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A Chausson fridge that gives up often announces itself with a silent hint: the freezer feels lukewarm while the gas flame is burning.
A Chausson fridge that gives up often announces itself with a silent hint: the freezer feels lukewarm while the gas flame is burning. So first check the voltage and the fuses, and then look per power source: with gas operation, a dirty burner or a faulty thermocouple is the classic culprit, while a fridge that no longer cools on any source usually has a faulty circuit board or a worn-out cooling unit.
Chausson typically installs absorption fridges from Dometic or Thetford, which can run on 12V, 230V and gas. The diagnosis depends heavily on which power source fails, and sometimes a repair is no longer economically viable.
Chausson campers come as standard with absorption fridges from Dometic or Thetford. These appliances operate on three power sources: 12V while driving, 230V on campsites, and gas for off-grid use. If your fridge fails, the first question is: which power source is it not working on? If it does not work on any source, this usually points to an electronic fault or an empty cooling circuit.
Known model-specific issues with Chausson: the 12V supply runs through the fridge relay in the power distribution unit, which can sometimes burn out. With Thetford fridges, a faulty circuit board is more common than with Dometic, while Dometic units are more sensitive to a dirty gas burner. Also consult our general guide to a camper fridge not working for a full step-by-step plan.
Is the fridge not working on 12V while the engine is running? First check the fridge fuse and the relay that switches on the 12V supply. Measure whether there is voltage at the fridge's 12V connection. If not, the problem is often in the power distribution unit or the wiring. If the fridge receives power but does not cool, the 12V heating element may be burnt out.
For 230V operation, check the residual current device and the fuse in the camper, and whether the fridge plug is still in the socket. Then measure the resistance of the 230V heating element; infinite resistance means a faulty element. The thermostat or the circuit board can also block 230V operation.
On gas, a fridge that does not ignite is usually due to a dirty burner or a blocked gas nozzle. If you hear a clicking ignition sound but no flame, the ignition electrode may be worn. If the flame burns briefly and then goes out, the thermocouple or the gas shut-off valve is faulty. Also check that the gas bottle is sufficiently filled and that the gas tap to the fridge is open.
Costs depend heavily on the fault. A new thermocouple or a cleaned burner typically costs between 50 and 150 euros, including labour. A new heating element or circuit board usually falls between 150 and 400 euros. If the cooling unit itself is leaking or faulty, the bill can quickly rise to 800 to 1500 euros or more, because the entire cooling circuit needs to be replaced. With an older appliance, this is often no longer economically viable.
Are you unsure whether an expensive repair is still worthwhile? Then first have the market value of your motorhome checked. Sometimes it is wiser to sell the camper and buy one with a working fridge. When selling your Chausson to a buyer, you also avoid the hassle of a private sale with a faulty appliance.
Frequently asked questions
Have the value of your Chausson calculated for free and without obligation. We buy campers, even with a faulty fridge, and handle all the paperwork for you.
