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A Laika fridge that no longer cools on any power source usually points to a faulty circuit board or a failed thermocouple.
A Laika fridge that no longer cools on any power source usually points to a faulty circuit board or a failed thermocouple. Sometimes only the burner is blocked or the 12V supply is interrupted. A specialist camper technician can quickly determine the exact cause using a multimeter and a gas test.
With a Laika, the exact diagnosis depends on the built-in fridge brand and the year of manufacture, but the basic checks are similar. Budget 250 to 450 euros for replacing a circuit board, and 80 to 150 euros for a thermocouple, excluding labour.
Laika has been building mostly absorption refrigerators from Dometic and Thetford for years. These run on three power sources: 12V while driving, 230V on the campsite, and gas for off-grid use. If your refrigerator does not cool on any source, this often points to a problem in the electronic control or an empty coolant circuit.
Start with a systematic check per power source. Does the refrigerator work on gas but not on 12V or 230V? Then the chances are high that a heating element or its fuse is defective. Does it work on 230V but not on gas? Then look at the gas burner, the thermocouple, or the gas pressure. A common issue with Dometic refrigerators in Laikas from the mid-2000s is a faulty ignition unit or a circuit board that has taken in moisture.
Some typical points to check per brand:
For a complete step-by-step plan per power source, we would like to refer you to our general explanation about a camper refrigerator that does not work. There you can read how to test the basics yourself and when it is better to call in a professional.
The costs depend heavily on the fault. A new thermocouple or a replacement heating element usually costs between 50 and 150 euros, including labour. A new circuit board for a Dometic or Thetford can go up to 300 to 500 euros. If the cooling unit itself is leaking, the bill can quickly rise to over 1000 euros, because the entire cooling circuit has to be replaced. On an older appliance, that is often no longer economically viable.
Are you in doubt whether a repair is still worthwhile? Then first have a diagnosis done by a camper technician. Sometimes the investment is better spent on a younger motorhome. You can also always sell your Laika and use the proceeds for a model with a properly working refrigerator. Would you like to know what your motorhome is still worth? Then check our explanation about the market value of a motorhome.
Frequently asked questions
If the repair turns out too expensive or you've had enough, we'll be happy to take your Laika off your hands. Request a free and non-binding valuation today.
