Dometic RV Fridge Not Working On Electric? Causes & Fixes

Have you noticed your Dometic RV fridge is not cooling the foods inside? It is likely that the fridge is not working on electricity, even after you have plugged it in. And this mainly happens due to internal or external issues with the fridge.

Issues with the Dometic RV fridge not working on electricity are mainly due to faulty power connectors and blown fuses. A tilted fridge and popped breaker can be equally responsible for the problem.  

Fortunately, all of these issues have easy hacks that require little advanced mechanical skill. So wave off your worries, and let’s walk you through that.

Do Dometic RV fridges run on Electricity or Propane?

RV fridges can run on both electricity and propane gas. As they are configured mainly for recreational vehicles, camping sites, and mobile living spaces, the manufacturer ensures the fridges can run on both. 

Consequently, these fridges are known as two-way fridges, as they can be powered up using electricity or propane. So, if you do not have an electric power outlet, this can work on a tank of propane gas.

For much more efficient cooling, it is better to run it on electricity. But sometimes, the fridge does not work on electricity. You will get to know the reasons in the next section.

Read Also: What Does E1 Code On Dometic Thermostat Mean: How to Fix It?

Why Does the Dometic RV Fridge Not Work on Electric?

Sometimes, the Dometic RV fridge does not power up on electricity due to internal malfunctions or external issues. Here I have listed the factors that caused the bummer –

Tilted Fridge

An RV fridge fails to work on electricity when it is not correctly aligned with the ground. 

If the fridge is unleveled or on bumpy ground, the gas inside will not circulate properly. In terms of operation, it prevents the RV from running on electricity. 

Look at the fridge if it seems tilted at an angle. If so, then the cooling system will not receive the electric power it needs to run correctly. 

However, if the front is a little higher than the back, it is not an issue. The sides should be adjusted appropriately or leveled with the ground. Or else the RV malfunctions.

Read Also: Dometic WH-6GEA Reset Button | Location & How To Reset

Power Source Issue

A Dometic RV fridge may have a hard time running if the electric connections or power source are faulty or loose. 

What I mean is, if the RV plug is not properly inserted into the power outlet, it blocks the electricity from flowing to the fridge. And without an uninterrupted power flow, the dometic RV cannot run. 

Also, if there is piled-up debris in the outlet or plug, it reduces their efficiency at work. 

Moreover, if you see any visible damage on the plug or outlet, these worn-out connectors will not be able to provide proper power to the fridge. 

Blown Fuses

RV fridge fuses are safety nets that blow or pop to prevent the fridge from overheating and other electrical damage. 

To clarify, if you use more electric power or voltage than the recommended voltage level, this can cause fire hazards or a short circuit.

And to prevent such scenarios, the fuse trips or blows. Once the fuse blows up, you may smell a burnt odor. With such a fuse, it is not possible to power up the fridge on electricity.

Popped Breaker

Breakers, or circuit breakers, serve a similar purpose to fuses. So, if the fridge receives too much heat or electricity, the breaker pops or blows off, and the fridge shuts down too. 

Fortunately, once you switch off the popped breaker and turn it on, it works again.

Read Also: What Causes Dometic Fridge Check Light On: How to Fix it?

How to Troubleshoot & Fix Dometic RV Fridge Not Working on Electric Issue?

Most of the factors that cause the RV fridge not to run on electricity have DIY hacks. And you can attempt them if you have the proper tools and basic technical skills. 

Let me teach you how to troubleshoot the issue according to the cause of the issue –

Align the Fridge

All the sides of the fridge must remain on level ground for it to receive proper electricity and perform its cooling functions. In order to level the fridge, follow the given steps –

• Park or place the fridge on a flat surface, and place leveling blocks under the low side of the fridge.
• With height-adjustable rollers, build up the height until the fridge looks level.
• Ensure the front of the fridge is not lifted more than 13 mm in height. 

• If the fridge legs are rotatable, use a screwdriver to rotate the legs until the fridge is on level ground.

Fix the Power

Fixing power sources may require a replacement or a cleaning session of the power connectors. To understand which method to follow, I’d want you to explore these steps – 

• If the connectors seem dirty, clean them right away with a clean, dry cloth. While doing so, make sure the power connection is turned off.
• Then, using a hair dryer or compressed air, blow air into the plug to remove all the dust. 
• If there is a visible gap between the outlet and the plug ends, press the plug properly into the outlet so that it does not hang loose.
• You will need to replace the plug or the outlet If they show signs of wear and tear or cracks.

Replace the Fuse

If the metal wires seem too dark or burned, it is highly likely that a fuse replacement is necessary. Because blown fuses darken the metal wires. And to replace the fuse, go through the following steps:

• Unplug the fridge from the power outlet.
• Take help from the manual to locate the panel that holds the fuse inside. Generally, you should find it in the control panel or power cord area.

• With needle-nose pliers, pull out the fuse gently.

• If it is faulty, you should see a broken wire inside the fuse. Then, install the new fuse properly.

I’d highly recommend buying a new fuse that matches the specs of the old one. Or else the replacement might not work.

What To Do If None Of The Above Fixes Works On Your Dometic Rv Fridge?

If no solution seems to work on the malfunctioning RV, it means that your fridge is almost at the end of its lifespan. And such fridges result in poor cooling systems, even if they receive proper electricity. 

In such cases, you need to go for professional maintenance. If that even fails, it is time to spend on a new Dometic RV fridge. 

Read Also: Why Is The Dometic RV Water Heater Not Working On Electric?

FAQ’s

Do you still have queries left on why your dometic rv is acting up on electricity and the troubleshooting process? Well, you are just a step away from getting more education regarding that –

Read Also: Dometic RV Furnace Troubleshooting | Fix Common Problems

Conclusion 

Sometimes, it takes time to diagnose that your Dometic RV fridge is not working on electricity. 

Because the symptoms are not significant. Hence, before it gets too late, I’d highly suggest you keep checking on the inside temperature of the fridge.

If the food’s temperature stays similar to RV or room temperature, this means the fridge is not getting enough electrical power to run. So, always compare the temperature inside out.