alanlindaclare Posted January 27, 2016 Share Posted January 27, 2016 Hi, for some reason although my fridge is working on 240volt & 12volt when on the move, I cannot light it using gas. It sounds like the switch is working, but if just won't ignite Any of your thoughts would be appreciated Thanks Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbo Posted January 27, 2016 Share Posted January 27, 2016 How old is your fridge and has it been serviced recently ? First check if the igniter is clicking by removing the outside vent cover and listening. If the igniter appears to be working OK then it could be a variety of other reasons. Assuming gas is getting to the appliance, it could be a blocked jet, failed thermocouple or soot falling down the chimney and blocking the burner unit. If any of these, then perhaps best to get it serviced unless you feel competent to do it yourself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanlindaclare Posted January 27, 2016 Author Share Posted January 27, 2016 Thanks for the quick reply. Yes it is clicking I can hear that from inside the van. As for your other thoughts, I will have a closer look Thanks again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billggski Posted January 27, 2016 Share Posted January 27, 2016 There is a 15 minute delay to prevent the fridge switching to gas when you stop for fuel. It could be that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanlindaclare Posted January 27, 2016 Author Share Posted January 27, 2016 Thanks for that, didn't realise there is a delay. However, mine won't light when it has been unused for 24 hours or more Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david lloyd Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 The only time we had this problem it was a failed thermocouple - certainly best practice to have the fridge serviced every so often but it doesn't routinely get done on the habitation service which is when we found out to ask for it to be done as a specific item. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanlindaclare Posted January 28, 2016 Author Share Posted January 28, 2016 Thanks David, I am taking the van in today to the company that does the service. I assumed the fridge was part of that, but I will ask the question Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wints Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 Had an episode of fridge not lighting on gas a few months ago...lots of clicking from the igniter, but no flame. Cleaned the flue, jet, burner etc..still no flame. Followed the gas pipe upstream of the jet and found the gas valve (at back of fridge) wasn't opening...gave it a few gentle taps with a hammer then heard and felt the valve open (wife operating controls in van of course), and everything working as it should. So, check that valve, and have your sledgehammer at the ready !! Allen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
veletron Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 If not recently serviced then its possibly a blocked 'orifice'. If you are handy DIY wise then you can fix this yourself Disclaimer! - If in doubt take it to a professional! 1) Isolate the gas supply at the bottle/tank, and open the taps/light the burners on the stove to empty the pipework. Close em when the flame goes out! 2) Isolate the 12V supply at the LB 3) remove the fridge lower cover 4) Take a photo to aid re-assembly 5) Remove the inner cover from the burner noting orientation 6) Loosen and remove the burner from the gas supply pipe - you might find it easier to undo the pipe as it leaves the gas-supply control-solenoid rather than at the burner. 7) Release the thermocouple/igniter cables at the opposite end to the thermocouple (eg the plastic box), noting where they came from. 8) Whichever way you remove it, take care not to loose the 'orifice' (Jet), this is in the manifold as the pipe enters the burner. When you undo the pipe and then upturn and tap the burner it should drop out 9) Get some isoprop alcohol in a dish and submerse the entire burner and also the orifice, agitate it occasionally, leave it soaking for a couple of hours then let it dry. Treat the orifice gently, it is a precision part. 10) While you are waiting, get the top vent cover off the fridge and dis-assemble the top of the chimney 11) If fitted, remove the spiral exhause-gas combiner/heat shield thingy - it will be hanging inside the chimney on a hook. 12) Obtain a fish tank hose cleaner - these have a brush on the end of a long 'spring' - see amazon 13) Check brush is secure(!) working from top stick it down the pipe, do the same from the bottom, dont get it stuck! Clean the inside of the chimney top that you removed above, re-assemble, don't forget the spiral thingy! 14) Vacuum any debris from the lower fridge vent base 15) re-insert the orafice (the right way around! - checking the hole is clear), and assemble the pipework with (a small amount of) jointing compound on the threads. Tighten everything up, replace the inner cover, but do not yet connect the thermocouple wires, do not replace outer vent. 16) Turn on the gas, turn on the 12V, check cooker will light 17) Stick some leak detection fluid on the pipe where it enters the solenoid and where it enters the burner 18) Stick the fridge on Gas - it wont light, but the solenoid will open while it tries to light, check for leaks, keep naked flames well away! 19) turn off the fridge 20) re-connect the thermocouple/igniter wires 21) Test the fridge and replace external vents. On my old van I did this as a part of my DIY yearly hab service (I ain't paying a dealer for a hab service! - most of them don't even service the fridge!). New van might be a challenge as burner is not as accessible. Text above is based on the fridge in my prev Tribute 650 - your van will differ! As ever, if in doubt, get a professional to do it! You can usually get the entire burner assembly replaced at most outdoor shows - for around £100 There is, however no law that states that you MUST be gas-safe certified to work on your MH (the gas-safe rules are for domestic/business dwellings). Nigel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 Billggski - 2016-01-27 4:06 PM There is a 15 minute delay to prevent the fridge switching to gas when you stop for fuel. It could be that! The safety-delay only applies if a 3-way fridge has 'automatic-energy-selection' and the feature is in operation. I think Alan’s motorhome is a Wildax “Solaris” panel-van conversion (I’m not sure of its year of manufacture) and that the fridge will be a Thetford 90litre or 100litre capacity model. It should be evident from the fridge’s User Manual which model it is and whether it has automatc-energy-selection. If it has, the safety-delay should be mentioned in the Manual. (It’s certainly mentioned in my Thetford fridge’s Manual that also provides some basic trouble-shooting guidance.) Although Thetford and Dometic fridges cool using similar principles, the fine detail of servicing them will differ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanlindaclare Posted January 28, 2016 Author Share Posted January 28, 2016 Many thanks for your excellent replies, but as I said earlier I took the van in today & it was repaired in about 10 minutes! Not really certain what it was, but some kind of connection that had unscrewed. Now everything running. Thanks again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayF Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 If you turn the gas off for a couple days and get this problem, you definitely want to do a thorough leak check. If it is after a couple weeks, it is probably normal. Just light the stove first and wait for a good, stable flame. The fridge may not light on the first try, but will light much quicker than this time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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