Troubleshooting Norcold 3-way on propane

Cheryl74074

We're on the road and our fridge isn't lighting on propane. The green light doesn't come on at all. We can hear the clicking outside. Any ideas?

DurangoTaB

Be sure you're level, especially front to back. We had the same problem recently and leveling made all the difference...worked like a charm after that.

Lsrc1195

Mine turned out to be the relighter and the interrupter switch. I have the service manual for the 3163 series in PDF format but cannot figure out how to get it posted here. It has the troubleshooting guide which was very helpful diagnosing my problems.

Cheryl74074

We are level, but no go. How did you fix the relighted and interrupter switch? Is this something you can do yourself?

jkjenn

Here is how I have been able to get it to work:

1. Open the propane tank.
2. Turn the fridge temperature dial to Start (all of the way to the right.)
3. Hold down the ignite button. It usually takes me 20-30 seconds.
4. After the light comes on, while still holding the ignite button, turn the temperature dial to desired setting.
5. After the green light has been for 20-30 seconds, you can release the ignite button.
6. If this does not work, make sure the propane is flowing, try lighting the stove.

DurangoTaB

One added suggestion from another owner...after Jenn's step 1, turn on and light the stove (then turn it off) to get propane in the lines...

Lsrc1195

The relighter and interrupter are not hard to diagnose with a multimeter. However, you have to take the fridge in and out of its slot a few times to hook up multimeter leads. Interrupter is a cheaper part the relighter is around $100 and from the dealer I ordered it from said it was the most common issue with the Norcold 3 way fridge. Here is the service manual website http://bryantrv.com/docs2/docs/3163.pdf It should help you troubleshoot the issue. Good luck and feel free to send me a message with any questions.

Cheryl74074

I tried to take some screws out to see if I could pull the fridge, and then we looked at the manual...which said that this should only be done by a trained professional (maybe because of the gas connections?) So I put it all back. Not even sure how to find someone who could service it.

Michigan_Mike

You might want to call your dealer/distributor and let them know what is going on since your trailer is still under warranty.   From there if things don't pan out, give Ed Kaufman a call at the factory as Ed should be able to figure out and remedy your problem for you. 

Lsrc1195

No problem with not doing it yourself. There is the 120v connection, 12v connection, gas connection, and the intake and exhaust connection. Can be a bit overwhelming. Here is a link to get you in touch with a service center near you. http://www.thetford.com/HOME/CUSTOMERSUPPORT/ServiceCenters/tabid/258/Default.aspx

Brettster

I know these are old posts but today I learned that in order to ignite (green light gas flowing) you must have full battery power. My zamp read 11.5. could not ignite. Hooked car up and ran for 10 minutes: Bingo!

Nomad

Brettster - You don't need "full" battery - 11.5 is very close to dead and battery damaging.