Norcold RV Refrigerator Won't Stay On Propane - Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Tools & Parts Needed

Find these on Amazon: Digital Multimeter , RV Refrigerator Thermocouple , Fine Steel Wool Pads

What's Going On

Here's what you're dealing with. Your Norcold refrigerator shutting off after 1-2 hours on propane. Common causes include a faulty thermocouple that's not maintaining proper flame sensing. The thermocouple may be dirty, positioned incorrectly, or failing entirely. Other potential causes include a dirty burner orifice, blocked flue, or control board problems.

What's Going Wrong

Faulty Thermocouple

The thermocouple generates a small electrical signal when heated by the flame. If it's dirty, corroded, or positioned incorrectly, it won't sense the flame properly and will shut off the gas valve. Clean the tip with fine steel wool and ensure it's positioned in the flame path. Note that cleaning methods may vary by manufacturer - consult your specific model's maintenance guidelines before proceeding.

Dirty Burner Assembly

Spider webs, dust, and debris can clog the burner orifice or affect air flow. Remove the burner and clean thoroughly with compressed air. Never use wire or drill bits to clean the orifice as this can damage the precise opening.

Blocked Flue or Chimney

Poor ventilation causes incomplete combustion and irregular flames. Remove any obstructions from the flue and ensure the exterior vent cap is clear.

Control Board Issues

The circuit board that controls LP operation can develop problems over time. If the thermocouple tests good but the unit still shuts off, the control board may need replacement.

Getting Ready

Before diving in, gather these items:

• Multimeter
• Small mirror or smartphone camera
• Soft brush or compressed air
• Fine steel wool (0000 grade)
• Screwdriver set
• Shop vacuum
• Flashlight or headlamp

Walking Through the Fix

Here's how to tackle this:

1. Safety first: Turn off the refrigerator and let it cool completely. Ensure proper ventilation in the area before beginning work. WARNING: Always work with the LP gas supply shut off when servicing burner components.
2. Access the burner compartment: Remove the lower outside access panel (location and method varies by RV model). You'll see the burner assembly at the bottom of the cooling unit.
3. Inspect the flame: After ensuring all connections are secure and the area is properly ventilated, turn the refrigerator to LP mode and observe the burner flame using a mirror or smartphone camera. A proper flame should be steady, blue, and cone-shaped. Yellow or orange flames indicate combustion problems.
4. Check the thermocouple: Locate the small copper tube (thermocouple) positioned near the burner flame. It should be positioned so the flame just touches the tip when burning.
5. Test thermocouple output: With the unit running on LP, use a multimeter to measure the thermocouple output at the control board connection. You should see voltage typically between 8-30 millivolts for most Norcold units (consult your specific model specifications for exact requirements).
6. Examine the burner orifice: Shut off the LP gas supply and remove the burner assembly. Check the small orifice hole for blockages from insects, debris, or corrosion.
7. Inspect the flue: Look up the flue tube for obstructions like spider webs, bird nests, or debris that could affect proper combustion air flow.

Red Flags That Need a Pro

Contact a certified RV technician if:

• You smell gas at any point during diagnosis
• The thermocouple tests show correct voltage but the unit still shuts off
• You're uncomfortable working with LP gas components
• The burner flame appears yellow, orange, or extremely irregular
• You suspect control board failure
• Gas pressure adjustment is needed

WARNING: LP gas work can be dangerous if done incorrectly. When in doubt, seek professional help to ensure safe operation.