chescold not working

Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009 at 21:09

ThreadID: 73835 Views:3344 Replies:7 FollowUps:2

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Member - shane (SA)

I have a chescold fridge/freezer that has stopped working on 12/240V, works fine on gas.
Is there a serviceable part that may need replacing? If so how do I check it?

Thanks shane.

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Reply By: Richard Kovac - Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009 at 21:44

Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009 at 21:44

Shane

turn it upside down, leave it for 15 min, turn back over plug in and try.

I payed someone $80.00 to find that out. have had to do it twice now and has never mist a beat.

Cheers

Richard

AnswerID: 391666

Follow Up By: Richard Kovac - Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009 at 23:00

Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009 at 23:00

whoops should have read your post better. it works on gas... :-(

FollowupID: 659612

Reply By: GerryP - Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009 at 22:03

Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009 at 22:03

Hi Shane,

If it works on gas, then it sounds like the refrig system is OK. I would be checking the electric heating element(s). It may have two - one for 240 and another for 12 volt, although it is possible it has only one connected to both via some circuitry - don't know the fridge workings at all, but certainly sounds like a bung element problem to me.

Cheers
Gerry

AnswerID: 391671

Reply By: Goldfind (Dunsborough) - Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009 at 22:18

Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009 at 22:18

I had the same problem recently, I found that the dinky little 12 volt connection at rear of fridge had become disconnected. I had to pull the exterior switch out and reconnect the wire in behind the metal cover piece.
The 12 volt plastic connector protrudes out from the rear of the unit about 30mm and is prone to getting knocked around by other items stored around it

I have had no problems since, however I keep a close watch on this 12 volt plug

cheers Wayne

AnswerID: 391674

Reply By: Member - Murray R (VIC) - Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009 at 22:35

Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009 at 22:35

Shane
If you have a multi meter you can check the two elements using the ohms reading. Switch the meter to omhs and place the probes across the two pins for the 12 volt lead and you should have a reading of 2-3 ohms. If not the element is open circiut and needs replacing. Do the same test on the two 240v plugs active pins and the reading should be higher but not sure what reading. It can also be the thermostat as some fridges have a duel voltage thermostat [both 12v &240v inputs], this can be checked if you pull the back off the fridge. If in doubt take it to fridge repairer.

Hope this helps
Murray

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AnswerID: 391681

Reply By: Member - daz (SA) - Thursday, Nov 19, 2009 at 08:49

Thursday, Nov 19, 2009 at 08:49

Dario Caravans service the chescold will set you back around $120

Daz

AnswerID: 391718

Reply By: Member - shane (SA) - Thursday, Nov 19, 2009 at 20:36

Thursday, Nov 19, 2009 at 20:36

Thanks for all replies, will check it out.

cheers Shane.

AnswerID: 391819

Follow Up By: ozwasp - Saturday, Nov 21, 2009 at 01:46

Saturday, Nov 21, 2009 at 01:46

Hi mate

I would say it would work on 12V, but have you tested it?

As written ainby others above, there are 2 elements - the 240V and the 12V. The 12V element is wired straight through, so it does not go through the thermostat, where as the 240V goes through the thermostat.

Also as mentioned by others, if it works on gas then the refrigeration system is intact (they can only really faulter if they corrode or they get punctured, but may need turning upside down after storage).

Because of this, I would conclude that it's a faulty 240V element (pretty certain) - but it might be worth testing prior to spending $120 on a new one.

There are relatively easy to replace, however just remember to keep the same polarity and repack the insulation arounf the flu.

Goodluck

FollowupID: 659929

Reply By: greenextreme - Thursday, Nov 26, 2009 at 18:27

Thursday, Nov 26, 2009 at 18:27

Sounds like the heater element. They don't like sudden movements [jolts, shaking] when in use or immediately after switching off [i.e. when still hot].
I replaced mine fromhttp://www.caravansplus.com.au cost around $120 delivered via post. Took 30 minutes to remove flue / insulation / heater element and replace with new. Easy job. Works well now.

AnswerID: 392736