Norcold Gas Refrigerator Owner's Manual

Safety Awareness

Read this manual carefully and understand the contents before you use the refrigerator.

Be aware of possible safety hazards when you see the safety alert symbol on the refrigerator and in this manual. A signal word followsthe safety alert symbol and identifies the danger of the hazard. Carefully read the descriptions of these signal words to fully know their meanings. They are for your safety.

Safety Instructions

The storage of flammable materials behind or around the refrigerator creates a fire hazard. Do not use the area behind the refrigerator to store anything, especially flammable materials (gasoline, cleaning supplies, etc.)
Do not remove the round ground prong from any of the AC power cords. Do not use a two prong adapter or an extension cord with any of the AC power cords.
A circuit overload can result in an electrical fire if the wires and/or fuses are not the correct size. Use only the wire and fuse sizes as written in the "Installation Manual".
Incorrect installation, adjustment, change to, or maintenance of this refrigerator can cause personal injury, property damage, or both. Have service and maintenance work done by your dealer or by an Norcold authorized service center.
Disconnect both the AC and DC power sources before doing any maintenance work on the refrigerator. All service work on this refrigerator must be done by a qualified service technician.
Do not bypass or change the refrigerator's electrical components or features.
When you discard an appliance, remove all doors to prevent accidental entrapment and suffocation.
Do not spray liquids near electrical outlets, connections, or the refrigerator components. Many liquids are electrically conductive and can cause a shock hazard, electrical shorts, and in some cases fire.
The refrigerator cooling system is under pressure. Do not try to repair or to recharge a defective cooling system. The cooling system contains sodium chromate. The breathing of certain chromium compounds can cause cancer. The cooling system contents can cause severe skin and eye burns, and can ignite and burn with an intense flame. Do not bend, drop, weld, move, drill, puncture, or hit the cooling system.
At regular intervals, make sure that the refrigerator flue the burner, the vent areas, and the ventilation air pathway between the vents are completely free from any flammable material or blockage. After a period of storage, it is especially important to check these areas for any flammable material or blockage caused by animals or insects.

About your Refrigerator

Storage Volume:

This refrigerator is made for storage of foods and frozen food and for making ice.

Total capacity:

N7 models - 6.5 cubic feet
N8 models - 7.6 cubic feet

Operation during travel:

While the refrigerator should be level when the vehicle is stopped, performance during travel is not usually effected.

Food compartment:

Start up the refrigerator and let it cool for eight hours before loading with food. If the refrigerator does not start to cool down after about two hours, contact your dealer or a Norcold authorized service center.

For the best cooling performance:

Let air move freely inside the entire food compartment.
Do not cover the shelves with plastic, paper, etc.

To decrease the amount of ice that collects on the cooling fins:

Cover all liquids and moist foods.
Let all hot foods cool before putting them in the refrigerator.
Do not open the door any longer than necessary.

Freezer compartment:

The freezer compartment is made to keep pre-frozen food frozen and not to quick freeze food. Keep pre-frozen foods in the freezer compartment.

Crisper(s):

The crisper(s) are located at the bottom of the fresh food compartment and supply a storage area to preserve fruit and vegetable freshness. Make sure that you always push the crispers fully in.

Door bins:

You may put the door bins [52] of the freezer and fresh food compartment in a location that best meets your needs. To remove the bins, lift them over the locator and pull them forward. To install the bins, push them onto the locator.

Operating the Refrigerator Controls (N7X and N8X models)

Ignition and start up:(N7X and N8X models)

Before ignition or start up of the refrigerator:

Make sure the air flow in the lower intake vent , through the refrigerator coils and condenser, and out the upper exhaust vent is not blocked or decreased.
Make sure there are no combustible materials in or around the refrigerator.
Make sure the DC voltage to the refrigerator is 12.0VDC

Automatic mode operation:

Touch and release the ON/OFF button [30] to turn the refrigerator on.(See Art02627)
- If the indicator light [185] glows solid green, it means the refrigerator is operating correctly.
Touch the TEMP SET button [32] as needed to set the temperature setting.
- One snowflake lit up is the warmest setting.
- Five snowflakes lit up is the coldest setting.
If the AUTO icon [277] and AC PLUG icon [283] are lit up, it means that:
- 120 volt AC power is available to the refrigerator.
- The refrigerator is operating on AC electric power.
If the AUTO icon and the FLAME icon [284] are lit up, it means that:
- 120 volt AC power is not available to the refrigerator.
- The refrigerator is operating on propane gas.
If the indicator light [185] glows solid red, it means:
- There is a problem and the refrigerator is not cooling.
- Refer to the "Fault Code" section of this manual.

