Fridge won’t stay switched on

[powysjune]

Would appreciate advice on why the fridge in our Cali (2005 Comfortline/SE) won’t stay switched on. When I toggle to On on the control panel it immediately switches back to Off, though the fridge makes a click so there is some connection there still. I followed Welsh Gas’s helpful instructions for accessing the diagnostic codes on the control panel and it is not showing any errors. So suspect it is connected to the hydraulic strut on the lid jamming, which caused the insulating lining of the fridge lid to pull off when I opened it (the lining block is now loose and needs sticking back on). We had already replaced the strut once, but looks like I’ll need to order another one. Would that cause the problem with switching on? Is there anything else we need to check or be aware of? Many thanks.

 

[WelshGas]

Would appreciate advice on why the fridge in our Cali (2005 Comfortline/SE) won’t stay switched on. When I toggle to On on the control panel it immediately switches back to Off, though the fridge makes a click so there is some connection there still. I followed Welsh Gas’s helpful instructions for accessing the diagnostic codes on the control panel and it is not showing any errors. So suspect it is connected to the hydraulic strut on the lid jamming, which caused the insulating lining of the fridge lid to pull off when I opened it (the lining block is now loose and needs sticking back on). We had already replaced the strut once, but looks like I’ll need to order another one. Would that cause the problem with switching on? Is there anything else we need to check or be aware of? Many thanks.

1. What voltage is shown on the Control Panel?
Fridge will not work if voltage drops below 11.5 v on starting up.
2. Does fridge work on hookup or with engine running?

 

[powysjune]

It’s showing 13v and 100% charged on the control panel and the same issue (immediately switching back to OFF when I try to switch it on) when the engine is running. I was hoping I’d get a response from you Welsh Gas, you’re a great technical support!

 

[vwsween]

My fridge was acting in same way 2 weeks ago. I know power was good, it repeatedly turned off after about 2 seconds. Eventually my lucky finger worked and it stayed on for 10 minutes, then last weekend continuously for 4 days/nights without hook-up - I have solar. I guess it just needed to get used to working again after not being on for at least 9 months, but someone may have a proper technical reason?

 

[WelshGas]

It’s showing 13v and 100% charged on the control panel and the same issue (immediately switching back to OFF when I try to switch it on) when the engine is running. I was hoping I’d get a response from you Welsh Gas, you’re a great technical support!

When did it last work properly?
Is it set to Level 5 or more?
Have you switched the Control Panel Off for a minute and then back On and retry?
Check the fuse under front seat, I can't remember which one but there are fuse diagrams in the Resources section for VIP members.

 

[powysjune]

Its showing the temperature set at 6 degrees (seems to be specific numbers rather than levels on mine). Im not exactly sure when it was last working. I think it was a few weeks ago, in which case this problem coincides with the lid insulation pulling off, but it’s possible I just didn’t notice the fridge not coming on then (it was quite cold at the time) and if so it wouldn’t have been used since October last year. I have already tried switching the control panel off then on again but that didn’t help. I’ll look on the VIP section now for the fuse diagram. Thanks WG!

 

[flying banana]

the gas strut is nothing to do with the fridge operation as there are no switches on the lid

 

[powysjune]

That must be just coincidence then. I’ve found Martin’s 2016 fuse diagram in the VIP technical resources (does it apply to a 2005 Cali?) but I can’t get it to download.

 

[WelshGas]

That must be just coincidence then. I’ve found Martin’s 2016 fuse diagram in the VIP technical resources (does it apply to a 2005 Cali?) but I can’t get it to download.

The position of the fuse can change from vehicle to vehicle.. it is a 10 amp fuse. Check by swapping out or with a multimeter. A visual check doesn’t always work.

Fuse should be under the front a passenger seat RHD or drivers seat LHD.
Turn the seat through 90o and then slide towards kitchen to access the fuses easily.

 

[powysjune]

Got the 10amp fuse out and tested it with a multimeter - it’s ok. Tried switching control panel off and on again. Tried on hook up. Same thing every time - the tick on the control panel moves momentarily to Fridge ON and you can hear a relay or something click under the fridge, but then the tick goes straight back to OFF. Not sure what else to try!

