Help! Problem with Vitrifrigo fridge

[john_l]

Hi all

We have an AVA conversion with a built in Vitrifrigo top loading fridge. It's working - i.e. the fan's running - but it's not cooling at all.

Any suggestions?

[missfixit70]

Is the battery powering it charged up ok? May be the fan's spinning up but when the compressor goes to switch on, it draws down too much current & trips on low voltage, battery voltage will then come up enough to spin the fan & so it goes on. It's happened on my Dometic drawer type compressor fridge when LB voltage gets low.

[john_l]

LB's showing 12.4v.

[missfixit70]

Is that with the fridge fan running? does it drop when the compressor tries to kick in?

[john_l]

Will check that tomorrow. Are you suggesting that the LB may not be holding enough charge? Havnt used (the Lb) all winter but assumed that because the lights & water are working it's ok.

[missfixit70]

That's exactly what I'm suggesting fridge will have a low voltage cut out (which is not that low) so there may be enough to power lights etc, but not the fridge? May not be right, but it'd be the first thing I'd check along with checking the LB is charging ok from the alternator. Could be another electrical issue (eg thermostat) within the fridge or lack of refrigerant?

[john_l]

Makes sense thanks - will check that tomorrow.

[dave_aber]

I had a similar problem with a vitrifrigo fridge, and it turned out to be a duff (seized) compressor. However, this seems to be a real exception, not the rule.

As far as I could make out, Vitrifrigo fridges alomost 99% fail on electrical issues - poor wiring or batteries giving low volts on startup seems to be the common culprit.

There is a diagnostic test you can do with a LED - check with your supplier for details

[john_l]

Have plugged into the mains & still no chill. Guess I'll have to find a local dealer.

[madmile]

Have a look herehttp://www.fixmyfridge.co.uk/. The guys at penguin are pretty helpful.