Re: Neuvo fridge fuse

by Kemerton-bath Tue Oct 27, 2020 9:43 pm

Paramedic, I looked back up the thread and read your post of 17 Aug, in which you mentioned having a code 8 fault. I’m not sure if that’s still the situation now, but if the flow chart in Thetford’s troubleshooting guide for that particular code is followed, the power board only comes under suspicion if the resistance of the AC element is found to be within the expected range. In my case it was out of range and very obviously an open circuit, leading me to replace the element and clear the fault.

You should ask your mobile technician if he measured the resistance of the AC element. If he says he did and that it was within the expected range then he’s right to suspect the power board, given also that he says there is 230V present at the fridge. However if he hasn’t measured the AC element resistance then he is missing a step in his fault finding. Replacing a faulty element is a lot less costly than replacing the power board.

Regarding access to the rear of your fridge, he may well be correct that removal of the unit is required but given how labour intensive that is, I suggest you ask him to remove the vent covers (the lower one in particular) on the outside of the van and show you why it’s not possible to gain sufficient access via this route. The pictures in the link I attached earlier were all taken from outside the van, looking into the vent apertures having removed the covers.

Your van is only a year or two older than ours and I was pleasantly surprised how accessible all serviceable/replaceable parts of the fridge were via the rear vents. That said, your van is a coach-built and ours is a PVC so maybe that makes a significant difference for accessing the fridge. If in doubt refer to AS Service Dept for advice.

One further thought ... if there is no alternative but to remove the fridge, then it would be prudent to replace the power board, both elements (AC and DC) and anything else that might fail and which requires fridge removal, such as the gas solenoid valve. Given the labour cost, you’d like to feel that removing the fridge is something you won’t need to do again.

Tim

by Askit Tue Oct 27, 2020 10:33 pm

Paranedic, thank you for responding, I may have to resort to getting similar assistance.

Tim, thanks for the full and detailed response. My biggest problem (apart from the skills I lack) is that we keep the van in storage with no access to 230v. Despite that you have given me a couple of avenues to explore which I will do over the coming days. Interestingly, I've been trying to access the Thetford web pages and it appears they are struggling to meet demand. I will get back with the outcome of my deliberations.