Norcold Refrigerator Troubleshooting Guide

Norcold is the leading manufacturer of RV gas/electric absorption refrigerators in the county. They make some of the quietest refrigerators. However, like other equipment and appliances, the refrigerator may “act up” or have some issues that make it difficult to get the most out of your machine.

Troubleshooting your Norcold refrigerator can help clear some of the issues you may be having with your unit. While Norcold offers many different models, some troubleshooting steps are similar.

How to reset a Norcold refrigerator

When your Norcold refrigerator is showing a “no” “CO” error message on the control panel, you may need to reset the control board after you’ve repaired the unit to clear the error. To clear a first no cooling fault occurrence, just turn your refrigerator OFF and then back ON.

If a second no cooling error code displays after the first occurrence was cleared, a power board hardwire reset must be performed. To perform a hardwire power board reset, follow the steps below:

1. Turn the refrigerator OFF.
2. Disconnect the following from the power board:

• 12 Vdc positive and negative wires.
• AC power cord.
• Solenoid gas valve.
• Spark/sense electrode assembly wire (disconnect this wire with extreme caution).

3. Remove the power board cover.
4. Reconnect the following to the power board (reverse order from step 2):

• Spark/sense electrode assembly wire( reconnect with extreme caution)
• Solenoid gas valve wires.
• AC power cord.
• 12 Vdc positive and negative wires.

5. Turn the refrigerator ON/
6. Locate Pin 15 on the wire harness 16 pin connector (P1). Pin 15 is the socket to the right of the white/violet wire.
7. Using an insulated jumper wire, short Pin 15 to the power board ground lug for 10-15 seconds. A click sound will indicate when the controls are reset.
8. Turn the refrigerator OFF.
9. Turn the refrigerator ON to verify that the reset was successful. If the no cooling fault code displays, repeat steps 7 through 9.
10. Turn the refrigerator OFF.
11. Disconnect the following from power board:

• 12 Vdc positive and negative wires.
• AC power cord.
• Solenoid gas valve wires.
• Spark/sense electrode assembly wire (exercise extreme caution when disconnecting this wire).

12. Install the power board cover.
13. Reconnect the following to the power board:

• Spark/sense electrode assembly wire (exercise extreme caution when reconnecting this wire).
• Solenoid gas valve wires.
• AC power cord.
• 12 Vdc positive and negative wires.

14. Place the refrigerator in service.

Why is my Norcold refrigerator not getting cold?

There are several possible causes of a no cooling fault code occurrence:

1. Ventilation Related:

• No ventilation provided.
• Ventilation obstructed.
• Cooling fan inoperative.
• Refrigerator not installed per Norcold instructions.

2. Door Related:

• Fresh food or freezer compartment doors not closed properly.
• Defective door gaskets on fresh food or freezer compartment.

3. Heat Source Related:

1. LP Gas

• Dirty burner.
• Incorrect gas pressure.
• Wrong size orifice.
• Wrong burner.

2. AC Heater

• Incorrect AC heater.
• Heater not fully seated in heater well.
• Only one heater working properly.

4. Cooling Unit Related:

• Unit operation exceeding off-level limits.
• Flue cap not properly positioned.
• Missing or improperly installed flue baffle.
• Leaking cooling unit/

Norcold refrigerator error codes and their meaning

Polar series 7, 8, 10 Cu. Ft RV Refrigerators

1. Alternately flashes “no” “FL” with an audible alarm

The fault code means the burner did not ignite or re-ignite.

2. Alternately flashes “no” “AC” with an audible alarm

This error code means there is no AC voltage to the refrigerator.

3. Alternately flashes “AC” “HE” with an audible alarm

If your refrigerator shows this error code, it indicates a problem relating to the AC heater.

4. Alternately flashes “AC” “rE” with an audible alarm

If you get this error code, it indicates a problem within the refrigerator controls.

5. Alternately flashes “Lo” “dc”

This error code indicates the DC input voltage to your refrigerator is too low.

6. Alternately “Lo” “dc” with an audible alarm

This error code indicates the DC input voltage to the refrigerator is too low.