Manual AC Mode Operation:

Touch and release the ON/OFF button [30] to start the refrigerator.
Touch the MODE button [31] until the AUTO icon [277] goes off and only the AC PLUG icon [283] remains lit.
Touch the TEMP SET button [32] as needed, to set the temperature setting.
The AC PLUG icon [283] remains lit until you select a different operating mode or shut down the refrigerator.
- If the indicator light [185] glows solid red or flashes, it means:
- There is a problem and the refrigerator is not cooling.
- Refer to the "Fault Code" section of this manual.

Manual LP Gas Mode Operation:

Touch and release the ON/OFF button [30] to start the refrigerator
Touch the MODE button [31] until the AUTO icon goes off and only the LP GAS icon [284] remains lit.
Touch the TEMP SET button [32] as needed, to set the temperature setting.
The FLAME icon [284] remains lit until you select a different operating mode or shut down the refrigerator.
- If the indicator light [185] glows solid red or flashes, it means:
- There is a problem and the refrigerator is not cooling.
- Refer to the "Fault code" section of this manual.

Shut down - All models:

To shut down the refrigerator, touch and hold the ON/OFF button [30] for two seconds and release.

Backup operating system:

This refrigerator has a backup operating system. The backup operating system allows the refrigerator to continue to cool if the temperature sensor of the refrigerator should fail.

If this failure occurs:

The refrigerator automatically changes to the backup operating system.
Snowflake(s) will flash when TEMP SET button [32] is touched.
The backup operating system can over freeze or thaw the contents of the freezer and the fresh food compartment.
Make sure the temperatures of the freezer and the fresh food compartment are satisfactory.

Effects of High Altitude on Propane Gas Operation

When you operate the refrigerator on propane gas at altitudes higher than 5500 feet above sea level:

You may experience reduced cooling performance of the refrigerator.
You may experience burner outages.

To avoid these possible problems, Norcold recommends that you operate the refrigerator on AC when at altitudes higher than 5500 feet above sea level.

Effects of Freezing Temperatures on Refrigerator Operation

A gas absorption refrigerator is not designed to operate in freezing temperatures. If the refrigerator is not equipped for low temperature operation, and if the cooling system of the refrigerator is exposed to temperatures of 32° F. or lower for an extended period of time, the refrigerator operation may be disrupted. The refrigerator operation will resume when the cooling system of the refrigerator warms sufficiently.

If the refrigerator is equipped for low temperature operation, the refrigerator will operate in temperatures down to 0° F.

Disrupted operation of the refrigerator, due to extended exposure to temperatures of 32° F. or lower, and any costs incurred to warm the cooling system of the refrigerator are not covered by the Norcold limited warranty. Please contact your local RV dealer for information about how to resume refrigerator operation or about how to equip your refrigerator for operation in freezing temperatures. Do not change the installation or the venting of your refrigerator. Refrigerator failures, which are the result of changes to either the refrigerator installation or to the venting, are not covered by the Norcold limited warranty.

Refrigerator Care Checklist

Your refrigerator will give you years of trouble free service if you do these simple checks every three to six months:

Keep the food compartment and the freezer clean. See "Cleaning".
Defrost the refrigerator as necessary. See "Defrosting".
Make sure the door seals correctly. See "Door Sealing".
Be aware of any cooling changes that are not because of weather, loading, or gas control changes. If changes occur, contact your dealer or service center.
Make sure the gas supply is propane gas only and not butane or a butane mixture.
When in propane gas operation, examine the appearance of the flame. See "Gas Flame Appearance".
Make sure the air flow in the lower intake vent, through the refrigerator coils and condenser, and out the upper exhaust vent is not blocked or decreased.
Make sure the area behind the refrigerator is clear. Do not use the area behind the refrigerator for storage of anything, especially gasoline and other flammable vapors and liquids.

Defrosting

The cooling fins of the refrigerator operate at below freezing temperature and will naturally form frost from humidity, which is always present in the air. The humidity inside the refrigerator increases:

With higher outside temperature and humidity.
With the storage of non-sealed fresh foods or warm foods.
With the amount of time that the door(s) are open.
With any air leakage into the refrigerator.

Although the refrigerator is not frost -free, it is made to limit frost on the cooling fins. At regular intervals, the temperature control system automatically melts most of the frost from the cooling fins. The water from the cooling fins drains into a collection cup that is attached to the back of the refrigerator. The heat of the cooling system evaporates the water from the collection cup.

