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A Knaus motorhome fridge that suddenly stops cooling often shows a source-dependent fault.
A Knaus motorhome fridge that suddenly stops cooling often shows a source-dependent fault. If it fails completely on 12V, 230V and gas, this points to the power supply or the control electronics. If it only fails on one source, the corresponding heating element or gas burner is usually the culprit.
Most Knaus campers are equipped with an absorption fridge from Dometic or Thetford. These work reliably, but each energy source has its own typical wear points. A targeted diagnosis per source saves you unnecessary costs.
Knaus has been building absorption refrigerators for years from Dometic (formerly Electrolux) and Thetford. 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, it is likely that the 12V supply to the circuit board is missing or the control electronics themselves are faulty. First check the fuses and whether there is voltage at the refrigerator. Sometimes resetting the circuit board is enough: disconnect the power, wait a minute, and reconnect.
If the refrigerator only does not work on 12V, the 12V heating element is often broken. This element is located in the boiler of the refrigerator and is not expensive, but replacing it requires some disassembly. Expect roughly 100 to 200 euros including labour, depending on the model. The same applies for 230V, but then it is the 230V element. Note: some Knaus models only switch on the 12V cooling when the engine is running and the alternator is supplying sufficient voltage. A faulty D+ signal wire or a poor earth connection can therefore also be the culprit.
If the refrigerator does not work on gas, the burner is usually dirty or the gas pressure is too low. In a Knaus that has been stationary for a long time, a spider or dust can block the burner. Cleaning is often sufficient. If you hear the igniter clicking but it does not ignite, check that gas is reaching it and that the gas bottle is not empty. If the flame is yellow instead of blue, there is a combustion problem and the burner unit needs to be inspected. An annual gas check is always recommended.
Specifically for Dometic refrigerators in Knaus: models with a display can show error codes. Consult the manual in that case. With Thetford refrigerators, a faulty thermostat or a loose sensor is more common. If you are unsure about the diagnosis, read our general explanation about a camper refrigerator that does not work for more background.
The costs depend heavily on the fault. A new heating element costs between 50 and 150 euros, a new circuit board quickly 200 to 400 euros. Labour on a refrigerator is often 1 to 3 hours, at an hourly rate of 60 to 90 euros. A complete replacement of the refrigerator is usually not cost-effective unless it is a recent model. Also bear in mind that a poorly working refrigerator reduces the resale value of your motorhome. If you want to know what your Knaus is still worth, check our page on the market value of a motorhome.
Frequently asked questions
A refrigerator that doesn't work can mean an expensive repair. If you don't want to invest in an older appliance, we'll be happy to take your Knaus off your hands. Request a free, no-obligation valuation today via our page <a href="/knaus-verkopen">Selling your Knaus</a>.