7. Alternately flashes “Lo” “dC” wtih an audible alarm

The error code indicates the DC input voltage to your refrigerator is too low.

8. Alternately flashes “HI” “dc” with an audible alarm

This error code means the DC input voltage to the refrigerator is too high.

9. Alternatively flashes “no” “dt” with an audible alarm

This error code indicates a loss of communication between the refrigerator controls.

10. Displays “Sr” with an audible alarm

This error code indicates a fault within the refrigerator electronic controls.

11. Alternately flashes “oP” “LI” with an audible alarm

This code shows the fault is within the refrigerator electronic controls.

12. Alternatively flashes “FL” “- -“ with an audible alarm

This error code means a flame is sensed at the burner when there should be none present.

13. Temperature setting flashes on/off anytime user interface is “awake”

When you see this error code it means the thermistor has been sensed as inoperable, so the temperature is being controlled via backup operating system.

14. Blank display

This means your refrigerator is off or it will not turn on.

N510 models

1. “F”

The burner did not ignite or re-ignite.

2. “A”

AC voltage is unavailable to the refrigerator control.

3. “C”

DC voltage to the refrigerator control panel is too low

4. “H”

This is a fault within the refrigerator controls.

5. “r”

This is a fault within the refrigerator controls.

6. “S”

This is a fault within the refrigerator controls.

7. Temperature setting flashes for 10 seconds and mode appears

The refrigerator is operating on the back up operating system.

Models N7V, N8V,N7X, N8X, N7LX, N8LX

1. Red, on solid

• The refrigerator tried to operate the selected energy source (s) with no success.

2. Red, flashes on one time.

• AC heater fault

3. Red, flashes on two times.

• Internal control fault

4. Red, flashes on three times.

• Internal control fault.

5. Red, flashes on four times.

• The AC heater relay is stuck.

6. Red, flashes on five times.

• A flame is sensed at the burner when there should be none present.

7. Red, flashes on eight times.

• The DC input voltage to the refrigerator is too low.

8. Red, flashes on nine times.

• The DC input voltage to the refrigerator is too high.

9. Red, flashes on ten times.

• Communications between the controls have been lost.

10. Green, flashes off once every twenty seconds.

• The refrigerator is operating on AC electric power. The thermistor has been sensed as inoperable, so the temperature is being controlled via backup operating system.

11. Amber, flashes off once every twenty seconds.

• The refrigerator is operating on propane gas. The thermistor has been sensed as inoperable, so the temperature is being controlled via a backup operating system.

Norcold refrigerator not working on electric models 865, 866, 868

If your Norcold refrigerator is not working on electric, it could be because of the following possible reasons:

AC electric operation

• The refrigerator is not installed and vented in accordance with Norcold product specification.
• It is not operated in a comfortably level position.
• Refrigerator is not plugged into AC power.
• You do not have 12 Volts DC power to terminals (J-4) ground and (+J-5).
• Loose wire connections or pinched wires.
• Modular connector on wire harness (cable) is not properly plugged into the power supply board and eyebrow board.
• Faulty fuses.
• Mode selector is not set to AC ELEC.
• Improper AC heater element voltage and wattage.

DC electric operation

• DC to terminals (J-4) ground and (+J-5) is not 12 Volts.
• Bad 3 amp fuse.
• You do not have 12 Volts DC to the 20 (15) amp fuse.
• Loose wire connections.
• Modular connector on wire harness is not plugged into the power supply and eyebrow board.
• Mode selector is not set to the DC mode of operation.

