We are fairly new to caravanning, bought a 98 Sterling Europa last October. Just been away and we couldn`t get the fridge to work, it has previously worked. This time the power light went on but when we moved it through the 1-7 settings it went off. Any idea what could be wrong or how much it would cost to get someone to have a look.
Was the van level. Some fridges can be picky about that.
Did you try it on Gas? It could be that the electric element has gone - this happened to us when the van went in for its service. Got it back fridge wouldn't work. Normally its powered on all the time while van is on drive. They switched it off for the service and it never recovered. Still worked on gas though.
For a fitter working at commercial rates, about £35-£55/hr labour. An hour to take out fridge & find out whats wrong, repair & refit, probably 2hrs labour at least+cost of parts+vat. You won't get a firm price before starting because he won't know whats wrong.
Assuming 'van was level then if failed on mains then probably element, cost of just element though is around £40 & you have labour as described to go with. Unless coolant has leaked, then fridge is scrap. It could be something simple so handy if you know a bit & could suss it out yourself before getting workshop in. You need to be able to root around & look for faults though.
17yrs old so beware of throwing good money after bad. £350 upwards for new fridge+fitting cost & sizes still same so you should get direct replacement might be best option.
If you really want this sorted once & for all then you need a good workshop who can remove fridge, assess if worth repair & fit a new fridge if not, that would be most cost effective way if you are prepared to go for new fridge if required.
Cheaper alternative if always on ehu is to buy domestic table top compressor fridge £70 from Argos & use that. Works better than 3way fridge.
Quote: Originally posted by david8858 on 31/5/2015
Was the van level. Some fridges can be picky about that.
Did you try it on Gas? It could be that the electric element has gone - this happened to us when the van went in for its service. Got it back fridge wouldn't work. Normally its powered on all the time while van is on drive. They switched it off for the service and it never recovered. Still worked on gas though.
Replacement element cost 40quid fitted.
Just a thought.
Seem to think that the van wasn`t level but oh says he tried to run it on gas but couldn`t, we haven`t ever run it on gas though.
If its the element would the fridge work on gas or the battery, if it was any good? The battery on the caravan is rubbish, we need a new one but because we usually have EHU we haven`t got round to getting one yet could this have anything to do with it.
Fridge does not work from caravan battery, only from car battery when towing & then often not that well.
If you are on Ehu it don't matter if caravan battery is not that good. It won't make a difference to fridge.
On site, gas & mains electric are separate systems so it can for example go faulty on electric but work ok on gas or 'tother way around. If fridge does not work at all then suspect leaked coolant, & scrap fridge.
Quote: Originally posted by Billy x on 31/5/2015
For a fitter working at commercial rates, about £35-£55/hr labour. An hour to take out fridge & find out whats wrong, repair & refit, probably 2hrs labour at least+cost of parts+vat. You won't get a firm price before starting because he won't know whats wrong.
Assuming 'van was level then if failed on mains then probably element, cost of just element though is around £40 & you have labour as described to go with. Unless coolant has leaked, then fridge is scrap. It could be something simple so handy if you know a bit & could suss it out yourself before getting workshop in. You need to be able to root around & look for faults though.
17yrs old so beware of throwing good money after bad. £350 upwards for new fridge+fitting cost & sizes still same so you should get direct replacement might be best option.
If you really want this sorted once & for all then you need a good workshop who can remove fridge, assess if worth repair & fit a new fridge if not, that would be most cost effective way if you are prepared to go for new fridge if required.
Cheaper alternative if always on ehu is to buy domestic table top compressor fridge £70 from Argos & use that. Works better than 3way fridge.
How would we know if it was the coolant that had leaked ?
Quote: Originally posted by Billy x on 31/5/2015
If 'van was not level then level it & try it. If it was unlevel enough to prevent fridge working though you must have had uncomfortable stay.
Pitch was pretty level and oh checked the levels on the front. I did however feel that I was sliding downwards in the night,thought I had had too much wine.
Quote: Originally posted by Billy x on 31/5/2015
There would be brown gunge leaking out at back, you would have to get behind fridge to check. If this happens fridge will not work at all.
Thanks oh took outside grills off and couldn`t see anything, he seemed to suspect a loose wire.
Hi I don't mean to course offence by stating the obvious but have you checked the fuse? Also, on gas, you do know there is a separate gas valve to turn on not just the valve at the bottle. You'd be surprised how many people don't know and think the fridge is no good.
We had trouble with our fridge last year. It got so bad it set the CO2 alarm screaming. Took it to Stewart Langdons in Chorley and they sorted everything out for us.
Did a fantastic job , would highly recommend them
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Fridge not working
