Why Is Norcold RV Refrigerator Not Cooling? (Causes & Fixes)

Electric items may malfunction anytime and are no exception for Norcold RV refrigerators. Similar to all RV refrigerators, they are not completely resistant to breakdown. The most common problem is the Norcold RV refrigerator not cooling.

Most often, it happens because of some defective components. The unleveled cooling unit and problems in the compressor and condenser coils are the prime reasons for the issue. The fixation method requires troubleshooting these components. 

Continue reading to learn the troubleshooting process.

Why is My Norcold RV Refrigerator Not Cooling? Solutions also Discussed

If you need help with your Norcold RV refrigerator, there could be a few common reasons why it’s not cooling. I discussed the reasons, troubleshooting process, and fixations in this section.

Reason #01: Unleveled Cooling Unit

Due to the unleveled cooling unit, the refrigerator coolant fails to flow through the coils and perform appropriately. It happens because of the unavailability of sufficient cooling in the refrigerator.

If the appliance stays unleveled for at least half an hour, the cooling unit will be damaged. In the worst case, you will be unable to repair it.

If you have been experiencing a cooling problem for many days, you might need to replace the refrigerator.

The below steps describe how to level your RV refrigerator.

Step 01: Buy an automatic hydraulic leveler. Put it on the freezer shelf.

Step 02: Now, start adjusting the refrigerator. Make sure the liquid at the center of the leveler is leveled correctly.

Step 03: Using power jacks and leveling blocks might require to level the truck camper.

Step 04: Small pieces of wood will be a good choice to be used as levelers. Ensure checking the level whenever adjusting.

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

Reason #02: Compressor Problem

The compressor compresses and pushes the refrigerant through the condenser coils. This coolant absorbs the heat from the items available inside the refrigerator. As a result, the interior remains cool.

If you notice that the RV refrigerator is not cooling while you have a functional cooling fan, be sure the problem is with the compressor.

Step 01: Turn the refrigerator power supply off and unplug it.

Step 02: Take out the refrigerator from the wall. Find out the compressor. It is a compact and cylindrical component having cords attached to the refrigerator.

Step 03: Locate the start relay. Check whether it is working perfectly.

Step 04: Disconnect the start relay from the compressor. Shake it and be attentive whether you hear any sound.

What are you hearing? A defective start relay produces a rattling sound, be sure it requires replacement. While if you don’t hear such a sound, the problem is with the compressor.

Step 05: Now, unfasten the back panel. Generally, compressors are protected by a metal guard; remove it when replacing the compressor. Moreover, the compressor is connected to the suction line, capacitor-discharge, and capacitor. Disconnect the refrigerator from all these items.

Step 06: Finally, replace the compressor with the help of a professional.

Important Note:

• Replacing a compressor is expensive. In fact, buying a new refrigerator will be beneficial since it will be cost-efficient if your RV refrigerator is old

Reason #03: Issue with the Condenser Coils

The hot gas passes through the condenser coils from the compressor to the evaporator coils. During this operation, hot gas turns into a liquid while getting pushed via the coils.

If you experience a Norcold RV refrigerator not cooling, the culprit could be the malfunctioning condenser coil. The refrigerant circulation might not happen through the coils as it should due to the clogged condenser coils.

Check it by following the below steps.

Step 01: Turn the refrigerator power supply off and unplug it.

Step 02: The condenser coils are available behind the refrigerator; locate it. These coils are tube-like components interwoven with black-colored items that pass from the compressor compartment to the freezer.

Step 03: You might have seen accumulated debris in the coils. Use a vacuum brush to clean the debris.

Step 04: Then soak a clean rag in warm water. Use the rag to wipe off the surface of the coils.

Step 05: Finally, reassemble the refrigerator. Connect it to the power source. Now check if the problem is resolved.

Read Also: Why Everchill RV Fridge Not Cooling: How to Fix it?

Reason #04: Malfunction Condenser Fan

The condenser fan doesn’t run all the time. It operates only when the compressor is running. This component is responsible for keeping the compressor and condenser coils cool.

But it can malfunction and fail to cool the compressor. Thus, the compressor gets overheated and causes cooling problems in the RV refrigerator.

Find the troubleshooting process for the malfunctioning cooling fan.

Step 01: Turn the refrigerator power supply off and unplug it.

Step 02: Take out the refrigerator from the wall. This will help you access the components effortlessly.

Step 03: Check whether any obstructions are preventing the fan from spinning. If there are any obstacles, prevent them.

Step 04: If obstructions are unavailable and the fan is spinning more slowly than usual, look for any fort buildup. It would be best if you manually rotate the fan.

Step 05: Lubricate the motor’s shaft by spraying penetrating oil.

Step 06: Still facing the problem? It is high time to replace the condenser fan.

Step 07: Get a screwdriver and unfasten the screws used to support the fan. Then take the fan off the cavity.

Step 08: Remove the old motor from the mounting bracket. Install the new fan and reassemble the RV refrigerator.

Reason #05: Faulty Evaporator Fan

Another common reason RV refrigerators fail to cool is the faulty evaporator fan. The functionality of the evaporator fan is to blow air over the evaporator coil to keep it cool. When cool air fails to generate, this function fails. Consequently, the replacement of the faulty evaporator fan is required.

Below I shared the replacement procedure step-by-step.

Step 01: Turn the refrigerator power supply off and unplug it. Take all the content out of it.

Step 02: Freezer shelves and storage buckets also need to be removed. Also, the rear wall requires unfastening from the refrigerator wall.

Step 02: Pull the evaporator panel out and find out the evaporator fan. Disconnect all the cables, mounting clips, and fan blades, and uninstall the fan from the refrigerator.

Step 03: Then, connect all the wires of the new fan motor. Next, ensure proper coverage of it. After that, the fan blades need to be mounted, and use a mounting bracket to fix them.

Step 04: Last, get the screws that you removed earlier and fit the fan back. Reinstall the whole appliance.

Read Also: Why Everchill RV Refrigerator Light Blinking: How to Fix it?

Maintenance Tips to Ensure Proper Cooling of the Norcold RV Refrigerator

When maintained properly, you will get many years of efficient service from an RV appliance. The Norcold RV refrigerator is also no exception. Here are a few maintenance tips.

• Avoid keeping your RV refrigerator directly under sunlight. The interior will have difficulty staying cool if the outside temperature exceeds 85 degrees.
• Don’t open the refrigerator door frequently. Also, don’t keep the door open for a long time. Usually, RV refrigerators take a long time to recover their coolness. When the outside is warm, it can take at least 1 hour to regain the coolness it lost.
• Avoid overloading the refrigerator with stuff. Keep some room inside the refrigerator. This will ensure cool air circulation.
• Don’t store hot food or drinks in the freezer. Leave them outside to cool down. Once the food temperature reaches room temperature, store them inside.
• Don’t turn the RV refrigerator off unless there is no food. If there is no food and you haven’t used the refrigerator for some days, turn it on for at least 24 hours before using it.

Read Also: Why Unique Propane Fridge Won’t Stay Lit: How to Fix it?

Wrap Up

Norcold RV refrigerator not cooling is a common problem. Solving these issues by yourself is possible if you have basic knowledge about the refrigerator. Otherwise, I recommend calling a professional.