Norcold not so cold

[Dale Walker]

Well, seems there are plenty of subjects on the forum today, but I wonder if anyone has had to deal with the Norcold, up graded temperature switch. It's a little black box, with a red light. Couldn't find anything in the book about it, so because it's Sunday, I hope someone can shine a little light on it I went over to fire it up and the refrigerator is dead, checked every thing fuses, breakers, circuits, it's dead, except for the little red light in the inspection cover.

Thanks in advance.

[Jerry Emert]

Thats the safety recall switch installed to keep the reefer from catching on fire.  I'm not an expert but as I understand it, if the red light is on steady and will not reset with a magnet, the switch is bad.  If blinking, it disconnected the refer because of an over temp.  You can bypass it by taking the 12vdc connector and plugging it in to the 12vdc connection on the switch.  I had to do that to mine until I get somewhere with a service center that is authorized to fix it.  Good luck.
Jerry

[John Jahr]

Dale,

You will need a magnet to hold on the  box, just above the red light. it will take mabe 30 to 45 sec. and hopefully it will turn.
If it doesn't you will have to have the box replaced, which Norcold will replace free.

John

 

[Dale Walker]

Thanks a million, Gentlemen. I went back and put a magnet just about the light and you could hear it, "click". Went inside and lo and behold it is working. Thanks again!

[David T. Richelderfer]

Just a warning...  The little black box is a recall device that has been installed after several coaches burned from fridge fires.  If you wire around the recall device, please make damn sure you check the tubing on the back of the fridge for leaks showing up as a yellow(?), dried, crusty material.  If your fridge's tubing is showing any of that crusty material, then you have a flammable leak.  Also, if you wire around the recall device, then refresh your memory on escape procedures from the bedroom window.  I have been told that by the time you know the fridge is on fire you cannot get out of the bedroom/bathroom by going by the fridge.

If the recall device goes bad (and it will - mine has twice), you can get it replaced for free ONLY by going to a Norcold certified repairman.

[Jerry Emert]

Just a warning...  The little black box is a recall device that has been installed after several coaches burned from fridge fires.  If you wire around the recall device, please make damn sure you check the tubing on the back of the fridge for leaks showing up as a yellow(?), dried, crusty material.  If your fridge's tubing is showing any of that crusty material, then you have a flammable leak.  Also, if you wire around the recall device, then refresh your memory on escape procedures from the bedroom window.  I have been told that by the time you know the fridge is on fire you cannot get out of the bedroom/bathroom by going by the fridge.

If the recall device goes bad (and it will - mine has twice), you can get it replaced for free ONLY by going to a Norcold certified repairman.

I have also installed an automatic fire extinguisher in the fridge compartment.  Not fool proof but the fridge is necessary!  The problem is aggravated by the fact that Norcold will not let repair techs keep them in stock.  They have to diagnose the problem and have Norcold ship them a replacement.  It's on my list just as soon as I will be anywhere long enough to get the part.  Got my fingers and toes crossed.
Jerry

[David T. Richelderfer]

I did too, Jerry.  It's a small bottle of halon gas with a blow temperature of 165F (I think it said).  It's fastened down just inside the removable exterior access door.

Like this:    http://www.amazon.com/Fire-Fight-Products-SS30-90-CAG-Small-Format/dp/B00ECJ0ICK

[Jerry Emert]

David, looks like the same one I have.  A little extra insurance!

[LaMonte Monnell]

The black box has its own issues. Norcold is now on revision "E" due to issues with the box itself. I am on my third box now. The last time it started blinking and was the overtemp sensor that needed replacing. Even with the refrigerator off mine sometimes will get a steady light on it after a strong storm with lots of rain. Then I disconnect the box, set it in the sun for a couple of days and let it dry the moisture out of the inside. Hook it back up and it is fine. It really isn't the best fix in the world but the best NO Cold is gonna do.

Residential on the list the next time mine has a major issue, unless a new motorhome appears before then.