Norcold N500 Service Manual
Norcold N500 Service Manual

Norcold N500 Service Manual

Gas/electric refrigerators
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Service Manual
Gas/Electric Refrigerators
MODELS
N500
N510
!
WARNING
DO NOT install this refrigerator in below deck marine applications. Do not
install this refrigerator in fixed indoor cabin or other dwelling applications. This
refrigerator must use only NORCOLD designed and approved outside air in-
take and exhaust ventilation for correct and safe operation. Any other ventila-
tion could cause lethal combustion exhaust fumes and or/explosive propane
gas fumes to be in the living area and/or below deck.
Publication No. 626800A (06-08-04)
© 2004 THETFORD/NORCOLD. All rights reserved.

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Do you have a question about the N500 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Warren Roche
March 24, 2025

I have a N510. The gas flame lights but goes out in about 15 seconds. There is no thermocouple in the combustion box, although there is a hole and screw holes for it. I assume it needs a thermocouple as there is no other way for the flame to be monitored. I am pretty sure I need that thermocouple. Do you have it, or the part number? Oddly enough, I can't find where the end of the thermocouple would attach. HELP!

1 comments:
Mr. Anderson
March 24, 2025

Yes, the Norcold N500 requires a thermocouple for the gas flame to stay lit. The part number for the thermocouple is not provided in the given context.

This answer is automatically generated

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Summary of Contents for Norcold N500

  • Page 1 DO NOT install this refrigerator in below deck marine applications. Do not install this refrigerator in fixed indoor cabin or other dwelling applications. This refrigerator must use only NORCOLD designed and approved outside air in- take and exhaust ventilation for correct and safe operation. Any other ventila- tion could cause lethal combustion exhaust fumes and or/explosive propane gas fumes to be in the living area and/or below deck.
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Relighter - N500/N500.3 ..........29 Troubleshooting Flowcharts - N500 Units -------------- 8 DC Heater–3-Way Refrigerators Only ......30 Burner Will Not Maintain Flame - N500 Units ..... 8 2-Way Model Wiring ............30 No AC Operation - N500 Units ..........9 3-Way Model Wiring ............
  • Page 3 N510 Diagnostic Mode --------------------------------------- 51 Diagnostic Mode ..............51 Accessing the Diagnostic Mode ........51 Changing Screens ............51 Exiting the Diagnostic Mode ..........51 Screens and Diagnostic Segments Information ..... 52 Wiring Pictorials and Diagrams -------------------------- 54 Refrigerator Service Manual www.norcold.com/cda N500/N510 Models...
  • Page 4: Introduction

    Model Identification standards set by the cognizant certification agency. Models N500 and N510 are 2-way refrigerators that can operate on ac power or LP gas. The electronic controls Replacement Parts operate on 12 Vdc.
  • Page 5 Degagement minimum pour I'installation 0" cotes, haut,bas, arriere, Installer uniquement avec latrousse n_5 Voir les instructions d'installation. CSA-1.10-2003 ANZI Z221.19-2003 618860 REFRIGERATORS REFRIGERATORS Figure 1. Information label location Figure 2. Cooling unit label location N500/N510 Models www.norcold.com/cda Refrigerator Service Manual...
  • Page 6: Safety Awareness

    Do not use leak test solutions that contain ammonia or Do not modify, alter, or equip the refrigerator to the use chlorine. Ammonia and chlorine degrade copper and of any other fuel (natural gas, butane, etc.). N500/N510 brass components. refrigerators are designed and equipped for the use of LP gas–propane gas–only.
  • Page 7: Specifications

    SPECIFICATIONS N500 Models Storage volume N500 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.5 ft Rough opening dimensions (H x W x D) N500 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42 5 /8 in. x 23 11 /16 in. x 24 Decorative panels dimensions Thickness --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 /16 Door panel dimensions (H x W) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31 in. x 21...
  • Page 8: N510 Models

    LP gas (propane) Operating pressure ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10.5 to 11.5 in. w.c. Heat input --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1200 Btu/h @ 11 in. w.c. Orifice --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LP10 Gas ignition --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Automatic with flame-sensing circuit Electrode-to-burner air gap --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 /16 Refrigerator Service Manual www.norcold.com/cda N500/N510 Models...
  • Page 9: Troubleshooting - Quick Reference Guide

