Wondering how to replace the heating element in an RV refrigerator when your cooling system suddenly fails during a trip? You’re not alone – this common issue has left countless RVers stranded with warm food and melted ice, but the good news is that replacing a faulty heating element is a manageable DIY project that can save you hundreds in repair costs.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process step-by-step, from diagnosing the problem to safely installing the new component. You’ll learn what tools you need, how to identify the correct replacement part, and the safety precautions that’ll keep you protected throughout the repair. We’ll also cover troubleshooting tips to confirm the heating element is actually the issue before you start.
By the end of this post, you’ll have the confidence to tackle this repair yourself and get your RV refrigerator back to keeping everything perfectly chilled. Plus, I’ll share insights on what makes some RV refrigerator models more reliable than others, helping you make smarter choices if you’re considering an upgrade to prevent future breakdowns.
How to Replace RV Fridge Heating Element
When your RV refrigerator starts acting up, a faulty heating element could be the culprit. Troubleshooting this common issue requires careful steps and the right tools.
First, disconnect power and check the element’s resistance with a multimeter. If it’s out of spec, you’ll need a replacement.
Gently remove the old heating element by spraying penetrating oil and working it free. Handy hint: If the original sleeve is stuck, look for an alternate mounting location.
Install the new element, reconnect the wires, and restore power to get your RV refrigerator cooling smoothly again.
Safety First: Power Off Everything
Because electrical safety is paramount when working on RV refrigerators, I’ll walk you through completely powering down your system before touching a single wire.
First, disconnect all power sources: turn off the 120VAC breaker, unplug shore power, and disconnect both coach batteries.
For gas models, shut off the LP tank valve and close the refrigerator’s propane shutoff.
Use a multimeter to verify zero voltage at electrical terminals—this step prevents potential shock when you remove access panels.
Safety gear like insulated gloves and eye protection are essential when working on your RV fridge’s electrical components.
Accessing the RV Refrigerator Back Panel
After ensuring every power source is disconnected, you’ll need to expose your RV refrigerator’s inner workings by carefully accessing the back panel.
Locate the external flue access panel, typically found on the lower rear or side of the fridge.
Watch out for sharp sheet metal edges—I recommend wearing protective gloves and using a flashlight.
Gently score or heat painted edges before prying to prevent seal damage.
Remove retaining screws or tabs, being mindful of any secondary inner panels.
Keep removed hardware safe for reinstallation, ensuring a proper seal when you’re done.
Locating the Heating Element Inside Flue
Once you’ve removed the exterior flue access panel, you’ll want to carefully inspect the interior heating element‘s precise location.
In most Norcold/Dometic RV refrigerators, you’ll find two parallel tubular sleeves inside the flue—one housing the 120V heating element and another typically unused sleeve.
These heating elements are crucial for maintaining proper refrigerator performance, especially during temperature fluctuations.
Check the element’s positioning and note its wiring terminals before disconnecting.
If the element appears seized from rust or corrosion, you might need penetrating oil or alternative installation techniques to ensure smooth replacement.
Removing the Old Heating Element
Inspecting the flue’s heating element reveals the next critical step: carefully extracting the old component without damaging your RV refrigerator. Power down completely—kill the breaker, unplug, disconnect batteries, and shut off gas. Spray penetrating oil into the sleeve, letting it soak before gently working the element free.
| Emotion | Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Frustration | Stuck Element | Penetrating Oil |
| Anxiety | Potential Damage | Careful Technique |
| Confidence | Successful Removal | Patient Approach |
| Relief | Fixed Refrigerator | Cool Refreshments |
If stubborn, tap lightly with a hammer and steel drift, rotating to break corrosion. As a last resort, carefully slit the sleeve to remove the heating element, ensuring your RV’s cooling system stays reliable.
Installing the New Heating Element
Now that you’ve removed the old heating element, it’s time to slide the new one into place, making sure it’s fully seated in the flue sleeve with the correct orientation.
I’ll carefully reconnect the AC spade terminals to the control board, checking for clean, tight connections that’ll ensure reliable power.
Once everything’s in place, I’ll reinstall the access panel and verify the new heating element works perfectly, keeping my RV refrigerator running smoothly on the road.
Slide Element In
Carefully slide the new heating element into the flue sleeve, making sure it fits snugly and aligns perfectly with the original mounting position. The element should be oriented exactly like the previous one to avoid contact with internal baffles or flame guards.