Troubleshooting AC electric mode of operation models 865, 866, 868

Here is a step by step troubleshooting guide for AC electric mode of operation:

1. Check the 120 volt AC supply.
2. Check for 120 volts AC across the power cord. If you do not have 120 volts, you must replace the power cord.
3. Check the 12 volt DC input to terminals J4 and J5. If you do not have +12 volts, repair the 12 volt supply.
4. Remove the cable from the power supply.
5. Remove all the wires from the terminals on the power supply.
6. Remove the power supply cover to gain access to the power supply.
7. Reinstall the AC and DC inputs to their terminals on the power supply.
8. Check for 120 volts across the 5 amp fuse. You should have 120 volts, if not replace the 5 amp fuse.
9. Check the 3 amp fuse to be sure you have 12 volts DC across it. If you do not have 12 volts, replace the 3 amp fuse.
10. With the volt meter set to measure DC, check for 12 volts DC. If you do not have 12 volts, replace the power supply.
11. Reconnect the cable to the power supply.
12. Remove the screws and pull the Eyebrow assembly away from the refrigerator.
13. Remove the Eyebrow board from the Eyebrow.
14. Set the Mode Selector switch to the OFF position.
15. Connect a volt meter. You should measure 12V dc at the emitter of Q11. If 12 volts is not indicated, replace the wire harness.
16. Set the Mode Selector to gas, the voltage should now drop to 5.6 volts DC. If it does not, replace the Eyebrow board.
17. Set the mode selector switch to OFF.
18. With the volt’s meter negative lead at D12, check the switch terminals. You must have 12 volts on all the terminals. If not, the cable is defective and must be replaced.
19. Set the mode selector switch (es) to AC ELECTRIC Mode. Use the volt meter to check for approximately 2 volts DC. If you can’t measure approximately 2 volts DC, replace the Eyebrow board.
20. Check for 120 Volts AC on terminals J-7 and J-8 of the power supply. If you do not measure 120 volts, replace the power supply.
21. If 120V is present, check resistance of AC heater element. If not within allowable specification, replace with one of the correct size and wattage.

Norcold refrigerator fuse location

There are three fuses located on the main control board (power board). Two are automotive style fuses used to protect DC voltage circuits (FI and F2) and one is a glass body cartridge style fuse (F3) used to protect AC voltage circuits.

How to replace Norcold 9163 fuse

The refrigerator’s electrical circuits are fused to protect them from a circuit overload. If the fuse is blown, follow the replacement procedure below:

1. Turn OFF the refrigerator.
2. Disconnect the AC power cord from the wall receptacle.
3. Disconnect the AC power cord from the power board cover at the rear of the refrigerator from the power board cover.
4. Disconnect the 12 volt DC supply wires from the power board cover.
5. Remove the ignition wire/sense wire from the power board cover.
6. Remove the three screws which secure the power board cover to the refrigerator, pull the cover away. Do not operate refrigerator without power board cover.
7. For 3-way models, disconnect the extention board.
8. Remove the two screws which secures the extention board cover to the refrigerator. Pull the cover away from the refrigerator. Do not operate refrigerator without cover.
9. Replace blown fuse with the specified fuse.

Norcold refrigerator fins freezing fix

Excessive ice buildup on the refrigerator’s cooling fins can be traced to a defective or wrongly positioned thermistor. If the thermistor is properly positioned, you’ll need to test the thermister. Always unplug the refrigerator from 120 volt AC and turn off the refrigerator to defrost the fns before starting the test procedure.

To test the thermistor:

1. Remove the thermistor from its position on the fin and drop it into a glass of ice water along with a thermometer. Leave it for five minutes.
2. The ice water needs to be approximately 32^oF before a resistance measurement can be taken.
3. Then remove the cover from the control board and unplug the thermistor.
4. Using a multimeter (ohm scale), check resistance across the two wires. The reading should be 30K to 32K.
5. If the thermistor fails the test, replace it.
6. If you find that the thermistor is good, look for a defective door gasket and/or large air leak as the cause of excessive fin icing.

Norcold refrigerator codes flashes 5 times

If your Norcold refrigerator power ON/indicator light is red, flashes on five times, is off five seconds, then repeats, it means a flame was sensed at the burner when there should be none present. The possible cause for this error is the gas valve is “mechanically” stuck open. To clear this error, try replacing gas train assembly.

If you are still having difficulties troubleshooting your Norcold refrigerator, do not hesitate to control Norcold customer service for assistance. There are other complex issues that may require a competent repair service.