Dometic NDR-1292 Not Cooling, Weird Readout, Now Totally inop

[wdk450]

Gang:
I am at the Central California Chapter rally in Jackson, Ca. This evening, as I opened the refrigerator, I noted that the temperature guage inside was above 40 degrees. Next i looked up at the readouts, and saw the 5 temperature setting indicatiors "marching" across. I then turned off the main power switch for a few seconds. When I pressed the switch to "ON" again, the display was completely blank, but the interior light was still on. I am guessing that this might be a loose display cable problem, but if anybody knows, please chime in. This is one of those problems that happened while sitting in a site with no road vibrations to blame. Maybe it was cause by the vibrations of opening and closing the door.
I will check back in an hour, or so.

The manual had nothing about the "marching" indicators.

 

[wdk450]

Re: Norcold NDR-1292 Not Cooling, Weird Readout, Now Totally inop

I checked the fuses on the circuit board, checked all connectors, checked the connections on the display panel - All seems O.K. Websearch for similar problems makes me think it is the display board. I will have to get some expert help on Monday. Until then - ice/icechest.

 

[danemayer]

Re: Norcold NDR-1292 Not Cooling, Weird Readout, Now Totally inop

Hi Bill,

If it's still cooling, but is too warm, might be a thermistor failure. Some of the Norcolds have a backup operating mode when the thermistor fails - it cools on a timed basis instead of temperature.

Also might want to check DC voltage at the frig to make sure it's not low for some reason.

 

[wdk450]

Re: Norcold NDR-1292 Not Cooling, Weird Readout, Now Totally inop

Thanks, Dan!
After I checked out the outside circuit board, I heard the venting fans come on. When I felt the cooling fins they were pretty cold. I bought a couple bags of ice anyways, and watched the temperature overnight. It came down to the normal levels. BUT, the front display panel is still completely blank. I think I need a new display board. The rear board I have is a Dinosaur board I replaced (but didn't need to - the problem then was something else) that should still be under its 3 year warranty. I will check if RV Cooling Unit Warehouse has the Dinosaur display board in stock.

 

[wdk450]

Re: Norcold NDR-1292 Not Cooling, Weird Readout, Now Totally inop

Today's Update: The fixit fairy visited my trailer last night. I woke up this morning with the refrigerator cooling correctly, AND THE DISPLAY WORKING CORRECTLY!!! (My new steamer cleaner from HSN also started working right this morning).

I did some internet searching, and learned that others have had this problem (but didn't post how it was resolved). I learned that Dinosaur Electronics DOESN"T make display boards for the Dometics (they make them for Norcolds), and I got two different Dometic part numbers for the board. Add to that, I have campground reservations for next weekend through the week. I also learned that the NDR-1292 double door is no longer in production at Dometic. I wonder if they HAVE the display board?

I will make some calls during the week to Dometic, Dinosaur, and maybe my local RV Appliance expert for advice.

 

[danemayer]

Re: Norcold NDR-1292 Not Cooling, Weird Readout, Now Totally inop

Bill, I'm confused. Is this a Norcold or a Dometic refrigerator?

 

[wdk450]

Re: Norcold NDR-1292 Not Cooling, Weird Readout, Now Totally inop

Bill, I'm confused. Is this a Norcold or a Dometic refrigerator?

Sorry, I crossed up my Norcolds and Dometics in the thread title. It is a DOMETIC NDR1292 DOUBLE DOOR.