Thetford N112 PCB Fault.

[TerryIvybridge]

Our fridge doesn't start on the button. Been told it's a faulty PCB? So? is there any recommends as to who can exchange or repair it please? With the bottom vent removed, I can see it'll be no Picnic removing it? Any advices, greatly recieved?

 

[Gafferbill]

https://forums.practicalcaravan.com/threads/thetford-n112-fridge-fault.66430/

........have a look at my advice in this previous thread.
You need to read the entire thread.

 

[TerryIvybridge]

Thank you Gafferbill. I have replied so to keep the OP going. I'll try the reconnect and try again. Bit worried that there is two PCB's though? Well over 200 quid to replace both? I see the thought that switching off completely may terminally reset, I hope it works for me but surely fuse removal would have the desired effect? I'll let this post know later.

 

[Mr Plodd]

I have, over the years, sorted a few fridge "issues" by physically disconnecting the 12v supply for 30 seconds and reconnecting. A bit like control/alt/delete on a computer, which I suppose is what a PCB is like.
That would now be my very first "Go to" for any fridge issues, it onky takes a few seconds but could save a fortune but it's vital to physically separate the multi plug to ensure total disconnection.

 

[TerryIvybridge]

I have, over the years, sorted a few fridge "issues" by physically disconnecting the 12v supply for 30 seconds and reconnecting. A bit like control/alt/delete on a computer, which I suppose is what a PCB is like.
That would now be my very first "Go to" for any fridge issues, it onky takes a few seconds but could save a fortune but it's vital to physically separate the multi plug to ensure total disconnection.

Hi, yes Mr Plodd. I intend to reconnect it in the next hour or so, fingers crossed it works for me? A friend of mine, he has a car repair garage. He calls it "Terminal Reset "and it's the very first trial he and his Staff try with any electrical issue resulting in success very often.

 

[TerryIvybridge]

I have to report that didn't work? So? What next? Remove the PCB and send off for repair I suppose? Any recommends please?

 

[Bluetonic]

I have to report that didn't work? So? What next? Remove the PCB and send off for repair I suppose? Any recommends please?

Fridges | Apuljack Electronics

Control Boards For Leisure Vehicle Refrigeration Systems

www.apuljackelectronics.co.uk

 

[TerryIvybridge]

Thank you but says not available? Message sent anyway?

 

[TerryIvybridge]

Fridges | Apuljack Electronics

Control Boards For Leisure Vehicle Refrigeration Systems

www.apuljackelectronics.co.uk

Bluetonic, have you had anything like a PCB repaired by these people?

 

[Dustydog]

Bluetonic, have you had anything like a PCB repaired by these people?

Not a PCB as such but two I know, me plus one have had new chargers to replace the broken BCA unit. The other was a repair to an old Nord Electronica charger and control unit fitted to an older Sterling. All work was excellent.

 

[TerryIvybridge]

Not a PCB as such but two I know, me plus one have had new chargers to replace the broken BCA unit. The other was a repair to an old Nord Electronica charger and control unit fitted to an older Sterling. All work was excellent.

Okay? Thank you Dustydog.

 

[TerryIvybridge]

Hi, yes Mr Plodd. I intend to reconnect it in the next hour or so, fingers crossed it works for me? A friend of mine, he has a car repair garage. He calls it "Terminal Reset "and it's the very first trial he and his Staff try with any electrical issue resulting in success very often.

Going to give this one final go before removing the board, hopefully for repair

 

[Guzzilazz]

I had early issues last year with the Thetford N series in our Bailey Cabrera where the fridge panel and internal lights would start flashing. Long story short, the 12v -ve connection from the fridge was via the fixed gas pipe! All the issues were resolved by the dealer installing a proper -ve connection direct to the van chassis. Within all the messing around, one of the attempted resolutions was replacing the PCB.

As part of this thing, I did a set of remote activities to try and rectify - the disconnection reset included. It required disconnection of the solar panel from the controller, as the panel isn't properly connected (i.e. direct to battery).

 

[RogerL]

I had early issues last year with the Thetford N series in our Bailey Cabrera where the fridge panel and internal lights would start flashing. Long story short, the 12v -ve connection from the fridge was via the fixed gas pipe! All the issues were resolved by the dealer installing a proper -ve connection direct to the van chassis. Within all the messing around, one of the attempted resolutions was replacing the PCB.

As part of this thing, I did a set of remote activities to try and rectify - the disconnection reset included. It required disconnection of the solar panel from the controller, as the panel isn't properly connected (i.e. direct to battery).

I'm baffled - caravans don't generally use the chassis for the 12v -ve, unlike cars - I'd expect to see a fully wired 12v -ve system.

There should of course be a 230v earth connection to the chassis.

 

[Bluetonic]

Bluetonic, have you had anything like a PCB repaired by these people?

I purchased a Bailey charger from them and they have a very good reputation

 

[Guzzilazz]

I'm baffled - caravans don't generally use the chassis for the 12v -ve, unlike cars - I'd expect to see a fully wired 12v -ve system.

There should of course be a 230v earth connection to the chassis.

But what's right about using a rigid gas pipe?????

 

[RogerL]

But what's right about using a rigid gas pipe?????

Nothing - it needed correction - it was your dealer's method that I'm questioning as you posted "All the issues were resolved by the dealer installing a proper -ve connection direct to the van chassis".

There should be no 12v connection to the caravan chassis - only a 230v earth.

 

[TerryIvybridge]

In the end I had to remove the fridge in order to remove the PCB. Wasn't too difficult but the Cold weather didn't help. Regards removinmg the PCB? easy in itself but as there are so many connections, I have 30 photos on my phone that I hope? will enable me to put it back in place once repaired? I'm now waiting for news that it can be repaired.

 

[Gafferbill]

......why are you suspecting there to be a fault with the PCB and switch gear at the rear of the refrigerator?
Have you had it tested?

Just wondering as 3 forum users with the same model of refrigerator as your self, with seemingly the same fault, have successfully made a repair by replacing the PCB located behind the front LED display.