Adria fridge not working? Here's how to troubleshoot it

A fridge that doesn't cool in your Adria is annoying, but often easy to diagnose. Adria has been installing fridges from Dometic and Thetford for years, sometimes also from the brand Electrolux (the predecessor of Dometic). Each brand has its own typical ailments, but the basics remain the same: if the appliance doesn't work on any power source, then something is fundamentally wrong. If it works on gas but not on 12V or 230V, the problem is often in the power supply or the electronics.

Start with a visual check. Is the fridge level? Especially with absorption fridges (the standard in campers), a tilt of more than 3 degrees is fatal for the circulation of the coolant. Then check the fuses in the distribution board: there is often a separate fuse for the fridge on 12V. Also measure whether there is voltage on the 230V connection. For gas operation: do you hear the igniter clicking and do you smell gas? Sometimes only the burner is dirty or the thermocouple is defective.

Diagnosis per power source

• 12V: only works when the engine is running or the inverter is active. Check the fuse, the relay, and the plug connection behind the fridge. A common problem with Dometic is a defective 12V heating element.
• 230V: test with another appliance on the same socket. Measure the resistance of the 230V element; if it's open circuit, the element is broken. With Thetford fridges, the circuit board sometimes refuses to work, causing the relay not to switch.
• Gas: check that the gas tap is open and there is sufficient gas pressure. Clean the burner and the flame safety device. A weak or yellow flame indicates a dirty burner or a defective gas pressure regulator.

For a complete overview of all possible causes and solutions, we would like to refer you to our general explanation about a camper fridge that doesn't work. There we go deeper into the cooling circuit, thermostat, and specific brands.

What does a repair cost? A new heating element costs roughly between 80 and 150 euros, a circuit board quickly 200 to 400 euros, and a new burner with thermocouple around 100 euros. With an older appliance, the bill including labour hours can sometimes run up to 600 euros or more. Then consider whether investing is still worthwhile, or whether you are better off with a different solution.

Are you unsure whether the repair is still cost-effective? Don't be caught out by expensive repairs on a camper that is already getting on in years. Sometimes it is wiser to say goodbye and look at a younger second-hand model. We are happy to buy your Adria, even with a defective fridge. Feel free to request a free valuation via our page selling your Adria and discover what your motorhome is still worth on the current market for second-hand motorhomes.