Problem with fridge on 12V

Ironjaws

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I have a problem with my Electrolux (Dometic) fridge apparently not working on 12V. Fine on 240V and gas. All fuses checked and relay checked for operation. Fridge works on 12V with direct connection to battery. The camper (Elnagh Marlin Slim 2) has a very simple 12V control system. Relay feeds a 12V charger come control which then feeds various circuits all of which operate except the fridge one. The control unit is a CBE A910-5E unit unfortunately no longer available. 'Instructions' from CBE are just a schematic wiring diagram of the unit and no information about is operation or any diagnostics. I think that the fridge circuit in the unit has failed but other than checking output voltage to fridge (none) when engine running I think there is no means to further test. I am thinking that the best solution (before replacing the charger unit and associated wiring is a new link to the fridge but does anyone have an idea of the best way to do it? Needed fairly urgently as we are off for 3 weeks in the camper shortly. Thanks
 
you could bypass the campers control unit with an extra relay and wire the fridge directly to the 12V from the van.
(like a split charge for 2nd battery)

-- cable from Van battery to relay
-- cable from relay to fridge
-- "switch" relay with D+ from alternator

Don't forget the fuse!
 
Sounds like Teutone has a good plan, just remember it will provide 12v only whilst the alternator is charging.
 
Last edited:
baldybloke said:
Sounds like Teutone has a good plan, just remember it will provide 12v only whilst the alternator is charging.
Click to expand...

that's how the fridge should / is wired up in the first place. Keep the fridge running on 12Volt and your Van battery will be drained faster than you think!

You could wire the relay up with an override switch to keep the fridge running on 12Volt withthe engine off, but if you forget to turn it off you will drain your starter battery.
 
I don't really bother with mine off 12v.

I just plug it in to the 1000w inverter to 240v of the leisure battery and keep the inverter switched on when the vehicle is on the road. I make sure leisure battery charge from alternator is on. Seems to work fine. Just another solution. You don't need a 1000w inverter, a 150w or 200w should be fine for a fridge.
 
Firefox said:
I don't really bother with mine off 12v.

I just plug it in to the 1000w inverter to 240v of the leisure battery and keep the inverter switched on when the vehicle is on the road. I make sure leisure battery charge from alternator is on. Seems to work fine. Just another solution. You don't need a 1000w inverter, a 150w or 200w should be fine for a fridge.
Click to expand...

I use gas most of the time, even when hook up is available
 
Teutone said:
just to be on the safe side....

did I write it in a way that sounded harsh? (asking as a foreigner....) wasn't meant to sound argumentative :wave:
Click to expand...

Not at all:), just making things clear, but I have come across a couple of people who forget that if the Alternator is not charging, there is no power supply from the relay.:lol-061:
 
Thanks Everyone


Thanks everyone, I did consider wiring in a second relay but wasn't sure it was going to be a good idea. Teutone, you didn't sound harsh at all! The wiring to the existing charger/control box is a right mess although I think it has been factory done. Guess I'm going to have to replace the unit as I would like to sell the camper and buy a better layout; we now have a white german shepherd to travel with us and she's rather bigger than our old GSD/Collie cross!
 
Fridge electral problem with a Marlin Slim 2

Ironjaws said:

Thanks everyone, I did consider wiring in a second relay but wasn't sure it was going to be a good idea. Teutone, you didn't sound harsh at all! The wiring to the existing charger/control box is a right mess although I think it has been factory done. Guess I'm going to have to replace the unit as I would like to sell the camper and buy a better layout; we now have a white german shepherd to travel with us and she's rather bigger than our old GSD/Collie cross!
Click to expand...

Hi
What did you do to get a new unit?
I have exactly the same probelm with my Marlin Slium. Did you find a new charger control box?
 
Jaques

Hi
Same problem.
Where did you get your wiring diagram and what did you replace the charger A190-5E with?
Thank you
 
Just to add to the Electrolux confusion - there is a constant 12V supply to SOME models which then powers the various circuits that are used by the fridge when on gas or 240v - power on light, internal light if fitted, thermostat and the flame out circuit when on gas. There is an excellent fault finding guide for Electrolux fridges here Dometic refrigerators - Download Dometic Manuals
 
Having similar problems myself with a Dometic RM7401L. The fuse at the split charge relay is melting which suggests an overload in the circuit. Have pulled fridge out and checked for possible wiring faults but all appears ok as the heater wire is clear from the fridge cooling fins which could have caused a breakdown. When testing I had a current of 6.9 amps but earlier had over 20 amps. The same circuit feeds the step but only a relay to retract step when engine started so will have a good look for wiring faults in this area.

Has anybody any experience of intermittent 12volt heater element faults as logic suggests this is the problem but at £40+ would like to establish first
 
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