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Post Info TOPIC: Waeco CDF35 will not cool
rodge


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Waeco CDF35 will not cool
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Hi, i have a Waeco CDF35 Coolmatic with the Danfoss BD35F compressor.  Its 5 years old from new and has only been used 4-5 times on weekend trips.  I last used it 2-3 years ago and if was working fine.   I last week i powered it up and found the fridge will not cool.  I am getting 5 quick flashes on the error light every 4-5 seconds which i think is a controller voltage cutout code.  the power light is on and the temp setting is on cold and the battery monitor is on low.  The fan is running and ventilation is more than adequate. I cannot hear the compressor running.  I have checked the fuse in the factory merit connector/socket and it has good continuity.  I have tried powering the unit from three different sources - all readings were taken directly at the electronic controller using the factory Waeco low voltage plug:

#1 from the AC rectifier (Mobitronic EPS-816A) = 14.35V.  

#2 from freshly charged Optima deep cycle battery (my usual power source) = 12.30V.  

#3 from the cigarette lighter on my tow car with a near new battery = 13.30V engine running/11.62V in accessory key position engine off. 

 cut out s/b 10.4V and cut in 11.7V (correct?) so supply voltage should not be the problem.  i have also bridged the T and C connections to the thermostat without any changes.  my research suggests the fridge itself is faulty.  i would like to sell it but want it working first.  thanks, Rodge



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DeBe


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5 Flashes is Thermal cut out of electronic unit on the compressor. Sounds like a faulty control module.



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hako


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DeBe wrote:

5 Flashes is Thermal cut out of electronic unit on the compressor. Sounds like a faulty control module.

 Isn't that the part that costs over $250? (I hope it's not rodge)...my B.I.L. reckons he can run the 3 phase (?) motor on the Danfross with some device used in these new drones which use the same type of motor. Excuse lack of correct terminology and will check with B.I.L who is visiting tomorrow.

 

Regards



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Denis

Ex balloon chaser and mercury measurer.

Toowoomba.
DeBe


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Your right Hako about it being an expensive part. Be very interested whether your B.I.L. has an answer to the compressor driver problem. The compressor is driven with a rough square wave voltage.



-- Edited by DeBe on Friday 24th of April 2015 08:57:14 AM

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DeBe


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This is whats inside the controller, the 3 black wires go to the compressor. The 6 switching MOSFETs are on the heat sink.DANFOSS CONTROLER.2.JPG



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D.L.Bishop
wasn_me


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I have had everything replaced in mine, except the compressor, on three separate occasions, under warranty. It's been ok since, three years now. It's run full time the last  nine months.

The engel repair man told me he could fit a danfoss thermostat & do away with all the electronics. Does this sound feasible or possible ?? He said it would cost $160. 

Cheers Pete



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DeBe


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You can replace all the electronics on a Waeco with a digital thermostat from Ebay for about $12. But not the compressor controller. This is the thermostat fitted to Waeco fridge unit I fitted to an Evacool esky.THERMOSTAT ELECTRONIC.4.JPGFRIDGE.4.JPG



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rodge


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unfortunately this thread has been double posted due to the wonderful simplicity of the internet. the new thread with latest testing and developments is here: thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t60086093/waeco-cdf35-will-not-cool/

please let me know what you folks think is wrong with this unit and post them on the new thread. i think DeBe is right, its the expensive control unit. at $280 a pop its a deal killer so if true i will be selling my waeco for parts at 10 cents on the dollar. what a shame - used 5 times from new and only 5 years old. I thought Waeco was a top notch brand but im very disappointed to see $750 wasted so quickly. see you all on the other thread

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hako


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DeBe wrote:

Your right Hako about it being an expensive part. Be very interested whether your B.I.L. has an answer to the compressor driver problem. The compressor is driven with a rough square wave voltage.



-- Edited by DeBe on Friday 24th of April 2015 08:57:14 AM

 BIL says you use one of these 30A brushless motor speed controllers at link below and use a pot and some other bits to drive the motor speed controller. He is currently building one with a mate of his.  I'll update this when he finishes and it works. 

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/30A-Brushless-Motor-Speed-Controller-RC-BEC-ESC-T-rex-450-V2-Helicopter-Boat-GA-/181646730902?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item2a4afd2696

 

Regards



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Denis

Ex balloon chaser and mercury measurer.

Toowoomba.
DeBe


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Definitly interested in what he comes up with. The controller is cheap enough.



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