High Top Club Joker - Fridge problem

[Glenhyrst]

The problem is that the fridge will not reduce its temperature to below 8.5degC even on the highest setting. The thermometers used have both recorded 5degC in our domestic fridge.
It's an Isotherm Model CR4 9E2. I can hear the compressor run and switch on and off. Door seals seem fine.

The van has 2 months warranty remaining and I guess I will have to return it to Wandahome and leave it with them. Past experience suggests a fix will not be high on their job list and I would avoid returning to them if I could.
Is anyone aware of whether there is anything I can do myself to find and fix the problem? I suspect not, but worth a try. Thanks.

 

[larrylamb]

Probably the temperature sensor, very common fault and usually replaced with a manual temp control within the fridge which is reliable.
I couldn't find a suitable replacement sensor that would work. Inquiries with Campersales for a replacement, who agreed it was a common fault, proved lengthy and expensive so I fitted a standard dial control within the fridge.
I suggest getting it to a dealer before warranty expires.

 

[ArunAlec]

I’ve found that even set to its coldest the fridge isn’t as chilled as I’d like ……. The ice cube tray is a tad optimistic!

 

[ArunAlec]

Probably the temperature sensor, very common fault and usually replaced with a manual temp control within the fridge which is reliable.
I couldn't find a suitable replacement sensor that would work. Inquiries with Campersales for a replacement, who agreed it was a common fault, proved lengthy and expensive so I fitted a standard dial control within the fridge.
I suggest getting it to a dealer before warranty expires.

I’d be interested in any details of your upgraded control set up?

 

[Glenhyrst]

Probably the temperature sensor, very common fault and usually replaced with a manual temp control within the fridge which is reliable.
I couldn't find a suitable replacement sensor that would work. Inquiries with Campersales for a replacement, who agreed it was a common fault, proved lengthy and expensive so I fitted a standard dial control within the fridge.
I suggest getting it to a dealer before warranty expires.

Thanks. I guess I will have to bite the bullet and return to Wandahome, but would be interested to hear how you set up your manual control system. It sounds as though the fault may recur.

 

[The Merle]

The van has 2 months warranty remaining and I guess I will have to return it to Wandahome and leave it with them. Past experience suggests a fix will not be high on their job list and I would avoid returning to them if I could.
Is anyone aware of whether there is anything I can do myself to find and fix the problem? I suspect not, but worth a try. Thanks.

My advice with dealers is to kiss up to them and not bad month them on open forum when you need to take van there, as it will be definitely at the bottom of there work load.
I think we all know how shocking they can be, best to keep any dealer onside.
Get the fault logged asap and hope it goes well think positive.

 

[The Merle]

I’d be interested in any details of your upgraded control set up?

I never switch my fridge off on my van (self build) and my old joker always have it running.
I have cheap isotherm from justkampers and the icebox freezes up way better than the one in the joker.
If you can leave it on all the time.

 

[Glenhyrst]

Been out to van to check that the vents are not blocked. With the compressor audibly running, I cannot feel any air venting out anywhere, including through the grill at the back of the top of the little "vanity" unit. Any clues as to where I will find them?

 

[ArunAlec]

Been out to van to check that the vents are not blocked. With the compressor audibly running, I cannot feel any air venting out anywhere, including through the grill at the back of the top of the little "vanity" unit. Any clues as to where I will find them?

As far as I know the vents are those at the rear of the vanity unit. I was just having a look at the location of the sensor and it appears to be clipped directly onto the cold plate of the ice box, which is probably the coldest part of the fridge. I’m thinking of unclipping it so it’s not getting as cold and see if that triggers the compressor to stay on .

 

[Glenhyrst]

As far as I know the vents are those at the rear of the vanity unit. I was just having a look at the location of the sensor and it appears to be clipped directly onto the cold plate of the ice box, which is probably the coldest part of the fridge. I’m thinking of unclipping it so it’s not getting as cold and see if that triggers the compressor to stay on .

Interesting. Literally just come in from the van and came to the same conclusion although called in for grub before unclipping and moving the sensor. The temp in the main body is 8.5degC and I nortice a small amount of ice on the bottom of the ice box.
Suggests to me that moving the sensor might well do the trick. Or burn out the compressor.
I've taken the drawer above the fridge out and note the surface temperature of the base of the drawer cavity to be above that of the surrounding surfaces including the metal on the wall under the perforated "vent". This suggests that so called ventilation of the fridge is inadequate. Hardly a lot of heat dissipation with the drawer in place.

