Issue with fridge changing power source

[DaveKerry]

Hi
We have a Pilote Explorateur G781. We are presently on EHU but when the fridge is on 230v the EHU symbol goes off making the fridge go to gas, then the EHU symbol comes back on. It’s as though the fridge has a fault on the part that changes which method to use to operate the fridge but I don’t know where to start looking. When it’s trying 230v it just clicks and the red light flashes. Has anyone got any ideas.
Dave

 

[DavidG58]

Could the voltage on the hook up be low?

Our house voltage is displayed on our electric car charger it is surprising how much it varies

 

[DaveKerry]

I don’t know but thanks for replying.

 

[Jev88]

is the EHU dropping out?

 

[DaveKerry]

No I don’t think so it’s every time I try to put it onto 230 it cuts 230 off, clicks and then the red light comes on on the fridge. Then hookups back on again without needing to reset it.

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[DaveKerry]

The ehu light is on but there’s no 230 in the van. The hookup seems fine. I’m starting to think that the shaudt is damaged as when we’re on hookup it gets warm but today it’s cold.

 

[TheBig1]

You say no 230 in the van but panel says it's plugged in. Stupid question, you have checked the trips inside the van?

If you have 230v but the fridge wont accept it, it may be the element has failed. The fridge sees 230v but the element doesn't respond so switches to gas

 

[Lenny HB]

when it’s trying 230v it just clicks and the red light flashes. Has anyone got any ideas.

Sounds like low voltage, if it's a Dometic fridge their firmware is a bit dumb, if it detects low volts it will try to light the gas but because it has mains the gas solenoid remains closed.
Just select gas manually then it will work OK on gas.

 

[scotjimland]

Where are you.. Spain, UK ?

If Spain, the EHU voltage is 220v , but during peak load periods it may drop significantly.. .. that will cause the fridge to change to gas.... if you have a long EHU cable this will exacerbate the problem

If I recall correctly, if it drops below 200v this triggers the changeover..

If in the UK , this is less likely to happen.. but depends on the distance you are away form the main supply distribution board, and how many people are loading the EHU supply . ..but unlikely to drop to 200v

 

[Hymerboy]

Hi
We have a Pilote Explorateur G781. We are presently on EHU but when the fridge is on 230v the EHU symbol goes off making the fridge go to gas, then the EHU symbol comes back on. It’s as though the fridge has a fault on the part that changes which method to use to operate the fridge but I don’t know where to start looking. When it’s trying 230v it just clicks and the red light flashes. Has anyone got any ideas.

As far as I know the display on the fridge is run from the leisure battery not the mains, so have you checked the mains fuses to the fridge ?

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[Hymerboy]

Hi, As far as I know the display on the fridge is run from the habitation batteries not the mains, so have you checked the mains fuses to the fridge

 

[DaveKerry]

Thanks everyone now I’ve put it on gas, I’m getting gas failure and no heating on gas and electric. I’m in France and due sail back on Saturday. I wonder if the fridge problem is linked to not having 230 not working and does gas require electricity to work the heating.

 

[TheBig1]

Thanks everyone now I’ve put it on gas, I’m getting gas failure and no heating on gas and electric. I’m in France and due sail back on Saturday. I wonder if the fridge problem is linked to not having 230 not working and does gas require electricity to work the heating.

Gas requires 12v for the control board, not mains voltage.

 

[Eddystone]

You will be feeling cold!
Have you got gas and is it propane? Butane won't release gas below 10 degrees.

Your hab / leisure battery will supply the 12v needed to ignite the gas.

 

[DaveKerry]

Ok thanks I’ve booked it into Oaktree. I think that the problem is from starting the engine to reverse back 2feet into a bay that’s the problem

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[DaveKerry]

Sorted it, it was a faulty cable although when it was plugged in I got the connected symbol, I plugged in my spare I have for long distances between van and post, the electric 230 came on then gas shortly after, and it’s getting warmer in the van.
Thank you to everyone for the help, it’s things like this that makes me realise just how vulnerable we are when living in a van.
Dave.

 

[Hymerboy]

So pleased you got it sorted, what a relief for you eh!

 

[DaveKerry]

Oh yeah definitely.

 

[MichaelT]

No I don’t think so it’s every time I try to put it onto 230 it cuts 230 off, clicks and then the red light comes on on the fridge. Then hookups back on again without needing to reset it.

EDIT. I see its sorted.

 

[Eddystone]

That's alright then. Well done.
Simple answer but when you have a problem you, initially, become distracted for a while.

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[TheBig1]

Give the cable a wipe to dry it and check for damage then open each end and check/remake the connections. It's times like this you realise the value of a working spare

 

[DaveKerry]

Definitely good to have a working spare. I’ve tested the cable and the negative has a continuation fault, but it still begs the question how did it register as a good connection on the control panel, maybe the control panel only looks for power in, and and not a negative too, I don’t know, I’m just glad it’s ok and not about to be expensive.

 

[TheBig1]

If it's a neutral continuity fault odds on it's an internal break caused by somebody driving over it or similar. Save the plugs and renew the wire. Not too expensive or difficult

 

[DaveKerry]

Yeah chucking the cable when I’m home, I wonder why the gas would not work though and I’m not unplugging cable until I go for the boat home just in case there’s a problem.

 

[Teetime]

Sounds like low voltage, if it's a Dometic fridge their firmware is a bit dumb, if it detects low volts it will try to light the gas but because it has mains the gas solenoid remains closed.
Just select gas manually then it will work OK on gas.

My Dometic fridge detects low voltage at 190v and if on auto goes on gas