 

[Lancia037]

Got the 10amp fuse out and tested it with a multimeter - it’s ok. Tried switching control panel off and on again. Tried on hook up. Same thing every time - the tick on the control panel moves momentarily to Fridge ON and you can hear a relay or something click under the fridge, but then the tick goes straight back to OFF. Not sure what else to try!

Thermostat gone? Usually they cause the fridge to run continuously but sometimes they break in a way that won't allow the compressor to turn on.

 

[powysjune]

I think getting at the thermostat might be beyond us so we probably need to find someone to fix it. We have always used our local garage for servicing and repairs, they are very good but not sure they can deal with the camping equipment. Can anyone recommend a VW dealer near Newtown Powys?

 

[vwsween]

Going back to my earlier post, cant help comparing. Yours is a 2005, mine a 2006, you may not have had the fridge running for 8 months, mine was for 9 months. What is happening to you is exactly the symptoms I had. So just thinking what I may have done differently to you? Apart from my lucky finger that is.
I repeatedly tried to turn it on both via the toggle switch and the menu.
I reset the temperature to 2 degrees.
I have been regularly using the van so although the fridge was not on for 9 months, the liquids in the system were regularly shaken up. I gather they may settle/block over time (well according to the internet). You may have more luck talking to a caravan servicing place rather than a vw dealer.

 

[WelshGas]

I think getting at the thermostat might be beyond us so we probably need to find someone to fix it. We have always used our local garage for servicing and repairs, they are very good but not sure they can deal with the camping equipment. Can anyone recommend a VW dealer near Newtown Powys?

These people have helped out a number of VW owners. They have a number of self diagnostic videos etc.

Home - Penguin Refrigeration

penguinfrigo.co.uk

 

[powysjune]

Going back to my earlier post, cant help comparing. Yours is a 2005, mine a 2006, you may not have had the fridge running for 8 months, mine was for 9 months. What is happening to you is exactly the symptoms I had. So just thinking what I may have done differently to you? Apart from my lucky finger that is.
I repeatedly tried to turn it on both via the toggle switch and the menu.
I reset the temperature to 2 degrees.
I have been regularly using the van so although the fridge was not on for 9 months, the liquids in the system were regularly shaken up. I gather they may settle/block over time (well according to the internet). You may have more luck talking to a caravan servicing place rather than a vw dealer.

Thanks for your reply, very helpful and useful to know someone else has had exactly the same issue In a similar aged vehicle. I tried resetting the temp to 2 degrees, and also leaving the control panel off overnight, but still no joy. I need your lucky finger!

 

[powysjune]

These people have helped out a number of VW owners. They have a number of self diagnostic videos etc.

Home - Penguin Refrigeration

penguinfrigo.co.uk

Thanks Welsh Gas, it sounds like a fridge specialist is the way to go. we will take a look at the diagnostic videos. This forum is such a useful place for advice.

 

[Jerrycan]

I think getting at the thermostat might be beyond us so we probably need to find someone to fix it. We have always used our local garage for servicing and repairs, they are very good but not sure they can deal with the camping equipment. Can anyone recommend a VW dealer near Newtown Powys?

Thanks Welsh Gas, it sounds like a fridge specialist is the way to go. we will take a look at the diagnostic videos. This forum is such a useful place for advice.

I experienced this problem and it was the Secop controller which is fitted alongside the fridge compressor.
If you carry out the led test as per the Penguin fault diagnostic this will be confirmed.
Controller is available from Penguin for around £150.00.
Replacing the controller with the fridge in situ is a fiddle but can be done as I managed it.
VW dealers will only suggest replacing the fridge as a unit at a cost of over £1000.00.
Good Luck

 

[powysjune]

Thank you. About to look at the videos but could someone tell me the make and model of the fridge in the 2005 California (currently no access to the manual)?

 

[daz60]

Thank you. About to look at the videos but could someone tell me the make and model of the fridge in the 2005 California (currently no access to the manual)?

Hi, turn your control panel off, then back on after a couple of minutes. Put fridge to 5 and turn on, it might be the ambient temperature causing your problem.