 

[ArunAlec]

Interesting. Literally just come in from the van and came to the same conclusion although called in for grub before unclipping and moving the sensor. The temp in the main body is 8.5degC and I nortice a small amount of ice on the bottom of the ice box.
Suggests to me that moving the sensor might well do the trick. Or burn out the compressor.
I've taken the drawer above the fridge out and note the surface temperature of the base of the drawer cavity to be above that of the surrounding surfaces including the metal on the wall under the perforated "vent". This suggests that so called ventilation of the fridge is inadequate. Hardly a lot of heat dissipation with the drawer in place.

Having unclipped the sensor and dropped it a couple of inches, with the drip tray removed the temperature dropped from around 8 down to around 2 degrees! I feel a little tinkering coming on!

 

[Glenhyrst]

With my unclipped sensor also dangling, the temperature on the floor of the fridge now measures 5degC on one therometer and 6degC on a second one. The underside of the ice box has a thin layer of ice, supporting the probability that the readings are accurate..
I'm wondering whether this is a common feature with these fridges or whether mine (and ArunAlec's) is faulty?
I've turned it down to 4 on the console and see what the morning brings, but I reckon I can live with this unless advised to the contrary..

 

[larrylamb]

I’d be interested in any details of your upgraded control set up?

Hi, I don't have my Joker anymore but it already had the manual internal control fitted (probably by Wandahome). My previous Joker I converted myself but can't remember all the details. My original fault was the fridge icing up due to not switching off. This was a faulty temp sensor in the fridge that links to the main control panel. Sourcing a replacement was painful, even Campersales advised probably best to convert to a manual stat, they've experienced a lot of failures by the sound of it.
Lots of websites selling the parts, especially marine supplies for narrow boats etc. Here's a link to the parts, hopefully correct.

Isotherm Thermostat for Cruise Classic and Drawer Fridges

JPC Direct supply the Isotherm Thermostat for Cruise Classic & Drawer Fridges. Contact us on 01603 784884 for details of supply and fitting.

www.jpcdirect.com

Isotherm Thermostat Knob for Cruise Classic and Elegance Fridges

JPC Direct supply the Isotherm Thermostat Knob for Cruise Classic and Elegance Fridges. Contact us on 01603 784884 for details.

www.jpcdirect.com

From memory i had to remove fixings and pull the fridge out, trace the sensor cable to a connection on the rear of the fridge and remove. Install the new control and stat in the fridge (connections are there but joined through i think). Make safe the cable that links to the Westy control panel. Fix stat sensor below ice box. A little bit of electrical knowledge is advisable. All temp control and on/off is now via the internal dial setting not the overhead panel. Worked well.
I wonder if the problems you are experiencing could be sorted by resiting the temp sensor? Or the sensor is reading inaccurate temps. My fridge and ice box got down to 2 degrees very easily.

Found a drawing, items 27&28 needed, connection/ wiring linked to back of fridge connection unit 26

 

[larrylamb]

Having unclipped the sensor and dropped it a couple of inches, with the drip tray removed the temperature dropped from around 8 down to around 2 degrees! I feel a little tinkering coming on!

With my unclipped sensor also dangling, the temperature on the floor of the fridge now measures 5degC on one therometer and 6degC on a second one. The underside of the ice box has a thin layer of ice, supporting the probability that the readings are accurate..
I'm wondering whether this is a common feature with these fridges or whether mine (and ArunAlec's) is faulty?
I've turned it down to 4 on the console and see what the morning brings, but I reckon I can live with this unless advised to the contrary..

Might work for a little while but probably means the sensor (NTC type i think) is slowly breaking so the resistance keeps changing thus giving false temp readings.

Some info here from the Westy forum, maybe a correct replacement sensor is mentioned at the end of the thread??

Temperaturfühler des Kühlschranks tauschen

Temperaturfühler des Kühlschranks tauschen

www.westfalia-fan.de

 

[Glenhyrst]

Thanks larrylamb. With the sensor now dangling about 4" below the freeze box, the temperatures recorded on my remote monitors - one in the freeze box and the other on a shelf placed on the second up runner position are - freeze box MINUS 10degC and on the shelf, 0degC. That's on Console setting 4. There's no question that it's cold! I've turned the setting down to 2 but at this rate, the whole of North Yorkshire could be heading for an unexpected cool spell.