What triggers the cooling fans on the rear coils?

[BobTheBuilder]

We are experiencing triple digit temperatures for the past few days and my fridge has held OK but on one day the temps shot up and stayed up. Yesterday I pulled the top vent cover, looked down and could see the auxiliary fans but they were not running. I could not find anything in the manual concerning how they operate (thermostat, direct wire, etc.)

 

[danemayer]

You didn't mention what refrigerator you have, but since you have a 2011 trailer, it might be a Dometic RM1350. The fans on the 1350 are thermostatically controlled, and power comes through a relay. There's also a fuse involved that's on the back of the refrigerator. I've attached a wiring diagram.

 

[wdk450]

The thermostatic switch probably looks like this. There may be an associated fuse like in the illustration, or there might even be a fuse on the circuit board.

 

[BobTheBuilder]

Thanks to both of you. I had looked at the wiring diagram but didn't see the fans.