It is normal for frost to collect inside the freezer. Excess frost decreases the cooling performance of the refrigerator. Defrost the refrigerator and freezer as necessary:

Remove all food from the refrigerator.
Turn the refrigerator OFF.
Remove the drain hose from the drip cup at the rear of the refrigerator.
Put the drain hose into a half-gallon or larger container to capture water.
Put dry towels (etc.) inside the refrigerator and freezer to absorb melted frost.
To increase the speed of defrosting, put pans of WARM water in the refrigerator and freezer.
Remove the wet towels (etc.) and dry the interior.
Remove the drain hose from the large container and put the drain hose back into the drip cup.
Remove the large container from the enclosure.
Start up the refrigerator.
Allow the refrigerator to cool down.
Return all food to the refrigerator.

Cleaning

Interior:

A good time to clean the refrigerator is just after you defrost it. Clean the inside of the refrigerator as often as necessary to avoid food odors:

Remove all food from the refrigerator.
Wash the interior with a mild cleaner or a solution of liquid dish detergent and warm water.
Rinse with a solution of baking soda and clean water.
Dry with clean cloth.
Put all food in the refrigerator.

Door Sealing

Check the seal of the doors.

If either door does not seal correctly, excess frost will collect inside the refrigerator. Make sure the doors seal correctly (See Art00980):

Close each door on a piece of paper that is about the size and thickness of a dollar bill.
Gently pull the paper.
You should feel a slight drag between the gasket and the cabinet.
Do this on all four sides of the door.
If you do not feel a slight drag on the paper, the door does not seal correctly.
Have your dealer or an authorized Norcold Service Center correct the seal of the door.

Refrigerator Storage

Before the refrigerator is stored for an extended (seasonal) period of time:

Defrost and clean the interior of the refrigerator.
Close the doors with the storage latch.

If the refrigerator is stored for an extended period of time, before start up:

Make sure there are no obstructions in the vents, the ventilation air pathway, the burner, the orifice, or the flue area.

Refrigerator Maintenance Checklist

Read and understand the following maintenance sections of this manual.

Have a qualified RV dealer or a Norcold authorized service center do these annual safety and maintenance checks:

Examine the gas supply lines for leaks.
- Replace or repair if needed.
Make sure the propane gas pressure is 11 inches of water column.
- Adjust if needed.
Make sure the combustion seal is complete and intact.
- Replace or repair it if needed.
Make sure the burner and the burner orifice are clean.
- Clean if needed.
Make sure the electrode is clean and that the spark gap is 3/16 inch. (See Art 02673)
- Adjust if needed.
Make sure the AC voltage is 108 - 132 volts and the DC voltage is 10.5 - 15.4 volts.
Make sure the area at the rear of the refrigerator is free of any combustible materials, gasoline, and other flammable vapors and liquids.

Refrigerator Maintenance

While in GAS operation, examine the appearance of the gas flame:

Open the lower intake vent
Open viewing door.
Look at the gas flame [75] (See Art 02684).
- The flame should be:
  - A darker blue color on the inside of the flame and a lighter blue color on the outside of the flame.
  - A constant shape without flickering.
- Contact your dealer or Norcold authorized service center if the flame is:
  - yellow
  - flickering or changing shape.
- Make sure the flame does not touch the inside of the flue tube [76].
- If the flame touches the inside of the flue tube, contact your dealer or Norcold authorized service center.
Close the burner box door.

Remove and clean the burner orifice:

Your dealer or Norcold authorized service center must do this procedure.

Close the valve at the propane gas tank(s).
Push the ON / OFF button to shut down the refrigerator.
Open the lower intake vent to expose the back of the refrigerator.
Disconnect the the Gas Train Assembly (GTA) from the LP supply.
Remove the Gas Train Assembly from the cooling unit by removing the two screws. (See Art 02672)
Clean the openings of the burner tube with compressed air pressure only (See Art 02671)
Assemble the gas train assembly back to the cooling unit and tighten the two screws removed.
Assemble the gas supply to the gas train assembly and tighten using two wrenches.
Open the valve at the supply gas tank(s) and turn on the refrigerator choosing gas as the power source.
Check all connections for gas leaks using leak test solution.
Replace lower intake vent.

Remove the Refrigerator

Your dealer or Norcold authorized service center must do this procedure.

Close the valve at the propane gas tank(s).
Open the lower intake vent
Remove the black AC power cord from the receptacle.
Remove the DC wiring from the refrigerator:

Put a mark on the DC wires so you can put them back in the correct location.
Remove the DC fuse or remove the DC wiring from the battery or the converter.
Remove the DC wires from the refrigerator.

