California Fridge issue

[California1992]

Hello, I am just bought 1992 California (T4) and I have problem with the fridge. Have scrolled all forum, but havent found exactly the same issue.
The fridge not starts up at all. On control panel when you turn on, snowflake appears. When you turn off, dissapears. Also its possible to regulate the temperature. But from the fridge is no sound, not working at all. Also, like I said I new to Cali, on control module it showing temperature, is it fridge temp or outside? because its jumping like crazy, +40, 15, 35 and etc. So that first weird thing.
I have found info here, that need to remove the panel and reach fridge control box, and connect

 

[California1992]

Hello, I am just bought 1992 California (T4) and I have problem with the fridge. Have scrolled all forum, but havent found exactly the same issue.
The fridge not starts up at all. On control panel when you turn on, snowflake appears. When you turn off, dissapears. Also its possible to regulate the temperature. But from the fridge is no sound, not working at all. Also, like I said I new to Cali, on control module it showing temperature, is it fridge temp or outside? because its jumping like crazy, +40, 15, 35 and etc. So that first weird thing.
I have found info here, that need to remove the panel and reach fridge control box, and connect

I have found info here, that need to remove the panel and reach fridge control box, and connect T and C poles together. And yes, fridge started working and cooling. So the question, where is the problem, what i need to change?

 

[California1992]

Photo

 

[WelshGas]

I have found info here, that need to remove the panel and reach fridge control box, and connect T and C poles together. And yes, fridge started working and cooling. So the question, where is the problem, what i need to change?

Sounds as if it might be the fridge temperature sensor.

VW Parts.

Select Campmobile followed by Year.

For 1992 models only camping equipment is shown.

Volkswagen Parts catalog - ETKA Online, Volkswagen EUROPA, original Catalog Volkswagen EUROPA

Parts catalog Volkswagen - ETKA Search Parts by original number Volkswagen, market EUROPA

volkswagen.7zap.com

 

[sidepod]

I can’t recall what linking T and C does. There is a guide on the Penguin refrigeration website that explains it I think. Perhaps WG is right, new temp sensor required.
The fridge clearly works so it’s either the sensor or the control box.

 

[WelshGas]

Sounds as if it might be the fridge temperature sensor.

VW Parts.

Select Campmobile followed by Year.

For 1992 models only camping equipment is shown.

Volkswagen Parts catalog - ETKA Online, Volkswagen EUROPA, original Catalog Volkswagen EUROPA

Parts catalog Volkswagen - ETKA Search Parts by original number Volkswagen, market EUROPA

volkswagen.7zap.com

I can’t recall what linking T and C does. There is a guide on the Penguin refrigeration website that explains it I think. Perhaps WG is right, new temp sensor required.
The fridge clearly works so it’s either the sensor or the control box.

Connecting T & C bypasses the fridge thermostat.

See Here.

Frequently Asked Questions - Penguin Refrigeration

12 Volt & 24 Volt DC motorhome and campervan fridge troubleshooting FAQs. Advice and support from the UK campervan refrigeration experts

penguinfrigo.co.uk

 

[California1992]

Connecting T & C bypasses the fridge thermostat.

See Here.

Frequently Asked Questions - Penguin Refrigeration

12 Volt & 24 Volt DC motorhome and campervan fridge troubleshooting FAQs. Advice and support from the UK campervan refrigeration experts

penguinfrigo.co.uk

Thanks for your replies! So first, will try to replace temperature sensor.
What about thermostat? Is it possible to replace it at all? Have checked, but havent found where to buy and where located thermostat.

 

[syncrostan]

Temperature sensor, & thermostat are one & the same, the sensing element is located in a slot in the back wall of the fridge. In electrical terms it’s a 500 Ohm ntc thermistor. Available from Poptopshop.nl

 

[sidepod]

I got my last one from popshop.

Is this the same thing?

Dometic Temperature Sensor - Temperature Sensor fuzzy Iii 8 [Dometic] - £29.06 : Spares2Repair

Genuine Dometic Temperature Sensor - Temperature Sensor fuzzy Iii 8 [Dometic] Spare Parts from Spares2Repair - Temperature Sensor,fuzzy Iii 8

spares2repair.co.uk

To replace it, the fridge needs to come out. Simple enough. Search on here and you’ll find a how to. It comes out from the bottom not the top.

 

[sidepod]

Cool box does not stop cooling

Have anyone else had problems with their cool box, or have any idea. The cool box is one originally installed in my 2001 T4 California. If I set the cool box to e.g. 4 deg. C. it just keeps cooling. Dropped a thermometer in, and I turned it off when it reached -18 deg. C. That's deep freeze -...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[sidepod]

Temperatuur sensor koelbox California, Nugget en Vito-V-Klasse Marco Polo

Deze sensor meet in de koelkast de temperatuur, waardoor de electronica het signaal krijgt om de compressor aan en af te laten slaan.Als deze stuk is gaat de koelkast niet meer uit, dus blijft deze koelen.Om de sensor te vervangen moet in de meeste gevallen de koelbox worden uitgebouwd. Geschikt...

www.poptopshop.nl

 

[sidepod]

Whilst on the subject, does anyone have a fan installed on their fridge. I noticed there are two terminals on the control box to run a fan.

My 94 van had one but the current one doesn’t.

Back in June in 38deg ambient I did wonder if a fan would help? From memory it’s simply a computer fan installed in the vent pipe below the fridge through the floor.

 

[syncrostan]

Whilst on the subject, does anyone have a fan installed on their fridge. I noticed there are two terminals on the control box to run a fan.

My 94 van had one but the current one doesn’t.

Back in June in 38deg ambient I did wonder if a fan would help? From memory it’s simply a computer fan installed in the vent pipe below the fridge through the floor.

On my old one the fan was internal, pulling air in over the element, but yes could just as easily be on inlet duct, new version makes all that redundant