There are several things that can go wrong with an RV's refrigerator. It can simply stop cooling no matter what type of fuel source is used. The cooling unit may stop working due to a blockage in the line, which reduces the flow of the necessary solutions and will inhibit or completely stop the unit from operating. The heating unit, which heats the fluids and starts the circulation of the solutions, inside the cooling unit might break. Or, even if the heating element is functioning (generating heat), the unit may not work because something else is stopping the cooling chemicals from flowing properly. Most often this occurs when the refrigerator is not level when operated.
Refrigerators depend on gravity to move their cooling chemicals through the system. When an RV is parked on an incline or another uneven surface, the solution in the refrigerator may start to back up; the solution then gets overheated and begins to crystallize and lodge in place. To solve this you can try tipping the refrigerator over to dislodge the crystals. If that does not work, you will have to replace the cooling unit in the refrigerator.
A major contributor to RV refrigerator problems is leakage. Generally, if the cooling unit is leaking, the hydrogen gas has escaped---which is dangerous because the RV could explode. One sign of a leak is a strong ammonia smell from the combination of chemicals and gases that move through the coils. If this problem occurs there is no way to repair it, so the cooling unit must be replaced.
If gas is used to operate the refrigerator it is important that the pilot light is working. The coils on the back of the refrigerator are kept warm (and in operation) from the gas flame. In cases where the pilot light keeps going out try cleaning the flue, the burner tube and the orifice. Do this by blowing compressed air through the flue. Next soak the orifice and burner tube in alcohol, then let air dry. Reassemble the pilot light components; if the problem persists there is probably something amiss in the electrical circuitry.
The best way to prevent any problems with your RV's refrigerator unit is to keep it clean at all times. Be sure to clean the inside to avoid damage from mold and dirt, but also clean the coils and heating unit often. Check the pilot light often to assure there are no problems. Just remember: keeping it clean will make it last a long time.