Remove the gas supply line from the bulkhead fitting of the refrigerator.
Remove the screws from the mounting flange at the rear of the refrigerator.
Remove the top plastic trim by pulling it from the mounting brackets.
Remove the screws from the upper and lower mounting flanges on the front of the refrigerator.
Remove the refrigerator from the opening.

Reinstall the Refrigerator

Your dealer or Norcold authorized service center must do this procedure.

Push the refrigerator completely into the enclosure.
Put screws through the upper mounting bracket of the refrigerator and into the enclosure wall. Snap top plastic trim back into place.
Push the bottom trim piece into the front of the refrigerator.
Put two screws through the bottom trim piece, the mounting flange, and into the floor.
Install the screws in the mounting flange at the rear of the refrigerator.
Attach the gas supply line to the gas train assembly fitting of the refrigerator.
Open the valve at the propane gas tank(s).
Examine the gas supply line for leaks.
Connect the DC wiring to the refrigerator:

Connect the DC wires to the refrigerator.
Install the DC fuse or connect the DC wiring to the battery or the converter.

Connect the black AC power cord to the receptacle.

Fault Codes (All N7X and N8X models)

Fault Code and Status	Meaning	Corrective Actions
POWER ON indicator is on solid red.	The refrigerator tried to operate on the selected energy source(s) with no success.	Turn the refrigerator power OFF and then back ON to reset. Check: That the refrigerator is plugged into a servicable outlet That the battery charging equipment of the vehicle is operational That the AC/DC converter is operational (if applicable) That the valve of the propane gas tank(s) is open That the propane gas is at the correct pressure That the manual shut off valve of the refrigerator gas valve is open That there is no air in the propane gas supply line See your dealer or authorized Norcold Service Center
Flash Code "1" Red, flashes one (1) time every five (5) seconds, repeats.	This fault indicates a problem relating to the AC Heater	This is not owner serviceable. See your dealer or authorized Norcold Service Center.
Flash Code "2" Red, flashes twice (2) times every five (5) seconds, repeats.	This fault is within the refrigerator electronic controls.	Turn the refrigerator OFF and then back ON to reset. If the fault code continues, please see your dealer or authorized Norcold Service Center
Flash Code "3" Red, flashes four (3) times every five (5) seconds, repeats.	This fault is within the refrigerator electronic controls	Turn the refrigerator OFF and then back ON to reset. If the fault code continues, please see your dealer or authorized Norcold Service Center
Flash Code "4" Red, flashes five (4) times every five (5) seconds, repeats.	This fault is within the refrigerator controls.	This is not owner serviceable. See your dealer or authorized Norcold Service Center.
Flash Code "5" Red, flashes eight (5) times every five (5) seconds, repeats	This fault indicates a flame is sensed at the burner when there should be none present.	This is not owner serviceable. See your dealer or authorized Norcold Service Center.
Flash Code "6" Red, flashes nine (6) times every five (5) seconds, repeats	This fault indicates a problem relating to the DC heater. (3-way models only)	This is not owner serviceable. See your dealer or authorized Norcold Service Center.
Flash Code "7" Red, flashes ten (7) times every five (5) seconds, repeats.	This fault is within the refrigerator electronic controls.	This is not owner serviceable. See your dealer or authorized Norcold Service Center.
Flash Code "8" Red, flashes eleven (8) times every five seconds, repeats.	This fault indicates the DC input voltage to the refrigerator is too low.	Turn the refrigerator power OFF and then back ON to reset. Check: That the battery charging equipment of the vehicle is operational That the AC/DC converter is operational (if applicable) Please see your dealer or authorized Norcold Service Center
Flash Code "9" Red, flashes on nine (9) times, is off five (5) seconds, repeats.	This fault indicates the DC input voltage to the refrigerator is too high.	Turn the refrigerator power OFF and then back ON to reset. Check: That the battery charging equipment of the vehicle is operational That the AC/DC converter is operational (if applicable) Please see your dealer or authorized Norcold Service Center
Flash Code "10" Red, flashes on ten (10) times, is off five (5) seconds, repeats.	This fault indicates a loss of communication between the refrigerator controls.	Turn the refrigerator OFF and then back ON to reset. If the fault code continues, please see your dealer or authorized Norcold Service Center
Temperature setting snowflake(s) flash on/off at one (1) second intervals anytime the user interface (control) is "awake"	The thermistor has been sensed inoperable, so the temperature is being controlled via a backup operating system.	This is not owner serviceable. See your dealer or authorized Norcold Service Center.
Blank display	The refrigerator is off or refrigerator will not turn on.	Turn the refrigerator power ON Check: That the battery charging equipment of the vehicle is operational That the AC/DC converter is operational (if applicable) Please see your dealer or authorized Norcold Service Center