I recently bought a 2006 Fiat Ducati Ci motorhome and am having issues with the 3-way fridge and would rather try to diagnose the fault before stripping it out in case the issue is not with the fridge unit itself.
The fridge seems to be a Ci model, it says Ci on the front panel but I can’t seem to find a similar one online anywhere 🤷♀️
When switching to the 230v ac setting I can see a green light on the front of the fridge but the fridge doesn’t cool down at all. When switching to the 12v dc I don’t even get a green light for this setting so I’m assuming there’s a different problem with this connection. I’ve yet to establish whether it operates ok on gas as the gas bottle is now empty but I did have it lit with the gas briefly before running out completely. I’ll need to update once I replace the gas bottle but I’m assuming the workings are maybe different from the electric components anyway but if I’m wrong please don’t hesitate to say so.
Can anyone offer any advice or let me know if I need to include any more info/photos etc. I’m also willing to get the fridge looked at by a company but am struggling to find one in Scotland so would also appreciate any recommendations
The 12v light should come on when the engine is running. 12v won’t run the fridge with the engine turned off.
I don’t know where you are in Scotland but BC Motorhomes in Prestwick do a habitation service and there are a number of mobile engineers who are members of the appropriate association. If you don’t have a recent hab service for the MH, it’s wise to get one done for peace of mind - we found our first MH had a birds nest in the gas fire flue, not good. Couldn’t use the fridge on gas as the burner was corroded and it was too destructive to take out the fridge to replace it.
Quote: Originally posted by Fiona W on 31/10/2022
I don’t know where you are in Scotland but BC Motorhomes in Prestwick do a habitation service and there are a number of mobile engineers who are members of the appropriate association.
Thanks folks, I didn’t realise that a habitation check would tell me any faults I might have with the fridge. I’m up in Aberdeenshire so will have a hunt around online for a local company up here. Thanks so much for taking the time to reply.
One last question, what is the general cost of a habitation check? I’m a fairly new motorhome owner so haven’t ever had one of these checks done before
From memory, about £300 or less. But someone will correct me. When we had a very old MH, we didn’t get it done annually, I confess. Perthshire Caravans does hab checks too, but you’ll find one more locally. Mobile engineers have an association but I can’t remember what it’s called (but as always on UKCS, someone will!)
You will find that a mobile service engineer that does habitation checks will be far cheaper than taking it to a dealer due to the fact that their overheads are much less. Plus if there are any problems they will discuss the matter with you in person whereas quite often dealers just note the details on a paper report.
Catty, welcome to the forum. I'm up in North Aberdeenshire (near Turriff).
The main dealer that comes to mind is Dyce caravans and further north, Turriff caravans or Greenbank caravans at Fisherie.
Most things on a Habitation check list can easily be done yourself, but best get qualified gas & mains electric people.
Note that on mains, the fridge will still take some time to cool down, so leave it for an hour or so. The 12Volt, as stated, only works with the engine running and more maintains the fridge temp rather than seriously cooling it. And check all the fuses. Some may be in odd places.
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Before I set off I plug in the ehu the night before and when travelling the 3 way should automatically go to 12volt. If you have the gas supply switched on then that will cool the fridge when stopped, after you have switched off the engine. There is a couple of minutes delay before the gas takes over as a safety measure in case you are filling up with fuel.
My habitation check is done on my drive, and has just gone up in price to £165 but has been said elsewhere I don’t feel the need to have it done every year, although if it is your first van for piece mind I would have it done.
Sorry I can’t help with your green light issue
Lucyshades, while this is true of modern fridges, I doubt if it applies to ones fitted to a 2006 van. The fridge in my 2009 van has manual controls and sounds similar to the OP's one. I prefer this as I like to keep things as simple as possible.
One thing in my van is that they seemed to use 2 switches where one would do, so I have a dashboard switch for 12V fridge which I have to remember to switch on.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
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Topic: 3-way fridge problems
via mobile 31/10/2022 at 5:40pm
