Malfunctioning ignition in the motorhome's fridge: a broken ignition lead was just one of the issues found

In a recent case at a local workshop, a motorhome owner encountered an unexpected problem with their fridge. The fridge wouldn't ignite the gas, causing a headache for the owner and a challenge for the workshop technicians.

Upon initial inspection, it was discovered that the disconnected gas valve outlet was supplying gas for a few seconds before fading off. This led the team to investigate further, and after the fridge was removed for the third time, a good gas supply was established.

A check revealed that the piezo device was working, but the mystery still remained unsolved. The team discovered a faulty energy selection switch, which was either a manufacturing defect or a result of improper quality control. This switch disrupted the refrigerator's correct operation despite the ignition line and spark being functional.

The dirty or corroded energy selector switch was causing the electrical resistance to be introduced into the thermocouple circuit. This reduction in voltage to the electromagnet prevented the gas valve from staying open, leading to the intermittent ignition of the fridge.

With the faulty switch replaced, a new energy selector switch was ordered and refitted for safety. However, the fridge malfunctioned again, igniting briefly multiple times before going out and eventually not lighting at all.

Undeterred, the team continued their investigation and found a broken ignition lead. A new one was ordered, and after refitting, the fridge finally worked as intended.

The team also took the opportunity to clean the fridge during its removal, ensuring it was in top condition for the owner's next adventure.

Though this case presented a series of challenges, the team's perseverance and diagnostic skills shone through, ultimately resolving the motorhome fridge malfunction.

A word of advice for campervan owners: regular maintenance and timely repairs can prevent such issues from arising in the first place. And for those interested in staying updated on the latest motorhome news and tips, consider subscribing to our magazine and newsletter.

As for the best cool box for a campervan, it's a topic for another day. For now, let's celebrate the resolution of this intriguing case!

Malfunctioning ignition in the motorhome's fridge: a broken ignition lead was just one of the issues found