A fridge problem

[DBA Forum (B) - Trevor Glave]

We have an Electrolux 3-way fridge, about 10 years old. It works fine most of the time, but at random it quits and starts flashing its red error light. Turning the power switch off then on again resets it and then it works fine again. This happens on both propane operation and shore power operation (the only two modes we use) and I cannot see any pattern to its misbehaviour. Any comments or suggestions would be most welcome! Thanks in advance!

Trevor G.
Barge 'Penelope's Ark'

[DBA Forum (B) - Colin Stone]

Trevor,

On my fridge, Danfoss compressor, one of the red light error messages - 3 x every few seconds - is "compressor lock" - the motor can't start caused by discharge pressure too high.
Other red light error is low battery voltage.

Happened occasionally after it had been running. Compressor shut down and then for some reason thermostat tried to restart compressor and a short cycle. Switching off for 10 mins temporarily cured it until the next time.

Fixed permanently by replacing thermostat, a K59, £5 off eBay rather than £35 from Shoreline. Other suggested fix is a new ECU.

Colin Stone
KEI
Sent via BlackBerry® BIS

[DBA Forum (B) - Ian Hollands]

Trevor

The old trick that got our old Electrolux to start working again might solve your problem. Disconnect it then then turn it upside down for half an hour ,then reinstall. Sounds crazy but it usually works. These absorption system fridges have three working fluids which can end up in the wrong part part of the circuit. Inverting usually gets them back where they belong.

[DBA Forum (B) - Christopher Morton]

I can confirm that Ian's trick works. Our 3 way packed up completely and wouldn't chill at all. I took the injector out, cleaned everything up but still no joy. Turned it upside down for 24 hours, reinstalled it and it now works like a charm.