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Subject Topic: Thetford Fridge Error 6
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PersonThird
28/10/2018 at 4:30pm
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Hi,

I have a Thetford N3000 Fridge that was showing Error 6 and won't now run on 12v, having made sure it was getting all the right voltages to the fridge terminals I followed the Error chart from Thetford that states "Error code 6 Senses gas output terminal ON when should be OFF" with the fix of "Replace the power Board" so £150 poorer I carried out the fairly simple task of replacing the board with a new one. Powered the Fridge back up and still have an Error code 6 :(.
Any thoughts would be much appreciated.


Persontango55
29/10/2018 at 12:32am
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You can't run a fridge on 12 volt power unless the caravan is connected up to the towing vehicle which then runs from the vehicle's 12 volt electrics which is distributed from the alternator.
That's probably why you have an error code because a fridge operated direct from a leisure battery would flatten it in a very short time so the only options are to power the fridge either by gas or mains electric.


PersonThird
29/10/2018 at 7:41am
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Thanks for the reply, sadly this is with the engine running and voltage showing on both the 12v feed and the alternator charging lines to the fridge. Both showing 14v nominal. The Fridge is in a motorhome.


PersonGERONA
04/11/2018 at 9:11am
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Try the multi block connection mine was corroded when pulled apart.


PersonThird
10/11/2018 at 6:52pm
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So a bit of an update as the problem is interesting, given I have replaced the board I started to suspect the gas valve which is after-all the error being reported (error 6) but as the fridge runs on 240V it eliminated that. If left on 12v the fridge cycles between briefly appearing to run and then back to error 6 with a clicking from a solenoid on the PCB. Now it is possible that the PCB I replaced has the same full but is unlikely (as it was new) so the only other component in play is the 12v heater element so while it was cycling I unplugged the element and the fridge stopped cycling and stayed on error6 which was interesting. So I have concluded its either the element or the power feed. As the power feed checks out right to the PCB I have ordered a replacement heater element, if that fails then it might be the power breaking down under load but that seems unlikely. I will update the thread as this progresses but any thoughts from anyone welcome. Also does anyone have a UK number for Thetford technical support (just in case I completely run out of ideas :) )


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Personblueexpo97
11/11/2018 at 6:37am
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Although not Thetford direct, which is practically impossible to get a UK number, here is a link for someone who sells them and at the top right of the home page has a Technical Advice phone number.

Hope this helps.

-------------
XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.


Personmarg6
11/11/2018 at 3:36pm
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although you tried it with the engine running, if the revs are only on tick over then the relay wont have kicked in for the power to be supplied, normally that happens around 1200 revs, it makes no difference whether we are talking motorhome or caravan the principle is the same as its the same fridge that gets fitted


PersonBrian T
via mobile 11/3/2019 at 6:53pm
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Hi .as I have same problem same fridge error 6 and not working when running on 12v could you tell me if you got this problem sorted out and if so how! Could you tell me how and where to check for 12 v at the back of fridge (vents) would be grateful for any help. Thanks Brian


Personwigelywoo
via mobile 18/8/2019 at 3:24pm
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Third
Did you solve this issue with the fridge?
Thank you


PersonThird
18/8/2019 at 10:01pm
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Yes I did fix it but it took a long time to work it out....dodgy 12v relay was allowing some current - so I would see 12v on the meter but clearly not enough amps to run the fridge.

Next time the 1st thing I would do was make sure I had a solid power feed. In hindsight the clicking was the give-away - enough current detected to start activating heater but immeadiately not enough amps to run it so it clicked off again.

Relay was under the bonnet.


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Personharold52
25/8/2019 at 12:30pm
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Hi Where exactly is the relay under the bonnet? There must be a 20amp fuse somewhere...any ideas


PersonGrad
via mobile 17/10/2020 at 2:18pm
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Hi.
I have exactly the same problem with my Thetford fridge not operating on 12 and the clicking in and out from the control panel. I have removed the control panel and checked the fuses and both were OK. After reading about your experience I am reluctant to buy a a panel that may not resolve the issue. Could you tell me if your MH was based on a Fiat chassis and where the faulty delay was located. Was it within the Fiat engine fuse box or something added by the manufacturer. Your help would be greatly appreciated.


PersonGrad
via mobile 17/10/2020 at 2:22pm
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Hi Harold.
Did you ever manage to locate the relay?
My MH is based on a Fiat Ducato and I have the exact same problem.
Searching for a solution.


PersonThird
17/10/2020 at 4:39pm
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On my Fiat Ducatto Autotrail The Relay was in a group of three relays under the bonnet towards the back on the left hand side.


PersonGrad
26/10/2020 at 1:14pm
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Fridge fault update.
The problem is now solved .
After checking every single fuse on the vehicle including fuses in the panel inside the RH door pillar I found no faults.
I also discovered that my Chausson 510 has no additional underbonnet fuses or relays.
I had previously stripped out and checked the fridge control panel and found no issues with the fridge. I had also tested the fridge with power from a spare leisure battery to confirm that it would run , and it did.
I then disconnected the van leisure battery and checked out the CBE DS300 distribution panel . I traced the fridge power lead to a 6 pin connection block and when I pulled out the connector I could see some minor discoloration of the terminal of the brown lead at terminal 3, looking like that it had maybe arced & heated up at some time and that had affected the contact . No real damage as far as I could see .A quick clean up of the contacts in the block and after re connecting everthing is now functioning correctly .
I'm no auto electrician but the whole experience has taught me a lot about the layout of my electric system and whiled away a few hours


Personjoe1364
07/12/2020 at 5:29pm
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Hi Grad,
Where is the 6 pin connection block, is this behind the fridge freezer or somewhere else.



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