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A Rimor whose fridge no longer responds to any power source often points to a power cut or a faulty control module.
A Rimor whose fridge no longer responds to any power source often points to a power cut or a faulty control module. In these motorhomes, it's usually a Dometic or Thetford fridge, where a faulty circuit board, a worn thermocouple or a blocked gas burner are the usual suspects. A systematic check per power source will reveal the cause most quickly.
Not every fault is equally serious: sometimes it's a simple fuse or a dirty burner, but in other cases a costly module replacement is needed. We list the most common causes and realistic costs.
Rimor has been building refrigerators from the two major brands for years: Dometic and Thetford. Both types work on the same absorption principle and have three energy sources: 12V (while driving), 230V (on the campsite) and gas (off-grid). If your refrigerator no longer cools on any source, this usually points to a central problem, such as a faulty control unit or a leak in the cooling circuit. If it still works on one source, it is often a specific component of that source.
Always start with the simplest checks: is the refrigerator level? An absorption refrigerator works poorly or not at all if the motorhome is tilted. Then check the fuses (both in the motorhome and on the refrigerator itself) and the 12V supply. For gas operation, a common cause is a blocked burner or a worn thermocouple, which prevents the flame from igniting or causes it to go out immediately. For 230V operation, the heating element can burn out; that is a relatively cheap part, but diagnosis requires some measuring work.
For a complete step-by-step plan per energy source, we refer you to our general explanation about a motorhome refrigerator that does not work. There you can read exactly how to check voltage, gas pressure and resistances.
With Rimor motorhomes, we see a few recurring points. For instance, the refrigerators are often mounted in a tight built-in cabinet with limited ventilation. Insufficient air circulation behind the refrigerator leads to overheating and eventually failure. So check whether the ventilation grilles are clear and whether the fan (if present) is running. Another typical issue is a faulty circuit board, especially in Dometic models with an electronic display. That circuit board controls the switching between energy sources; if it is broken, the refrigerator no longer responds to anything. The cost of such a circuit board is usually between 200 and 400 euros, excluding installation.
The gas pressure regulator of the motorhome itself can also throw a spanner in the works. If the gas flame is too small or flickers, measure the pressure at the gas line. A new pressure regulator costs a few tens of euros and is often easy to replace yourself. If in doubt, a visit to a motorhome technician is wise: they can give a quick answer with a manometer and a multimeter.
The costs depend heavily on the part. A new thermocouple or cleaning the burner often costs less than 100 euros. A heating element for 12V or 230V is usually between 50 and 150 euros. A circuit board or a complete gas burner unit can cost up to 400 euros or more. In the case of a leak in the cooling circuit, the refrigerator is usually economically a total loss: a new cooling unit quickly costs more than 1,000 euros, excluding installation. In that case, it is often wiser to consider selling the motorhome.
If you do not want the hassle or the repair costs do not outweigh the value of your motorhome, selling can be a sensible choice. We buy Rimor motorhomes, even with a faulty refrigerator. This way you avoid expensive repairs and get clarity quickly about the market value of your motorhome. Want to know more about selling your specific model? Then read our page about selling your Rimor.
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Have your Rimor valued for free. We buy motorhomes in any condition, even with a faulty fridge. Request a no-obligation valuation today.
