I have a new Jayco with a Thetford N4175A three-way fridge.
I realize my isssue is covered under warranty, but I don't really want a $70,000 garden ornament until the dealers feel they have time to fix it!
For some reason it will not change over to run on gas after it has been running on 240volt electricity for a couple of days.
I have "kick started" the solenoid valve by "hitting" it with 12 volts from a spare battery. (Today, I discover it is also possible to do this using a small 9 volt (torch) battery.
After this process the fridge will then start on gas and continued to run for gas for days.
Usually after running on electricity for less than two days, the fridge will change over automatically when the power is cut. Any longer than two days it will not start and just show an error.
I have read and viewed opinions on the internet that these solenoid valves can become sticky after lengthy storage, but two days??
I am wondering if the solenoid is not getting sufficient voltage to "unstick" the valve after it has been sitting for a few days? And is this a common problem?
Perhaps I should be a bit more patience, but this virtue is not my strongest suite!
I would be most interest if anyone has experienced this issue, and did anyone find a solution.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts
Happy travels.
Jack
jegog said
05:44 PM Sep 25, 2022
It's been a long time since I dealt with solenoids or relays, but it is normal for them to be supplied with a high current initially to actuate the solenoid and then a smaller current to keep them operated.
Measure the voltage across the solenoid.
If it operates with a 9V torch battery then there is something wrong electrically, not the solenoid.
With the ACC looking into caravan manufacturers I would recommend contacting Jayco and inferring that you would contact the ACC if it wasn't fixed promptly.
G'day All:
I have a new Jayco with a Thetford N4175A three-way fridge.
I realize my isssue is covered under warranty, but I don't really want a $70,000 garden ornament until the dealers feel they have time to fix it!
For some reason it will not change over to run on gas after it has been running on 240volt electricity for a couple of days.
I have "kick started" the solenoid valve by "hitting" it with 12 volts from a spare battery. (Today, I discover it is also possible to do this using a small 9 volt (torch) battery.
After this process the fridge will then start on gas and continued to run for gas for days.
Usually after running on electricity for less than two days, the fridge will change over automatically when the power is cut. Any longer than two days it will not start and just show an error.
I have read and viewed opinions on the internet that these solenoid valves can become sticky after lengthy storage, but two days??
I am wondering if the solenoid is not getting sufficient voltage to "unstick" the valve after it has been sitting for a few days? And is this a common problem?
Perhaps I should be a bit more patience, but this virtue is not my strongest suite!
I would be most interest if anyone has experienced this issue, and did anyone find a solution.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts
Happy travels.
Jack
It's been a long time since I dealt with solenoids or relays, but it is normal for them to be supplied with a high current initially to actuate the solenoid and then a smaller current to keep them operated.
Measure the voltage across the solenoid.
If it operates with a 9V torch battery then there is something wrong electrically, not the solenoid.
With the ACC looking into caravan manufacturers I would recommend contacting Jayco and inferring that you would contact the ACC if it wasn't fixed promptly.
Thanks Jegog. I am off the Jayco this afternoon.
Jack