Norcold N822 Refrig - Need Help Fast - Not Working

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winnie32v

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 17, 2012
Posts
182
My Norcold just went to about 47 - 48 degrees F in the frig AND NO Freezing in the freezer.

Any suggestions, please.
I have the temp control on the highest setting.
Also tried Both elect as well as propane - no difference.

I will try to check out the fuses AM today.

I would appreciate any help as what to look for.
Thanks.


 
Check around the outside at the back for any yellow residue. If found this might indicate a coolant leak. Have you had any of the Norcold recalls carried out? If so, one of the recall components found in the back is designed to cut the fridge off if it detects a problem. This component has had a very high failure rate reported here and should be replaced.

But... only a dealer can obtain the part and replace it unfortunately.  I believe this component has a red light on it and (not sure of this but..) is lighted if it has been activated.  Some have simply bypassed it successfully while seeking help.
 
A warm freezer almost surely indicates a failed cooling unit - the freezer gets whatever cooling is available before any part of the main fridge.  If the interior light comes and and the controls work, you probably have 12v power to the fridge, so not a supply fuse. There are some fuses on the controller circuit board too and those are worth checking. Probably ok, though.

I am not aware of any recall that applies to the Norcold N822, but you can verify that at Norcold's recall site.
http://www.norcoldrecall.com/

You can read or download a Norcold service manual here:
http://bryantrv.com/docs2/docs/ncoldnnewnseries.pdf
 
Update:
Checked for any recalls on my unit and found none...so that's good.

After some brainstorming here at the camp, (way to much to list here...some very good engineering considerations.....) I took a wooden end of a hammer and gently tapped the cooling tubes ..as many as I could reach AND placed a small 110v cooling fan in the outside access opening so as to push some extra air up over the cooling tubes and out the roof vent.

Set my temp control on #6 and I now have a frig temp of 36F and ice in the freezer.
I haven't seen this in a long time.

I also was sent the Service Manual for this unit so I can now check all of the service codes as well as perform complete troubleshooting of the unit.
Looks like I'll have a busy day tomorrow, depending on how the temp holds through the night.

I will update this thread as things progress.
Thanks for all of the input and concern.
 
Sounds like you loosened a clog in the cooling unit. That's good news, except that clogs have a way of re-forming, since the root cause probably hasn't gone away. Could be a few days, or could be a few years... Best of luck and let us know how things go.
 
Gary RV Roamer said:
Sounds like you loosened a clog in the cooling unit. That's good news, except that clogs have a way of re-forming, since the root cause probably hasn't gone away. Could be a few days, or could be a few years... Best of luck and let us know how things go.

Thanks Gary,
The problem did go away for about a day then came back.
To be sure of a cooling system problem, the thermistor was disconnected to allow for maximum cooling from a "good" system.Result.....would not cool.
So, a new refrig was ordered and is scheduled to be installed tomorrow.

I will be stripping the old unit of all usable parts.
There must be a use for these items somewhere.

Next post in a few days to let all know how the new unit is working.

Thanks again.
 
Gary RV Roamer said:
New fridge or a new cooling unit for the old one? Usually cheaper to just replace the cooling unit.

I did evaluate the option of just replacing the cooling unit, but I was given a reduced price for the complete unit. Considering the extra labor for removing the old cooler and re-installation vs the 'drop in' of a new unit w/ less labor, I spent about $200 more and have a complete new unit with the upgrades.

Also, the door 'skins' or panels were able to be swapped out so I saved about $100 there.

This was a personal decision, my wife is happy with the 'new' unit (+++++) and I have a level of confidence with the new install, w/ warranty, etc.
Maybe I blew $200, maybe not.  We're more confident in a complete new install, so I guess that covers the added expense.

COMMENT:  We all learn as we repair things....If I had to do this again, I know I am now capable of doing this on my own.  I actually 'helped' them with the install so I know exactly what it takes.

Also, I totally scavenged ALL removable parts from the old unit....Shelving & door containers, Circuit board, elect, heating element, ignitor, gas valve, handles, gas orifice....etc., all functional. 
I may be able to sell these and easily recoup my 'extra' cost.

If anyone needs these items for a Norcold N822, please let me know. I think most of these parts are universal.........

After running the unit on electric overnight at setting #6, the refrig temp is ~34 - 34.5F.

Looks like we can empty the cooler/ice and get back to normal.

Thanks to all for your concern and responses.
 
Gary

Our N822 just died with a AC HE error. I'm guessing it is the control board. Do you still have the spares? How much? You can contact me at 7192859494. Thanks.
 
You probably don't need a circuit board - AC HE is almost surely just a failed heating element. That code means the circuit to the electric heating element is open, which generally means the element has burned out. Your fridge should work fine in propane mode until you can get it fixed.

Get a new element - it's not worth it to install a used one.
 
bysky1000 said:
Gary

Our N822 just died with a AC HE error. I'm guessing it is the control board. Do you still have the spares? How much? You can contact me at 7192859494. Thanks.

Hummmmmmmmmmmm
Please check if your refrig will work on propane.
If yes, then the board is probably OK and the issue is likely an electric heating element.  These are easy to replace.  The one I removed from my unit is OK.
Also, if you can get the cover off of the board, ensure that the fuses are ok (one 5a glass one and one 5a automotive blade fuse)  Just for peace of mind.

Let us know how you make out and we can go from there.

 
bysky1000 said:
Gary

Our N822 just died with a AC HE error. I'm guessing it is the control board. Do you still have the spares? How much? You can contact me at 7192859494. Thanks.

So, can you give us an update?
 
Do you still have parts for the Norcold N822 - I need a freezer door or liner.  Thanks.
 
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