    The refrigerator does not turn ON. F1 fuse in power board open. Check fuse (N510). No ac power to refrigerator. See page 9 (N500). The refrigerator does not cool on F3 fuse or ac heater inline fuse open. Check fuse.
  • Page 10: N510 Displayed Fault Codes

    See page 17. F3 fuse open. AC heater failed open. See page 18. Flashing Backup operating system in operation. Temp See page 19. Setting No cooling detected by the controls. See pages 20 and 32. Refrigerator Service Manual www.norcold.com/cda N500/N510 Models...
  • Page 11: Troubleshooting Flowcharts - N500 Units

    TROUBLESHOOTING FLOWCHARTS - N500 UNITS Burner Will Not Maintain Flame - N500 Units Check burner and thermocouple for carbon deposits. Burner and Clean and service burner and thermocouple thermocouple. See page 28. clean? Check that thermocouple Center thermocouple over center Thermocouple is centered on burner slots.
  • Page 12: No Ac Operation - N500 Units

    No AC Operation - N500 Units Before beginning this procedure make sure: ■ The refrigerator is receiving 108 (minimum) to 132 (maximum) Vac from a grounded receptacle. ■ Fuse holder and 3 amp fuse are in good condition. ■ Selector knob is set to "AC."...
  • Page 13: No Dc Operation - N500.3 (3-Way Units Only)

    No DC Operation - N500.3 (3-Way Units Only) Before beginning this procedure make sure: ■ The refrigerator is receiving dc power from the RV dc power system. ■ Voltage across terminal block connections 7 and 8 is at least 12 Vdc.
  • Page 14: No Lp Operation - N500 Units

    No LP Operation - N500 Units Before beginning this procedure make sure: ■ The refrigerator is receiving dc power from the RV dc power system. ■ All ground connections are clean and making full contact. ■ LP gas is available.
  • Page 15: Thermocouple And Interrupter Malfunctioning

    Thermocouple and Interrupter Malfunctioning - N500 Units The following procedure and troubleshooting chart check the operation of the thermocouple and the TRUE RMS MULTIMETER interrupter. Interrupter Voltage Output Check MIN MAX RANGE HOLD 1. Remove refrigerator from enclosure. PEAK MIN MAX...
  • Page 16: Troubleshooting Flowchart - N510 Units

    TROUBLESHOOTING FLOWCHART - N510 UNITS Blank Display - Refrigerator does not turn on - N510 Before beginning this procedure make sure: 12 Vdc input to the power board is wired according to the N500/N510 Installation Manual. ■ ■ No other RV appliances or lighting circuits are connected to the refrigerator dc circuit.
  • Page 17: Optical Display Does Not Turn On - Power Is Available

    Replace power board. See page 43. present? wire harness optical control connector green and white/violet wire. Check optical control Replace optical control display circuit display operation. illuminated? board. See page 47. Refrigerator operating as designed. N500/N510 Models www.norcold.com/cda Refrigerator Service Manual...
  • Page 18: F Fault Code - Burner Failed To Ignite Or Reignite - N510

    Check gas valve solenoid Continuity? Replace gas valve wires. wires for continuity. Check voltage across power Voltage Replace power board. See page 43. board terminals GV and present? GV_GND. Faulty or obstructed gas valve. Replace gas valve. Refrigerator Service Manual www.norcold.com/cda N500/N510 Models...
  • Page 19: E Fault Code - Dc Voltage High - N510

    12VDC and GND1. Voltage See NOTE above to determine lower than and correct a "C" fault. 10.5 Vdc? Correct incoming dc power distribution to refrigerator. Power distribution must be 10.5-15.4 Vdc. N500/N510 Models www.norcold.com/cda Refrigerator Service Manual...
  • Page 20: S Fault Code - Flame Sense Circuit Failure - N510

    Replace power board. See page 43. S Fault Code - Flame sense circuit failure - N510 Fault indicator displayed: LP GAS AUTO Flame sense circuit failure. Replace power board. See page 43. Refrigerator Service Manual www.norcold.com/cda N500/N510 Models...
  • Page 21: H Fault Code - Ac Heater Failed Open - N510

