I was hoping for a Dometic model number or type. Is it a "3-way" model, i.e. has 120 VAC, LPG and 12 VDC cooling modes? If so, is the problem only in 12V mode? That would suggest the 12V heating element is shorted out.
If not a 3-way model (only has LPG and 120 VAC cooling), there are oly the two things I mentioned earlier that use 12V power, so one or the other must be bad. I'm wondering if the light goes out when you close the door - we have a Dometic that had that problem. Never blew a fuse but it was tough to cool with that constant heat source inside. They never figured out why the door didn't push the light switch all the way to the off position, so we added a shim to the striker that pushes the switch and now it goes off. You could try removing the light bulb and see if the fuse blows again. That would eliminate most of the possible problems with the lighting circuit. If it still blows, then it sounds like a problem with the board, since you say you have checked all wiring up to it.
Are you sure the fuse is the right size for the fridge? I note you say this is "pretty new", so I gather you haven't had the rig long. And is it new or used? In any case, the fuse could simply be undersized, even on a new rig. Check the Dometic manual - it should give a required fuse rating for the 12V input. If not, call Dometic and ask:
Phone: 1-800-544-4881
E-mail:
[email protected]
If you don't have the manual, you can get it from the www.dometicusa.com website.
And of course if the rig is new, your warranty would cover repairs at any place that has Dometic authorized service - the fridge has its own warranty and is
not tied to the brand of RV or its dealer network. I think Dometic gives a 3 year warranty, but check with them first to make sure it is covered.
