Notcold 3 way now 2 way

db_cooper
db_cooper Member Posts: 748
in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
Well it was nice while it lasted.  We boondock almost exclusively, and overall enjoyed using the refrigerator on propane.

I think the thermocouple needs replacing, but it's on the left of the fridge, and almost impossible to access.  I got the fridge mostly out before realizing it has to come completely out to get into the burner box.

Anyone else decide to not repair and get by with other options?  We have an efficient compressor fridge in the TV, and could use it more than we do now. Not as convenient since it's out in the TV, but could throw some drinks in the Notcold for the evening.

Hate to spend a bunch repairing, and it will work with hookups, so hate to permanently remove, though the storage would be nice.

Decisions-decisions... 
2015 Max S Outback | 2010 Xterra  -- Retired
2022 Ford F350 Tremor |  2022 Cirrus 620



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Comments

  • Denny16
    Denny16 Member Posts: 5,431
    The propane fridge is not even an efficient 2-way, takes too much current in 12VDC mode, and 120VAC is the only useable option, but hard to regulate its temp?  Several other TaBers with older taBs have replaced the propane fridge with a new compressor 2-way, and the current one being used by nüCamp fits with a small filler panel or room for a storage cubby on one side.  A compressor fridge is easy to regulate is temp, and works efficiently on 12VDC also.  
    Cheers 
    2018 TaB400 Custom Boondock,  Jeep Gladiator truck, Northern California Coast.
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  • db_cooper
    db_cooper Member Posts: 748
    Yep, I could have said it's now a 1 way, our tow vehicle can't keep up with the battery draw, so we leave it off while traveling.  Maybe I won't miss it as much as I think.

    My OCD likes everything to work as it should, so maybe this will be a good exercise in letting it go. 
    2015 Max S Outback | 2010 Xterra  -- Retired
    2022 Ford F350 Tremor |  2022 Cirrus 620



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  • Grumpy_G
    Grumpy_G Member Posts: 712
    I hear you on the OCD. My beater truck looks like hell, peeling paint and all but no warning lights, A/C and radio work :) 

    Somewhere on here is a link to the service manual for the 3163 fridge which has a detailed troubleshooting flowchart. Use that to make sure it really is the thermocouple. Remove the cook top and all the tests should be easy to do. 
    Getting the fridge out is not too bad after getting access from the top, everything but 120V can be disconnected right there. 
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  • webers3
    webers3 Member Posts: 435
    I replaced mine with a portable compressor fridge, you can have the old 3 way, if you are near Connecticut  :)
    2017 T@B 320S   2019 Jeep Cherokee - Southern Connecticut
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  • db_cooper
    db_cooper Member Posts: 748
    Sorta good news. Did the tests, and using a jumper on the interrupter leads got it running lickety split.  So that means new relighter board.  Lots of wires going to that thing, but should be fairly easy to replace. 

    The Norcold Guy website says it's the most common part to fail on these fridges. Hope to get a few more years use out of it now. 
    2015 Max S Outback | 2010 Xterra  -- Retired
    2022 Ford F350 Tremor |  2022 Cirrus 620



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  • db_cooper
    db_cooper Member Posts: 748
    Just wanted to add, that the relighter board was the culprit, and the fridge lights easier than ever before.  Makes me think the old board had a weak component in it all along.  Kind of wonder if that's the cause of some people's issues getting the fridge to light on propane.  Ours would always light, but it often took quite a few attempts.   It was really hard to light the last time we used it,  I actually gave up and came back later and it started up so I forgot about it.  Apparently that part can go out slowly and not just quit.
    2015 Max S Outback | 2010 Xterra  -- Retired
    2022 Ford F350 Tremor |  2022 Cirrus 620



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  • druthazer
    druthazer Member Posts: 35
    Anyone have specifics, model, price etc on replacement compressor fridge.??  And do you have any regrets? 
       I have been using a small 12v portable iceco cooler-freezer.  Keeping it on the stovetop takes up valuable space and the 3 way is really only of value on propane and since I cant keep it cold while driving, it is a waste of space.   My 2 100w solar panels and 2 sla batteries usually keep up with the cooler-fteezer running all the time.  
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  • db_cooper
    db_cooper Member Posts: 748
    @druthazer
    Had I not been able to fix the 3-way this time we were going to use it as a cooler with frozen bottles for drinks and things that would still be safe if not kept cold enough.  We have a 50 qt compressor cooler in the car with an extension cord to the trailer batteries we would have relied on. Would not be as convenient as the fridge in the camper, but would suffice.  If I ever  pull out the Norcold, it will probably become storage space.
    2015 Max S Outback | 2010 Xterra  -- Retired
    2022 Ford F350 Tremor |  2022 Cirrus 620



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  • GatorEgg
    GatorEgg Member Posts: 482
    You don’t have to pull the refrigerator out to get to its “workings”.  Just remove the screw caps on the stove cooktop, turn them a half a turn, cut the caulk under it, lift stove enough to support on a 2x4.
    Refrig workings are right there.
    2022 TAB 400 Boondock, 2019 Toyota Tacoma Sport 4x4
    2018 TAB 320 Boondock (previous)
    Odessa, Fl.  

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  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Member Posts: 10,061
    @druthazer - https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/11273/replacing-norcold-3-way-fridge-with-isotherm-2-way/p1

    See webers3 Jan. 4 post here:  https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/179460#Comment_179460


    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
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  • AnOldUR
    AnOldUR Member Posts: 1,728
    edited January 2022
    db_cooper said:
    If I ever  pull out the Norcold, it will probably become storage space.
    A storage space for your 12V compressor chest cooler is an option that works well.

    Stockton, New Jersey
    2020 nuCamp T@B 320S * Jeep Wrangler
    60,865 camping miles through the end of 2025

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  • RollinWithShirley
    RollinWithShirley Member Posts: 40
    db_cooper said:
    Sorta good news. Did the tests, and using a jumper on the interrupter leads got it running lickety split.  So that means new relighter board.  Lots of wires going to that thing, but should be fairly easy to replace. 

    The Norcold Guy website says it's the most common part to fail on these fridges. Hope to get a few more years use out of it now. 
    I have figured out how to get the Norcold out in my T@B Outback after a series of attempts, but replacement of the thermal coupler didn't fix it.   I am pretty ready to give up on it at this point.....but can someone point me to instructions for the tests mentioned above and replacement of relighter board?

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  • MuttonChops
    MuttonChops Member Posts: 1,939
    RollinWithShirley said:
    . . . someone point me to instructions for the tests mentioned above and replacement of relighter board?

    The first post in the Reference Documents Section of this forum has a 3136 Service Manual which contains basic troubleshooting information. Flowchart is on Page-14, other pages have wiring diagrams/etc.

    3126 Service Manual Here

    Quick overview:



    '18 320 S,  pitched axle, 3020HE; PNW based
    TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
    TV: '25 Canyon AT4
    Adventures:  58   Nights:  405  Towing Miles 50,180
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  • pthomas745
    pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,529
    In the troubleshooting pages, they mentioned the "flame interrupter".  That little copper fitting that the end of the thermocouple attaches to on the front of the fridge .  Did you replace this little part, too?

    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
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