    AC heater resistance 58 to 64 Figure 9. Measuring ac heater resistance r Fault Code - AC relay stuck closed - N510 Fault indicator displayed: LP GAS AUTO Flame sense circuit failure. Replace power board. See page 43. N500/N510 Models www.norcold.com/cda Refrigerator Service Manual...
  • Page 22: Backup Operating System - N510 Models

    TEMP button is pressed. After ten seconds, the selected the longer the cooling cycle. For example, if the operation mode indicator displays. Refrigerator Service Manual www.norcold.com/cda N500/N510 Models...
  • Page 23: Power Board Resetting Procedure

    Pin 15 Pin 16 9. Turn ON refrigerator. If "n" code displays, repeat Ground Lug White/violet wire 22 AWG with 1/2" long stripped ends steps 7 - 9. Figure 12. Resetting the power board N500/N510 Models www.norcold.com/cda Refrigerator Service Manual...
  • Page 24: Ventilation

    1/4 inch or less N510 Installation Manual and the Ventilation Guidelines for Gas/Electric Refrigerators, part number 622090A (3- Condenser 01). Refer to the N500/N510 Installation Manual and Ventilation Guidelines for Gas/Electric Refrigerators for 1 inch maximum the latest information on approved vents, installation (if wider see instructions, and special construction exceptions.
  • Page 25: Double Sidewall Venting

    Corners and structural pockets where heated air may stagnate must be reduced in size or completely Exhaust vent eliminated. N500/N510 refrigerators must have a at least 47 3/4 Angled baffle inches distance between the upper exhaust vent and the lower intake vent. Refer to the N500/N510 1/4 inch or less Installation Manual for more information.
  • Page 26: Components

    The orifice meters the flow of gas to the burner. The Figure 18. N500 manual shutoff valve N500 model requires the LP10 orifice. See Figure 19. A restricted, clogged, or damaged orifice will affect the burner’s heat output, which in turn affects the performance of the cooling unit when the refrigerator is operating on LP gas.
  • Page 27: Gas Safety Valve

    (from switch) Gas inlet Gas outlet Mounting Red wire bracket from switch to interruptor Interruptor Thermocouple Bracket retaining Ground Blue wire screws wire (green) from interruptor to switch Figure 20. Gas valve - thermostat assembly N500/N510 Models www.norcold.com/cda Refrigerator Service Manual...
  • Page 28: Lp Gas System - N510

    It should also be checked before and after seasonal storage, and before the recreational vehicle is placed in service. See page 28 for more information on cleaning the burner and its components. Refrigerator Service Manual www.norcold.com/cda N500/N510 Models...
  • Page 29: Lp Gas System - All Models

    The flue baffle must never be permanently piping, and components. Damaged connections, removed. The flue baffle should be cleaned annually to piping, and components create the potential for gas maintain the combustion system at peak performance. leaks. N500/N510 Models www.norcold.com/cda Refrigerator Service Manual...
  • Page 30: Lp Gas Pressure

    6. The LP gas system must maintain water column pressure over a period of 3 minutes. 2. Pressurize the system to 3 psi then shut off the air supply valve. The system must maintain 3 psi for 10 minutes. Refrigerator Service Manual www.norcold.com/cda N500/N510 Models...
  • Page 31: Burner Cleaning Procedure

    If cleaning fails to remove dirt or if the condition of the For steps 3 - 5, refer to Figure 32, page 37 (N500) or orifice assembly is questionable, replace the orifice Figure 33, page 38 (N510).
  • Page 32: Electrical Requirements And Components

    The N500 Models control circuit is protected with a 5 amp automotive type fuse (located on the right side of the power board). The N500 ac circuit is protected by a 5 A, 1 /4 in.x 1 1 /4 AGC type fast acting fuse housed in an in-line type fuse N500.3/N510.3 (3-way models)
  • Page 33: Dc Heater-3-Way Refrigerators Only

    The size fuse for circuit overload protection must not exceed 30 amps. The N500 dc heater fuse is a 25 amp inline fuse. The Over 20 feet – AWG 8 or larger wire gauge must be N510 dc heater circuit fuse is a standard 30 amp used.
  • Page 34: Ac Power Cord

