Dometic Refrigerator NDR 1492 - light bulb

[Richard Cooper]

The Dometic refrigerator I have in my 2001 Marquis has a light inside that has now blown again.  I replaced the oblong bulb less than a year ago.  I don't have a manual for my refrigerator to get the specs on what specific bulb to buy as a replacement.  But apparently whatever bulb I bought previously was perhaps the wrong one as it didn't last even a year.

Can someone tell me what the model number of the bulb, the watts, if applicable --- how to tell someone at the counter what I want to buy?

Thanks!

[Richard Cooper]

The blown bulb has embossed on one end these numbers:

17314K25673E610

[Joel Ashley]

That number won't do as much good if it's the wrong one.  Check with Dometic to see if there is a printable PDF manual for your unit on their website.

https://www.dometic.com/enus/Americas/USA/RV-Products/Manuals-and-Instructions2/

After the replacement, you might also check that the lamp goes out when the door shuts, by pressing in any switch button along the door frame.  A bad switch may be leaving the lamp on 24/7.

Joel

[Gerald Farris]

Richard,
Take the old bulb to any automotive parts store, and they will have one. The bulb is for the interior light (dome light) in cars a few years back.

The most common reason for failure of that bulb is an improperly set low ambient temperature switch. If the low ambient temperature switch is left on, the interior light in you refrigerator will stay on 24 hours a day even with the door shut. To locate this switch, open the refrigerator door and look up at the panel below the control panel. You will see 2 switches. The one on the right side is the low ambient temperature switch, and it should be off at any time the ambient temperature is above 50 degrees F. The above instructions pertain to the Dometic NDR 1292 and NDR 1492 refrigerators.

Gerald        

[Richard Cooper]

That switch was in the "ON" position, but I've now got it off.

The other switch to it's left is for climate control and it's "ON".  What is it for?

Ambient temp here in my coach is 60-70 degrees generally.

Tried to download an instruction manual from Dometic but they don't have my model online.

[Joel Ashley]

Here's a parts list at least:

http://www.laurelhurstdistributors.com/parts/refrigerators/dometic/NDR1492_1.html

You are right, that model is hard to find a manual for.  You can buy one here:

http://www.owner-manuals.com/NDR1492-owners-manual-DOMETIC.html

But I'd ask Dometic if they can send you one.  Just because its not online doesn't necessarily mean they don't have them.

Joel

[Glenda Farris Co-Admin]

Richard, this is for the switch on the left:

CLIMATE CONTROL HEATER
During the summer months of high temperatures and
humidity, the metal frame between the freezer and fresh
food compartments may have water droplets forming.
The number of water droplets will increase if the vehicle
isn’t air conditioned during these months.

This refrigerator comes standard with a 12 volt (DC)
climate control that will evaporate the water droplets
when they form.

To have the climate control on, you position the switch
("F" see figure 2) located beneath the top decoration
panel that houses the control panel to ON. The climate
control can be left on continuously or only used when
temperatures require it.

NOTE: The climate control will draw 12 volts DC power
continuously when in the ON position. It should be turned
OFF when a charging source is not available.

[Glenda Farris Co-Admin]

I have a .pdf of the Dometic NDR 1492 if anyone wants it.

Glenda  

[Richard Cooper]

I now have both of these switches to the "OFF" position.   Many thanks for the manual by email.

And now I have a new bulb in the frig.

[Richard Cooper]

As I said above I replaced the light bulb in the refrigerator with a car dome light bulb as suggested.  I've recently noticed that the bulb is yet again burned out.  The two switches inside the frig and below the outside panel are in the "off" position.

I don't have any idea what is causing my bulb to burn out within a couple weeks of replacing it.

Anyone have a suggestion or idea why?

[Joel Ashley]

Are you sure it is going off with the door closed?  The switch may be faulty, perhaps even with the low ambient temperature switch off.

[Edward Buker]

Richard,

Probably a bulb that had a death wish :-)  Sometimes they just do not last and that can be vibration, or a voltage spike, or any number of manufacturing weaknesses. I have a number for a bulb, 6411 which is 10W. Mine were made by Sylvania and have seemed to have lasted pretty well. I picked them up at an automotive supply but do not remember which one. Just grab a couple to have on hand.

Later Ed

[Richard Cooper]

I'm giving this another chance.  Bought another bulb today which is 10W.  I will install it tomorrow.

[Jeremy Parrett]

I bought a couple of LED 'dome' light replacements.  Still good after 20,000 miles.

[Richard Cooper]

I just saw on Amazon where you can get 8 ea of the LED dome lights for less than $9 total delivered (prime shipping).  I paid almost $2 for the replacement bulb I have.

How do I know if the light is on or off after I shut the refrigerator?  Perhaps I could borrow a little person to tell me.     There's a switch that the door hits (I presume) when it closes.  I pressed on it and the light goes off.  That's all I know to do.