Fridge fan thermostat

db_cooper

Searched the forum but didn't see this exact fix, so here goes:

Last year our fridge started making less noise, and less cold as well.  It's worked ok below 75 degrees, but struggled.  I could still hear the Norcold fan (the one in the cabinet, our 2015 doesn't have the manual button fan) come on occasionally, but not nearly as often as before.  Fast forward to this summer, and I haven't heard the fan at all.  Finally taking the time to check it over, and found bypassing the tiny thermostat would kick the fan right on.  Multimeter on the thermostat and sure enough it's a goner.  So I've got the quieter 80mm fan ordered, and a new thermostat on the way.  So if you notice your fridge not working as well, and it's quieter, or fan running less, check that thermostat.  It's on the front and 2 screws will remove. Probably the easiest fix on the whole fridge.

db_cooper

FWIW, contacted Nucamp via their form, to see about getting the external fan kit, but was directed to contact and purchase through dealer.  In the past I know Elsie would just send me the kit.

If I've gotta pay, I'll go the DIY route, and get the quieter fans.  The customer service was good while it lasted. 

webers3

@db_cooper Still trying to figure out where is the fan and the thermostat. I may have the same issue. Do you have pics?

db_cooper

Thermostat, red wire from fridge on top, red wire to fan on bottom. 

Norcold 618093 DC Fan Thermostat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RCX95U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dkpoDbH8SZ49Z



Fan, mounted below thermostat.  Good to have access to small hands to get the two mounting screws out, or appropriate tool.



Noctua NF-A8 FLX, Premium Quiet Fan, 3-Pin (80mm, Brown) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NEMG9K6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0mpoDbK9DQ1EE


Little battery operated fan to circulate air inside where the food is.



Valterra 3-Volt FridgeCool Fan, Refrigerator Fan for RV and Camper https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002N5W8Q4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EppoDb086TGB4

webers3

Thank you @db_cooper. Your fridge looks a bit different, reversed but maybe the components are same. Will try the fan.

db_cooper

It's a 2015 model 3 way.  Just before they started putting the fans in the vent to the outside.  Will be adding those if the fridge is still struggling. We tend to camp mostly in cooler weather, so may not bother.

Mewcycle

@db_cooper , thanks for this thread!

Question: I can't seem to get the fan to work, the voltage drops when the fan is wired in. Using shore power I get 12.22 volts, measuring at the red wire that connects to thermostat (top) and the ground. When the fan is included in the circuit it drops to about 2.4 volts, this is after bypassing the thermostat. 

Any ideas you can offer?

db_cooper

@Mewcycle It sounds to me like it might be a bad fan or loose/broken ground wire, but I'm no electrical expert.  Hopefully someone else with more knowledge will chime in.   My fan had three wires, one low speed (yellow) which I did not use. 

Mewcycle

Thanks @db_cooper
We discovered that one of the fuses had blown while we were attempting the fan kit install. That explains why neither fan was working. New fuse and we are back to good. Looking forward to seeing how much difference the new exhaust fan makes. I'll be putting it to the test this weekend while camping in Texas. 

AldebaranJill

@db_cooper Is it possible to bypass the thermostat so that the fan runs whenever the fridge is on? 

db_cooper

@AldebaranJill

Absolutely,  if you just connect the wires in lieu of a switch it will always run.  since i replaced all the fans with quieter ones,  I may do just that if i use in warm weather again.

AldebaranJill

@db_cooper And if I want to increase airflow by adding ventilation holes to the grey cover - do I want those openings just at the bottom or the more the merrier?

pthomas745

@AldebaranJill This thread has the original Dale Helman cover mod.  He has "holes" for the entire cover.

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/10909/does-an-auxiliary-fan-improve-refrigerator-performance