Thetford N97 fridge in Nuevo 2

The fridge was working correctly before the van was stored for the winter. Now, when switched to gas mode, the gas ignites almost immediately but the spark generator keeps running and after 30 secs the fridge shuts down and indicates Fault 9. I have removed the inspection cover and checked that there are no cobwebs etc around the burner. The fridge is working correctly on mains. Does anyone know if there is a flame sensor and if so where is it located? Has anybody had this problem and does it mean a visit to the dealer and a pain in my wallet?

I always have a problem lighting the fridge on gas after a period of inactivity (the fridge, not me......) Nowadays, I turn on the gas at the bottle, light up one of the gas rings for a minute* to ensure that the system is fully purged and then light up the fridge. Usually takes on about the third attempt. I simply switch off and then switch on again, listen to the clicking, wait for the blinking failure light and repeat as necessary. Eventually it works.

If I have used the fridge recently it always lights first time. had a similar experience with my last van as well. Hope that helps


* Edit - and then switch it off again!!

I get a nice light blue flame straight away but the clicking goes on until the blue flashing light and a Fault No. 9 shutdown. I did purge my system initially by lighting the hob and I must have reset the fridge a dozen times but it still will not stay alight.

You appear to have air in your gas pipe which when purged means your fridge ignition works correctly. My gas is igniting but the fridge doesn't recognise this and shuts down after 30 seconds.

OK thanks - did not read your message properly.

Sounds like a fault that needs an Thetford Engineer. Sorry I couldn't help

Hi Ancient Mariner.

I am not an expert on the Thetford fridges. More the older Electrolux.

On some of the newer fridges the ignitor probe doubles up as the flame failure device.

So it could light the pilot but not detect that it has lit.

Looks like you will need a new one.

Whisky.