 connections of the contact pad.

 

[jeffmossy]

Hi Chris,
I’ve a similar problem with an RMD8505 Donmitec. I think the panel got damp because I didn’t put on the frame heater and I could see the water running down the frame. The fridge light wouldn’t work and now the Auto or mains buttons on front control panel won’t work and it defaults to gas. I turned it off and took off the panel to try and dry it out.
I see your fix but I don’t have a menus button. You’re simply turning off the AES function but I don’t see a menus button on my fridge.
I have panel buttons L to R,
Power on off,
Mains selector
Gas Selector
Battery selector
Auto or AES selector
Fridge/Freezer door frame heater
Fridge/Freezer temperature
Temp display
Then at the end there’s the alarm/reset button. I think moisture got in behind the panel to those selector switches. Do you know how they work as there’s no connection to the actual control panel.

I have got a brand new spare panel and ribbons that I brought but never fitted, it costs me £320,,if you want it you can have it for £200 plus postage or you can collect