    AC Power Cord N500 AC Power Cord Wire leads identification N500 models are supplied ac power through the ac Smooth: Line (hot) lead ( to terminal block terminal 2) power cord, which connects to the terminal block (see Ribbed: Neutral lead (to terminal block terminal 1) Green: Ground to metal plate Figure 28).
  • Page 35: Cooling Unit

    Exceeding the maximum off-level limits can AC voltage is low. permanently damage the cooling unit. Frost management is active. The cooling unit or its performance are not affected when the vehicle is in motion. N500/N510 Models www.norcold.com/cda Refrigerator Service Manual...
  • Page 36: Second "N" Fault Code

    Any cooling system replaced under the NORCOLD the refrigerator completes a full cooling cycle after it is warranty procedure must be returned to NORCOLD per turned back on, this fault code occurrence will be the instructions included with the replacement system.
  • Page 37: Cooling System Diagnostic Flowchart

    LP gas pressure. Level refrigerator as outlined Refrigerator in Owner's Manual and operating leveled? specifications. Maximum off-level limits: ■ 3 degrees side to side. ■ 6 degrees front to back. Continued on page 35. N500/N510 Models www.norcold.com/cda Refrigerator Service Manual...
  • Page 38 Unit is operating normally. temperatures setting for a period of 8-12 hours. normal ■ Freezer 0 F to -10 °F. ° ■ Fin temperature 18 °F to 25 °F. Check thermistor and power board operation. Refrigerator Service Manual www.norcold.com/cda N500/N510 Models...
  • Page 39: Removing The Refrigerator From The Enclosure

    3. Unplug the ac power cord from the RV ac receptacle. 4. Turn off RV dc power to the refrigerator. 5. Disconnect the dc power supply wires. N500 units - terminal block (3 and 4); N510 units - power board. N500/N510 Models www.norcold.com/cda...
  • Page 40: Removal Of Cooling Unit

    5. Remove the burner assembly retaining screw, then b. Remove the breaker retaining screws. remove the burner assembly from the burner box. Pull refrigerator from enclosure. 6. Disconnect the spark/sense electrode wire: N500 - reilghter; N510 - power board. Removal of Cooling Unit N500 units Units with fan: a.
  • Page 41 Molex 11-03-0044 REV D) into the terminal side of connector in terminal 8. See a. Disconnect the dc heater wire leads: N500 units Figure 34, page 39. Terminals are labeled on - terminal block and inline fuse; N510 - power connector and thermistor wires are solid board.
  • Page 42: Installation Of Replacement Cooling Unit

    High temp evaporator evaporators. 1/2 in. bead of sealant NOTE Ensure the burner box is in position at the base of the Figure 35. Application of sealant cabinet before installing the cooling unit. Refrigerator Service Manual www.norcold.com/cda N500/N510 Models...
  • Page 43: Installation Of Refrigerator Into Enclosure

    Install wire ties along split loom tubing. 10. Install burner tube and burner assembly then install burner tube and burner assembly retaining screw. N500 units: WARNING: a. Connect gas supply to gas valve/thermostat Do not install the refrigerator if the combustion seal assembly.
  • Page 44: Electronic Components - All Models

    9. Install burner box cover, then install burner box cover retaining screw. 10. Connect orange spark/sense electrode wire. N500 - relighter; N510 power board. 11. Open manual shutoff to LP gas supply. 12. Reconnect 12 Vdc power supply.
  • Page 45: Electronic Components - N500 Models

    ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS - N500 MODELS Relighter - N500 Models Spark/sense Relighter electrode The relighter relays signals from the gas safety valve to (orange) the spark/sense electrode and to the flame indicator. It Retaining operates on 12 Vdc. See Figure 37.
  • Page 46: Relighter - N500 Models

    11. Disconnect the wire harness connector from power board, terminal P1. 12. Remove the two 1/4” hex head screws attaching the board to the base, then remove the power board along with its base. Refrigerator Service Manual www.norcold.com/cda N500/N510 Models...
  • Page 47: Controls

    An LP gas pocket in the burner area can cause a fire or explosion which can result in extensive property damage, burn injury and/or death. All N500 model controls operate on 12 Vdc. The controls and their functions are shown in Figure 39. Gas Safety Valve: Read warning above.
  • Page 48: Replacing Selector Switch - N500