Push the element fully into place until its mounting shoulder seats firmly against the opening. Check that the heating tube is correctly positioned and won’t interfere with any internal components. A precise fit ensures optimal performance and prevents potential damage to your RV refrigerator’s cooling system.
Reconnect Wires
Secure the new heating element’s electrical connections by double-checking that shore power remains disconnected and all battery sources are inactive. Proper wiring ensures your RV refrigerator operates safely and efficiently.
| Step | Action | Safety Check |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clean terminals | No corrosion |
| 2 | Attach spade connectors | Snug fit |
| 3 | Connect element wires | Firm contact |
| 4 | Test voltage | ~120VAC |
| 5 | Secure wiring | No chafing |
Use a multimeter to verify voltage at the board terminals before reinstalling protective covers. Carefully tuck wires to prevent damage, ensuring your refrigerator keeps your food cold on long trips with reliable heating element performance.
Replace Panel
When the heating element’s installation demands precision, I’ll walk you through replacing the panel with confidence.
Carefully slide the access panel back into position, ensuring it sits flush against the refrigerator’s exterior.
Double-check that the panel tabs lock securely and the board cover aligns perfectly.
Gently press to confirm a tight seal, preventing any potential wire strain or misalignment.
This step is crucial for maintaining your RV refrigerator’s performance and protecting the newly installed heating element from environmental damage.
Testing the Replacement for Proper Operation
After swapping out the heating element, it’s crucial to verify that your new component works correctly and will keep your RV refrigerator running smoothly. Start by reconnecting shore power and checking voltage at the element’s spade terminals. Measure resistance to confirm a proper 44-ohm reading, which indicates the element’s integrity.
| Test | Goal | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 120 VAC | Confirm Power |
| Resistance | 44 ±10% ohms | Element Health |
| Temperature | Hot Flue | Proper Heating |
| Cabinet Temp | 35-40°F | Cooling Function |
| Connections | Secure | No Failures |
Monitor the flue temperature and check refrigerator performance over the next 48 hours to ensure reliable cooling.
Tips for Dometic Recall Fix and Upgrades
Because Dometic RV refrigerator recalls can be complex and intimidating, I’ll walk you through the key considerations for safely upgrading your cooling system.
When you install the new flame guard, carefully remove the old components and reroute 12V wiring.
Ensure thermal cutoff devices are correctly positioned and that wiring doesn’t contact heating elements.
Label wire positions before disconnection and verify polarity after installation.
Test all power modes thoroughly, checking that thermal cutouts interrupt power at elevated temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Change Heating Element in RV Fridge?
I’ll first turn off all power sources, test the element’s resistance, disconnect wires, gently tap out the old heating element, and carefully insert the new one, ensuring it’s fully seated and properly connected.
What Is the Most Common Problem With RV Refrigerators?
In my experience, the most common RV refrigerator problem is a failed 120 VAC heating element. It’ll burn out, causing the fridge to stop cooling on shore power while potentially still working on propane.
Where Is the Heating Element on a Norcold RV Refrigerator?
I’ll tell you directly: The heating element on a Norcold RV refrigerator is located in the exterior flue, which you can access by removing the exterior access panel. It’s a tubular rod with spade-terminal wires.
Where Is the Heating Element on a Dometic Fridge?
I’ve found the Dometic fridge’s heating element inside the vertical flue at the back of the refrigerator, which you’ll access through an exterior panel. It’s a tubular heating rod mounted in a steel sleeve connected to the control board.
In Conclusion
Replacing your RV refrigerator heating element may seem daunting, but with the right approach and proper safety precautions, it’s an achievable DIY project. By following the step-by-step process outlined above, you can restore your fridge’s absorption cooling cycle and get back to enjoying perfectly chilled food and beverages on your adventures.
A functioning heating element is crucial for your RV refrigerator’s performance, especially when running on propane mode. Regular maintenance and timely repairs not only extend your appliance’s lifespan but also prevent the inconvenience and expense of complete system failure on the road.
If you’re considering upgrading or replacing your entire unit instead of repairing the heating element, our comprehensive RV refrigerator reviews can help you explore smart, well-reviewed options that might better suit your travel needs and budget. Whatever path you choose, maintaining reliable refrigeration ensures your RV adventures stay cool and your food stays fresh.