RV Refrigerator Repair.
Dometic & Norcold, on-site.
Fridge warm? Won't switch to propane? Error code on the eyebrow board? OEM trained technicians across Ontario diagnose and repair RV fridges — usually the same day, wherever your rig is parked.
Sound familiar?
Here's what we fix on RV fridges every week across Southern Ontario.
Not cooling on either mode
Usually a tired cooling unit, blocked flue, or the fridge running out of level for too long.
Won't run on propane
Bad gas valve, dirty burner or orifice, weak spark, or 12V power missing at the eyebrow board.
Won't run on electric (AC)
Blown AC heating element, tripped thermal fuse, failed relay on the control board.
Error codes flashing
Dometic and Norcold codes point at thermistors, boards, or temperature sensors — we decode and fix.
Freezer cold, fridge warm
Classic thermistor / fin position issue or airflow blockage. Quick diagnostic, often a same-visit fix.
Ammonia smell / yellow residue
That's a leaking cooling unit — safety issue. We assess and quote replacement or full fridge swap.
Propane (LP) mode troubleshooting
- Confirm propane is on at the tank and other appliances (stove, water heater) light normally.
- Check the eyebrow board for error codes — F, no-co, or check-light patterns each point at a different fault.
- Listen for the igniter clicking; a weak or missing spark usually means a fouled electrode or bad board.
- Inspect the burner and orifice for spider webs, soot, or corrosion — the #1 cause of no-cool on gas.
- Verify 12V DC at the fridge — the propane side won't run without house battery power.
Electric (AC) mode troubleshooting
- Confirm shore power is live and the fridge outlet at the back of the RV has 120V.
- Test the AC heating element for continuity — a common failure after 5–8 seasons.
- Check the thermal fuse and high-temp cutout switch before condemning the board.
- On a Dometic / Norcold two-way fridge, if propane works but AC doesn't, the cooling unit is fine — the AC circuit is the culprit.
- Newer 12V DC compressor fridges (Furrion, Everchill) fail differently — usually compressor start relay or low-battery lockout.
Dometic, Norcold & more
RM series, DM series, Americana, NDR / DMR, 12V compressor
N-series, 1200 / 2118 / N841, Polar series, 12V DC models
Furrion, Everchill, Way Interglobal — most 2-way and 3-way units
Common questions
Why is my RV fridge not cooling on electric or propane?
Most RV absorption fridges (Dometic and Norcold) fail to cool because of a weak cooling unit, a blocked burner or flue, a bad thermistor, a failing control board, or the fridge being out of level. A mobile technician can test each mode and isolate the root cause on-site.
How do I switch my Dometic or Norcold fridge between propane and electric?
Modern Dometic and Norcold fridges use an AUTO/AC/GAS selector. In AUTO mode, the fridge prefers 120V shore power when it's available and switches to propane when it isn't. If it won't switch, the issue is typically the eyebrow board, the gas valve, or 12V supply to the fridge.
How much does an RV refrigerator repair cost in Ontario?
Diagnostics for RV fridges start around common mobile service rates. A thermistor or board swap is usually a same-day fix; a full cooling unit replacement is a larger job. We quote every repair up-front — you approve the price before any work begins.
Do you service both Dometic and Norcold RV fridges?
Yes. We repair Dometic and Norcold two-way and three-way absorption fridges, as well as 12V DC compressor fridges. We come to your home, campground, dealership, or storage lot anywhere across Southern Ontario.
How long does an RV fridge take to cool down after a repair?
An absorption fridge needs 8–12 hours to reach temperature after being restarted, and up to 24 hours when it's fully loaded. We verify the box is pulling down properly before we leave, and we recommend pre-cooling the night before a trip.
Can a Norcold or Dometic cooling unit be replaced instead of the whole fridge?
Yes. In most cases we can replace just the cooling unit, which costs far less than a complete fridge swap and keeps your existing cabinet trim and door panels. We'll tell you honestly when the box itself is too far gone to be worth saving.
Why does my RV fridge only work when the RV is plugged in?
That usually points to the propane side: a dirty burner or flue, a failed gas valve, low LP pressure, or a control board that isn't sparking. It can also be a weak 12V supply, since the control board needs battery power even in electric mode.
Is it safe to run the RV fridge on propane while driving?
Many owners do it, but an open flame while towing carries real risk and is prohibited at most fuel stations and in some tunnels. A well-packed absorption fridge holds temperature for 6–8 hours with the doors closed, so we recommend running it off before you roll.
Diagnose today, back to cold tomorrow.
- 01. Call or email — we ask a few smart questions to identify likely parts before we roll.
- 02. An OEM trained technician arrives on-site with common Dometic / Norcold parts on the truck.
- 03. Up-front quote, approved repair, and cold beer by dinner.
Get the fridge tested before you sign.
A leaking cooling unit is a $1,500–$3,000 repair. Our pre-purchase inspection includes a full fridge test on both modes so you never inherit the bill.
See pre-purchase inspections