Key Takeaways
● Prepare your RV for the reset process before beginning.
● Unplugging the RV fridge and restarting the appliance are essential to a successful reset.
● Follow safety protocols while resetting your RV refrigerator.
If your RV refrigerator isn’t keeping your food cold enough, it may need to be reset. But resetting a camper refrigerator is not as simple as resetting a regular fridge.
Firstly, you’ll need to prepare your RV for the reset. This involves disconnecting all power sources and unplugging the RV fridge from its power source. Afterward, you’ll need to allow the refrigerator to cool for at least 12 hours before restarting it.
This guide will show you how to reset a dometic refrigerator in an RV in a step-by-step manner. Follow these instructions closely, and you’ll be back to cooling your food down in no time!
Table of Contents
Reasons To Complete A Dometic RV Refrigerator Reset
Resetting RV refrigerators can be necessary under certain circumstances. Here are a few reasons why you may need to reset yours:
Not Cooling Enough
If your dometic RV refrigerator isn’t keeping items cold enough, it may be due to a MALFUNCTION or improper settings. Resetting the fridge can help bring it back to its normal cooling state.
Unexpected Shutdown
In the event of an unexpected shutdown, such as a power outage or surge, resetting the RV fridge is highly recommended.
This will allow the appliance to return to its REGULAR working order and keep your food fresh again.
Changed From Propane To Electric Or Vice Versa
If you’ve recently switched from propane to electric or vice versa, resetting the RV fridge is essential for it to work correctly.
This will allow the refrigerator to ADJUST and accommodate its new power source to function as intended and run efficiently. Resetting your dometic refrigerator in this situation can save you time, money, and energy in the long run.
Pro Tip: Always follow all safety protocols when resetting a Dometic refrigerator in an RV.
What You Need Before You Start The Reset Process
Before you start the reset process for a dometic refrigerator in an RV, there are some basic preparations you need to make.
Disconnect All Power Sources
Before resetting your refrigerator, it’s important to disconnect all power sources. This includes shutting off any propane tanks CONNECTED to the appliance.
Ensure all OTHER devices and appliances in the RV are also disconnected from their power sources. Doing this will ensure no power runs through the fridge during or after the reset.
Unplug The Refrigerator
Once you’ve disconnected all power sources, unplug the refrigerator from its electrical outlet. This is necessary for SAFELY resetting the appliance so it doesn’t receive any electricity during or after the reset process.
Make sure all cords are securely REMOVED before moving on to restarting the RV fridge again.
Pro Tip: Always check the RV’s electrical fridge compartment for tripped circuit breaker.
Remove All Food
Next, removing all food from the refrigerator is essential before resetting it. Taking out all items from the fridge will help ensure your food stays FRESH during and after the reset process.
Once you’ve removed all food, make sure to CLEAN any spills or messes to keep everything sanitary.
Allow The Refrigerator To Cool For At Least 12 Hours
After unplugging the refrigerator, let it cool for at least 12 hours. This is important as it allows all internal components and refrigerant to RESET themselves for the appliance to work properly again.
Pro Tip: Ensure no power is running through the fridge while it’s cooling down.
Read The Manual
Finally, review the MANUAL with your RV fridge before starting the reset process. This will provide you with helpful INFORMATION on how to reset the dometic refrigerator in an RV properly. It can also explain any additional steps you may need to take during the process.
Once all these steps have been completed, you can start the reset process for your dometic refrigerator in an RV.
How To Test Your Rv’s Battery Capacity
Testing your RV’s battery capacity is a crucial step when resetting a dometic refrigerator in an RV. This helps to ensure that the fridge has SUFFICIENT power and won’t be affected by potential fluctuations or drops in voltage, which can lead to problems down the line.
Here are the steps you’ll need to take:
Check The Battery’s Voltage
Before testing your RV’s battery capacity, you’ll need first to check its VOLTAGE. Using a multimeter set on ‘DCV’ (direct current voltage) mode, attach the probes to the positive and negative terminals of the battery [1].
Record the reading displayed and COMPARE it against your battery’s rated voltage. Most RV batteries are 12-volt; if yours falls between 11 and 13 volts, then it is in a healthy state and ready for use.
Load Test The Battery
To perform a load test on your battery, you’ll need to CONNECT a load tester to the positive and negative terminals of the battery. The tool will then draw power from the battery for a specified time and measure the voltage it can maintain.
If the reading falls BELOW the rated voltage, your battery is likely defective and will need to be replaced. If not, you can reset your dometic refrigerator in an RV.
Check The Battery’s Cold Cranking Amps
Use a CCA tester to clip onto the positive and negative terminals to check the cold cranking amps (CCA) of your RV’s battery. It will draw power from the battery for a brief moment and, based on its resistance, display the CCA rating on its LCD screen.
If this value is LOWER than what is stated on your battery’s label, it may have degraded over time and need to be replaced. Otherwise, you can move on to resetting your Dometic refrigerator in an RV.
Monitor The Battery Voltage During Use
As you reset the camper fridge, it is important to keep an eye on the voltage LEVEL of the battery. If it drops below 11 volts during use, then this could point towards a potential issue with your battery or RV’s electrical system and should be examined by a professional.
Once you’ve tested your RV’s battery capacity, you’re ready to reset your dometic refrigerator. Follow these steps, and you’ll be back to cool down your food.
Pro Tip: Always wear protective gloves and eyewear when working with electrical components.
Step-By-Step Guide On How To Reset Dometic RV Refrigerator
Before doing the steps below, ensure you have done the battery capacity tests and other necessary preparations mentioned above:
- Press the reset button: Locate the ‘Reset’ button on the control panel of your dometic refrigerator and press it down for at least five seconds.
- Turn off the dometic RV fridge and unplug it from its power source. Leave it unplugged for 10-15 minutes to allow all internal components and refrigerant to reset themselves.
- Reconnect the appliance‘s power cord and turn on the fridge at its lowest or default settings (around 3 or 4).
- Once the fridge has been running for a few minutes, slowly increase the temperature and allow it to cool for another 10-15 minutes.
- After this period, check that the refrigerator has been appropriately cooled by placing a thermometer inside -it should register between 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If the temperature is too high or low, adjust the setting accordingly and wait a few minutes before rechecking with the thermometer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do If The Power Supply To The RV’s Fridge Is Interrupted During Resetting?
If the power supply to the refrigerator is interrupted during resetting from the control board, unplug it and wait for 10-15 minutes before trying again.
Is It Safe To Reset A Dometic Refrigerator In An Rv Without Testing The Battery Capacity First?
No, it is not safe to reset a dometic fridge in an RV without testing the battery capacity first. Doing so could damage the fridge and its components.
How Long Will The Process Of Resetting A Dometic Refrigerator In An Rv Take?
Resetting dometic refrigerators in an RV should take around 30 minutes. This includes the time for testing the battery capacity and completing the reset steps.
What Could Be Causing My Fridge Not To Cool Properly After Resetting?
Suppose your fridge is not cooling properly after resetting. In that case, it could be due to several factors, such as a defective or outdated compressor, low refrigerant levels, or an issue with the condenser coil. It’s best to have a professional examine the appliance and diagnose it.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to reset a Dometic refrigerator in an RV, the process won’t be so intimidating. Following the comprehensive steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently reset your fridge and return to enjoying your RVing experience.
Be sure to unplug the fridge and prepare the RV before beginning the reset process, and things should go off without a hitch.
After restarting the appliance, you can sit back and enjoy a properly functioning fridge.
