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A Benimar that no longer cools on all three power sources usually points to an empty or faulty 12V supply to the circuit board.
A Benimar that no longer cools on any power source usually has an interrupted 12V supply to the electronic control. In these campers, it is typically Dometic or Thetford absorption fridges, whose circuit board needs continuous 12V, even on 230V or gas. So start by measuring the 12V connection on the fridge and check the fuse. Only then do the heating element or a dirty gas burner come into play.
The exact cause depends on the type of fridge and the power source used. Sometimes a simple reset or cleaning is sufficient, but equally a circuit board or cooling unit may be faulty.
Benimar has been installing absorption refrigerators from Dometic and Thetford for years. These run on 12V while driving, on 230V when hooked up, and on gas when you are off-grid. If the refrigerator does not work on any power source, there is a good chance that the cooling unit itself is faulty or that the electronics are no longer sending a signal. If it works on one source, the problem lies with that specific power supply.
Start with a simple test: set the refrigerator to 230V with a working power connection. Does the back wall of the refrigerator get warm? Then the heating element is working. If not, measure whether there is voltage on the element's plug. For 12V operation, the motor should be running and the leisure battery must supply sufficient voltage (at least 12.5V). On gas, you should hear a soft hissing flame and the flue should get warm. A common cause with Thetford refrigerators is a dirty burner or a blocked gas nozzle, especially after winter storage.
For a complete step-by-step guide per energy source, we refer you to our general explanation about a camper refrigerator that is not working. There you can also read how to test simple things yourself without expensive equipment.
A new thermistor or a cleaned gas burner typically costs between 50 and 150 euros including labour. A replacement heating element (230V or 12V) is usually between 80 and 200 euros. If the circuit board is faulty, expect to pay 250 to 500 euros. A new cooling unit is rarely worthwhile: it often costs more than 1,500 euros, excluding installation. Also bear in mind that a camper older than ten years is more likely to warrant an economic assessment.
If you are unsure whether the repair is still worthwhile, selling your Benimar could be a sensible choice. We buy campers in any condition, even with a faulty refrigerator. Find out how much your motorhome is still worth via our page on the market value of your motorhome or go directly to selling your Benimar.
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Have your Benimar valued for free. We buy your camper in its current condition, even with a faulty fridge. Request a no-obligation valuation today.
