Diagnosing Cooling Problems - Norcold 9182 Service Manual & Parts List

Note: If the refrigerator operates on one heat source but not another, the problem is not the cooling
system. Before continuing with this procedure, refer to the diagnostic section. Diagnose the cooling
system only when the refrigerator does not cool or cools marginally on both the AC electric and
LP Gas modes.
Make Certain the refrigerator owner understands:
•
Unlike a home refrigerator, an RV refrigerator requires the foods to be pre-cooled; frozen foods should be pre-frozen before
loading the refrigerator. Loading a warm refrigerator with warm food increases the cool down time. Turn the refrigerator
on for several hours before loading.
•
For best cooling performance, air must be free to circulate within the fresh food compartment. Do not cover the shelves
with paper, plastic, etc.
•
Reduce frost formation, cover liquids and moist foods. Do not place hot foods in the refrigerator, and do not leave the door
open longer than necessary.
•
Periodically inspect the ventilation system. Remove obstructions such as bird and squirrel nests, etc.
•
Do not use the intake vent area for storage. Storing items will block the air flow needed for cooling performance.
•
Place ice cube trays flat on bottom surface of the freezer to make ice.
Off Level Condition
WARNING
Operating refrigerator outside of the cooling system specification of 3 degrees off level side-to-side
and 6 degrees off level front-to-back can cause irreparable damage to cooling system and can
create a risk for personal injury or property damage. Level vehicle before operating refrigerator.
Insure that refrigerator is operating within cooling systems specifications of 3 degrees off level side-to-side and 6 degrees
off level front-to-back. The vehicle may be level but refrigerator may not be because of improper installation.
Good Installation/Ventilation
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Diagnosing Cooling Problems

Installation/Ventilation
1
Extremely hot days ( 90 ° or higher) can lead to warmer tempera-
tures in both the freezer and fresh food compartments, especially
when air flow across cooling system is restricted. Make sure
refrigerator is installed in accordance with Norcold's installation
requirements. Refer to Figure 22, the statements below, and
"Installation Requirements" manual (provided with each refrig-
erator).
1. Exhaust vent centered directly over the condenser of refrigera-
tor.
2
2. Baffle added at top of refrigerator to assist in directing air flow
out exhaust vent. 0-1/4" minimum clearance at top of refrigerator.
3. Unrestricted air flow from intake vent to refrigerator absorber
3
coils and from refrigerator absorber coils through condenser and
out exhaust vent.
4. 1" maximum clearance at rear of refrigerator.
5. Intake vent installed flush with surface on which the refrigerator
is mounted.
6. 1/2" maximum clearance between the vehicle walls and sides
Figure 22
of the refrigerator.
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