I need HELP!!!: Dometic refrigerator problem

Print Page | Close Window

Dometic refrigerator problem

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16126
Printed Date: 25 Jun 2025 at 10:18am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Dometic refrigerator problem

Posted By: LeonMBarnes
Subject: Dometic refrigerator problem
Date Posted: 12 Feb 2025 at 3:50pm

This is Dometic model RM 8501; getting a 15 second audible alert <beep,beep,beep...> every 2 minutes. Operations manual points to the door light switch not working. Verified the light does go out by video recording inside the fridge using my smartphone.

Anyone run into this problem before?

The door light module is $200+, trying to avoid swapping parts.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

-------------
Leon and Johanne Barnes
Adventures in Retirement

Replies:

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 12 Feb 2025 at 7:44pm

Have had that model (on my 2nd one) for 14+ years in a 177. That is one issue never encountered . . . yet. First I would check the door contact switch - pull leads and re-attach. If it weren't the dead of winter and not having to wade through nearly waist high snow to get to my unit out back I would try it myself and see if any voltage is running through those leads (with door switch "open" and then with it "closed." Run a jumper connecting the leads to see if it corrects itself. Next I would disconnect both leads from the light and then put a jumper on those leads. Wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if light didn't work, better than forking over $200 for the module. How old is your fridge? My first one died at 10 years.

-------------
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

Posted By: LeonMBarnes
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2025 at 5:44am

Hi Jim,

Thank you so much for the reply. Just as mysteriously as it started this audible alert stopped during the overnight thank God.

If I hear it again you gave me some great troubleshooting steps, THANK YOU.

The fridge is in our 2016 RPOD 178, we bought it pre-owned last November in like new condition, don't know whether or not the original fridge has been replaced however everything seems barely used.

We have a seasonal home in New Brunswick Canada, escaped the winter in January and drove south, currently in Southeast Texas, probably heading for California in March, back to the east coast in April. Spring-Summer-Fall very nice there.

How about you?

-------------
Leon and Johanne Barnes
Adventures in Retirement

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2025 at 8:20am

Beeping could have been caused by low battery power. Or, the door might not have been shut. Or, condensation may have run down the wire going to the module near the door. I put a drip-loop in that wire to keep that from happening. If you were at a spot with shore power then the converter would have been charging the battery. If that is the case, once the battery was sufficiently charged, the beeping would have stopped. If the cause was the door switch, then it dried out. In any case, it is good that the beeping stopped.

Anyway, I hope you can figure out the cause.

-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: LeonMBarnes
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2025 at 11:34am

Thanks to all for the responses and advice, very welcome and appreciated.

-------------
Leon and Johanne Barnes
Adventures in Retirement

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2025 at 10:24pm

Originally posted by LeonMBarnes

Hi Jim,

We have a seasonal home in New Brunswick Canada, escaped the winter in January and drove south, currently in Southeast Texas, probably heading for California in March, back to the east coast in April. Spring-Summer-Fall very nice there.

How about you?

Glad to hear the beeping quit. StephenH covered the likely suspects if it happens again; hopefully NOT.

We are located in northern Michigan about 80 miles south of the Mackinac Bridge near Lake Michigan. A real winter this year with about 1 meter of snow on the level, making it difficult for the deer to move about. Cold too, lots of single digit weather with lows dropping below 0F a few times. Torch Lake has even froze over, this hasn't happened in quite a few years. With shoulder replacement in two days will likely be staying closer to home than usual, last September we did a 30 day trip to Colorado, Arizona, and a small bit in Utah. Visited a lot of national parks which we like as we can utilize our batteries and enjoy boondocking off-grid. This year, is still up for grabs as far as where we may travel later in the year.

-------------
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."