Evakool Ridge Ryder failure??

The fridge isn't holding temp when running on 12v and car not running. Failure light flashes, once every second or so, and also in sequence of 4 consecutive flashes. When driving this is not an issue, and when on 240v no issue. I have checked the voltage at the aux battery, the cigarette socket outlet, and through the cable connecting to the fridge. All are about 12.7v, with no apparent voltage drop. Any idea what the problem may be?
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Reply By: qldcamper - Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 05:23

Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 05:23
Sounds like the wiring to your socket is too lite as is the case with most sockets fitted standard to the rear compartments.
Voltage drop can not be measured with no loaf on the circuit.
AnswerID: 632863

Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 06:36

Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 06:36
I think Qldcamper is spot on. a single flash LED if it is a Danfoss compressor means low voltage. If the fridge isn't running then the voltage measurement won't tell you much about the wiring thickness.

It will be the wiring. Try connecting it to the battery directly.

REplace the wires with at least 6mm auto cable but preferably 8B&S if it is a long run of cable.
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Reply By: Tlax - Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 07:26

Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 07:26
Thanks for the replies. I should have added that the fridge struggles to hold temp (and fail light comes on) during the hotter part of the day. There is an appropriate open space around vents.
AnswerID: 632865

Follow Up By: Member - Bigfish - Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 08:06

Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 08:06
The hotter it gets the longer it runs. The longer it runs the more power it uses. The more power means if the supply cable is on the light side then you will experience the exact problems you are having. I use 8 b&s wiring and anderson plugs on all my fridge lead and wiring from auxillary battery...regardless if fridge is only 1 meter from the battery. Overkill but I never have power problems.

Do, as what has been suggested, and upgrade the wiring and termination plug (swap to anderson plug for a tight connection and ample power capacity to handle the fridge.

I have also added 3 x 80mm computer fans via a thermostat, that attaches to the side of my 85 litre fridge and comes on at 26 degrees to supply more air flow...thus helping to lower power consumption.
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FollowupID: 909778

Reply By: Member - McLaren3030 - Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 08:19

Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 08:19
Tlax,

As well as what has been suggested, does your fridge have a low voltage cut out? If it does, it may be able to be changed to a lower setting.Check your manual and see if it can be adjusted.

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AnswerID: 632866

Follow Up By: Tlax - Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 08:32

Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 08:32
I'm not sure if it does. There was no detailed manual provided and I can't find on online (38L Evakool Ridge Ryder Fridge Freezer)
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Follow Up By: Banjo (WA) - Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 09:04

Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 09:04
Evakool Manuals

Is your model here?
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Follow Up By: Banjo (WA) - Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 09:07

Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 09:07
35 Litre manual
Try this
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Reply By: RMD - Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 09:21

Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 09:21
Similar to other comments, the battery voltage "Cannot Be" 12.7v if the fridge is working, it must be lower when running. Only voltage tested at the circuit or as close to the internal circuit is any measure of reality WHILE the fridge is running. The highest voltage will be the battery of course and the tests along the wiring will indicate less.
Testing at either end of each wiring conductor both positive and negative lines while it is running, should show the small voltage drop in each wire. Add all the readings up and subtract that total from the voltage the battery is reading while supplying current. It will be similar to the low voltage read at the fridge entry and confirm there is not enough voltage under load..

Edit
Batteries can sometimes indicate indicate 12.7v with no load and that will read same everywhere in circuit but the battery may not be able to deliver any significant current to the load and therefore the voltage drops to below fridge threshold voltage while running. Is the battery definitely without question, good and serviceable?
AnswerID: 632867

Follow Up By: Tlax - Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 16:16

Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 16:16
It's a new lithium battery
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Reply By: Gbc.. - Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 10:44

Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 10:44
Better change the title of the post. Nothing wrong with the fridge. You need someone who knows what they are doing to supply appropriate power to it.
AnswerID: 632869

Follow Up By: RMD - Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 11:14

Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 11:14
Gbc
Yes. More of a Ridge Wireder failure.
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FollowupID: 909782

Reply By: Frank P (NSW) - Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 17:26

Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 17:26
Tlax,

You say that when driving there is no issue. One assumes from that that your fridge is getting what it needs from the vehicle alternator. It also runs fine on 240V. These both suggest your fridge is ok .

You told RMD that your battery is a new lithium and you've said it measures at 12.7V.

At 12.7V my lithium batteries are fully discharged. I imagine most LiFePO4 batteries are similar.

Is it possible that your charging system is defective and that your new battery has run flat so that it is unable to support the fridge without the car running?

From the EvaKool manual:

One flash means the fridge is cutting out because the supply voltage is outside the cutout
setting.
Check your power supply (fridge power lead and vehicle wiring) for voltage drop. (The voltage with the fridge running needs to be above 10.9 volts)

4 flashes means If the system is too heavily loaded the motor cannot maintain speed. Contact Service Agent.


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AnswerID: 632870

Follow Up By: RMD - Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 19:13

Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 19:13
Until he mentioned the Lithium battery I presumed lead acid AGM. It seems there should be significant more voltage than that for a Lithium not under load.
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Reply By: gke - Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 20:41

Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 20:41
Check for corrosion in any fuses in the12 v wiring - near battery and any at the fridge. It could be a current problem not voltage problem.I had such a problem with my Engel.
Good luck, Graham.
AnswerID: 632871

Reply By: Tlax - Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 20:50

Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 20:50
Well, it seems I was a little confused earlier today - I have been having issues with both my car and my caravan! The battery is, in fact, lead acid AGM.
AnswerID: 632872

Follow Up By: RMD - Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 22:52

Saturday, Aug 08, 2020 at 22:52
Tlax
Well, thanks for the update, in that case the battery if healthy would seem close to full charge if holding that voltage no load and the faults are as mentioned by those above. The reading at the battery while trying to run the fridge would drop a volt or so when loaded with a good charged AGM. Volts at the circuitry will be another matter.
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FollowupID: 909787

Reply By: Tlax - Monday, Aug 10, 2020 at 09:06

Monday, Aug 10, 2020 at 09:06
Well it looks like i will rewire the fridge. Anyone know of simple instructions, perhaps with diagrams, how to wire battery direct to new socket? And what parts i will need? I can find kits online but no installation guide.
AnswerID: 632891

Follow Up By: OzzieCruiser - Monday, Aug 10, 2020 at 12:18

Monday, Aug 10, 2020 at 12:18
If you don't already know, get an auto electrician to do it for you.
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FollowupID: 909810

Follow Up By: Frank P (NSW) - Monday, Aug 10, 2020 at 17:19

Monday, Aug 10, 2020 at 17:19
No reply, no thanks, post deleted.

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Follow Up By: Tlax - Wednesday, Aug 12, 2020 at 12:52

Wednesday, Aug 12, 2020 at 12:52
I've been travelling without internet for a couple of days. Thanks for advice.
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FollowupID: 909830

Reply By: robert92152 - Monday, Aug 10, 2020 at 13:51

Monday, Aug 10, 2020 at 13:51
i have had the same problem with many different fridges. as many suggest upgrade the wire to 6mm if possible. most of fridge problems come from wiring problems. we have owned a evakool fridge for 12 years and works perfect. in fact the support from evakool was excellent. try giving them a call and sort it out. good luck
AnswerID: 632893

Reply By: Swaggie - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2020 at 13:26

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2020 at 13:26
They have a crap reputation anyway...
I have the Evakool RF60 for around 12 years now and even converted it to digital, it’s been fantastic.

https://4x4earth.com/forum/index.php?threads/nevercool-60litre-fridge.45697/
AnswerID: 632911

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