    Replacing Selector Switch - N500 1a/1b - 110 - 250 Vac 1. Turn OFF refrigerator. 2a/2b - Thermocouple 2. Unplug ac power cord. 3. Disconnect 12 Vdc supply. 3a/3b - Relighter 4. Disconnect LP gas supply. 4a/4b - 12 Vdc 5.
  • Page 49: N510 Controls

    AUTO mode operation, LED aside “AUTO” and LED aside available energy source segment (“AC,” ”LP GAS,” or “DC”) displayed. • DC manual mode operation selected (3-ways), LED aside “DC” displayed. Figure 41. N510 Controls N500/N510 Models www.norcold.com/cda Refrigerator Service Manual...
  • Page 50: Replacing Optical Control Circuit Board - N510

    16. Install the board bracket retaining screws (2). 17. Reconnect wire harness. 18. Install refrigerator in enclosure. DB123456NO123456 1000-00 620000 1234 To display overlay Display overlay ribbon connector Figure 43. Optical display circuit board Refrigerator Service Manual www.norcold.com/cda N500/N510 Models...
  • Page 51: Auto Mode - All N510 Units

    30 AUTO second trial-for-ignition. 4. Once the controls sense the flame, LP GAS the LP GAS LED turns off leaving the AUTO AUTO LED on to indicate AUTO mode operation. N500/N510 Models www.norcold.com/cda Refrigerator Service Manual...
  • Page 52: Auto Dc Operation - 3-Way Units Only

    T First priority: AC power. T Second priority: LP gas. 3. Display the AC LED. T Third priority: DC power – 3-way units only. NOTE AUTO DC and DC Manual Mode maintain cooling only. Refrigerator Service Manual www.norcold.com/cda N500/N510 Models...
  • Page 53: Lp Gas Manual Mode

    1. Mode of operation is indicated by LP GAS the DC LED display. AUTO 2. The DC LED stays on as the DC Manual Mode is selected. NOTE AUTO DC and DC Manual Mode Maintain cooling only. N500/N510 Models www.norcold.com/cda Refrigerator Service Manual...
  • Page 54: N510 Diagnostic Mode

    LED segment that represents the selected operation mode appears on the display (AUTO, AC, or LP GAS). Turning the refrigerator OFF then back ON also exits the Diagnostic Mode. Figure 45. Diagnostic LEDs segments identification Refrigerator Service Manual www.norcold.com/cda N500/N510 Models...
  • Page 55: Screens And Diagnostic Segments Information

    LED segments. If a fault occurred, its assigned LED will light. Thermistor failure. Flame sense failure AC voltage low AC voltage high Press the button to bring up screen 6. MODE N500/N510 Models www.norcold.com/cda Refrigerator Service Manual...
  • Page 56 Thermistor sensing Sensing burner flame DC voltage normal fin temperature DC voltage lower than 10.5 volts Press the button to bring up screen 8. Press the button to return to screen 1. MODE MODE Refrigerator Service Manual www.norcold.com/cda N500/N510 Models...
  • Page 57: Wiring Pictorials And Diagrams

    Terminal block Spark electrode AC heater 3 amp fuse Relighter -12 Vdc power supply Selector switch DC heater (3-ways) +12 Vdc power supply Thermocouple 1 amp fuse Thermostat/gas safety valve Figure 46. N500 wiring pictorial N500/N510 Models www.norcold.com/cda Refrigerator Service Manual...
  • Page 58 Gas safety valve Relighter Flame indicator Thermocouple interrupte r DC heater (3-ways) AC heater Spark gap Figure 47. N500 wiring diagram 30 amp fuse (3-ways) 120 Vac Display overlay AC heater -12 Vdc power supply Optical control circuit board DC heater (3-ways)
  • Page 59 Publication No. 626800A (06/08/04)
  • Page 60 Publication No. 626800A (06/08/04) NORCOLD CUSTOMER SERVICE NORCOLD® Telephone ......... 1-800-444-7210 P. O. Box 4248 Fax ..........937-497-3183 Sidney, OH 45365-4248 World Wide Web ... www. norcold.com/cda...

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