What is this, reefer, no power

[Mikec557]

Does anyone know what this folded over thing is? It's on the back of the Dometic reefer 8cf 2 door. There's a model number CU826E in the outside compartment. I don't want to open the door because it's full and power has been off for 16+ hours.

12v in the rest of the trailer (2019 reflection 29RS) works fine. Lithium batteries show 13.4v.

There is 12v to the terminal block (13.4v everywhere I say 12). There is continuity thru the over heat push button device on the chimney.

But, there is no continuity from the 12+ on the terminal block that runs to the object in the picture and then on to the over heat device on the chimney. If I had to guess, I would guess the object in the picture is some sort of thermocoupler that has opened, preventing 12+ from going to the chimney device and then onward to the circuit board. That's the white plug in the 2nd pic. I cannot easily pull that white plug off to measure for voltage there.

1. What is it in the picture, and is it supposed to be normally open or normally closed?

2. Is that white plug simply push-pull on or is there some small place to depress and pull that I can't see? When I pull on it the circuit board bends outward so I stop pulling.

3. I know it's probably a safety device but what is the downside to bypassing the folded object until I can find a replacement, given that I don't know what it is until I cut it out and unwrap it?

4 other thoughts?

PS the eyebrow board lights are all off. No 12v to be found on it's end of the cable, and no 12v to be found on the circuit board where that 5 wire (6 prong) connector plugs into the circuit board. I think that's to be expected given that the white plug is not delivering 12v to the circuit board.




Thanks
Mike

[Mikec557]

Update

While waiting for input from others I decided to pull that folded up device out where I could look at it. I slid the sheathing off enough to expose "it", as you can see in the picture. It is definitely a thermocoupler and it is now in the open position.

While we've had 90+ degree days, it really hasn't been that hot. I should add the reefer has been on, either 120v or propane, for about 5 months. Maybe that device just went bad.

I'll try to find one on the internet.

Still, what do you think about bypassing it until I find a replacement?

[gbkims]

Several questions about this thermal fuse on FR forum.
Temporary Bypass: http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ge-191711.html

dometic thermofuse site:forestriverforums.com
https://www.dyersonline.com/dometic-...bly-7-9cf.html

[Mikec557]

Several questions about this thermal fuse on FR forum.
Temporary Bypass: http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ge-191711.html

dometic thermofuse site:forestriverforums.com
https://www.dyersonline.com/dometic-...bly-7-9cf.html

Thanks Gene. I'll go take a look. I just opened it up to see what I can learn, and sure enough. It's a thermocoupler stuck in the open position. I'll definitely buy a couple spares. Now off to forest river folks to see what they say. Thanks again.

[Mikec557]

I'll post a follow up when I get this repaired but this looks like the right one. Questions and reviews both indicate they used this to fix their Dometic rv reefer. Five pieces for about $7.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06W2K6Z81#Ask

Mike

[Wicked ace]

Here is link to the service manual. It might help identifying and locating things in the back. Have you checked the fuses on the control board?
http://www.fourwheelcampers.com/NewD...atorManual.pdf

[Mikec557]

Here is link to the service manual. It might help identifying and locating things in the back. Have you checked the fuses on the control board?
http://www.fourwheelcampers.com/NewD...atorManual.pdf

Wicked Ace
Thank you, that will be very helpful.

[Mikec557]

So, we've relocated from the Walmart boondock where we discovered the reefer was dead. We had just finished boondocking 3 nites at a bowling alley (don't laugh) in Evanston WY. They're part of Boondockers Welcome. We ran the reefer on propane for 4 days and some of those days were 100 degree days, and always with the sun pounding that side of the camper. .

The first parts I found, link above, were cheap enough at 5 for $7, but they'd take 10 days to get here and we're on our way to Moab and beyond. So I ordered a pack of 10 for $14 because they can get here in 2 days.

In the mean time we're at a UT state campground with full hookups. I bypassed the thermal fuse and we're now running the fridge on 120v.

More to come when my parts get here.

Here's a temp pics...




Mike

[Wicked ace]

did you try running on gas with the fuse bypassed? Just asking because that proves the fuse at fault.

[Mikec557]

did you try running on gas with the fuse bypassed? Just asking because that proves the fuse at fault.

No, didn't try that. Now that the reefer is cooled down again I'll give that a try today.