Tech Blog

How to Replace an RV Refrigerator Cooling Unit

Norcold and Dometic replacements are the same!

RV refrigerator cooling units fail in one of two ways, a rupture or a blockage. A cooling unit rupture is indicated by yellowish powder or dust back behind the refrigerator. Often times if you've experienced a rupture, you'll also hear a faint hissing or bubbling from the cooling unit when it's on. Another symptom of a ruptured cooling unit could be a smell of ammonia. If any of these symptoms exist, turn the refrigerator off right away because you need to replace the cooling unit. A blockage is a tougher issue to diagnose since it's happening internally. Symptoms could be partial cooling or intermitten cooling all the way to no cooling at all if the blockage is higher up in the coils. 

Replacing your RV refrigerator cooling unit it might sound intimidating, but with a few tools, a little patience, and maybe a strong friend (bribed with cold beer), you can do it yourself. Here’s how to tackle the job step-by-step.

Step 1: Remove the Evaporator Screws

Start inside the freezer section. Remove the evaporator screws that hold the cooling unit in place. This will free the cooling coils from the back side of the refrigerator.

Step 2: Disconnect Power and Propane

Head outside to the refrigerator access panel and disconnect all power and propane connections. Make sure your RV is unplugged and your propane is shut off before you start.

Step 3: Remove Mounting Screws

There are usually a couple of screws securing the fridge to the floor from the back and sometimes more around the front trim that hold it to the wall. Once those are removed, the refrigerator should be free to move.

Step 4: Wrestle It Out

Here’s where you’ll need that strong RV buddy. Carefully slide the fridge out of its cabinet and into the coach. Lay a blanket down first to protect your floor and the refrigerator, then gently lay it face-down on the blanket. All of the cooling-unit work happens from this position.

Step 5: Remove the Old Cooling Unit

On the back of the refrigerator, locate and remove the screws holding the old cooling unit in place. Once those are out, the only thing keeping it attached is thermal mastic (a kind of sticky heat-transfer paste). Firmly pull the cooling unit away from the refrigerator — it may take a bit of force.

Step 6: Clean the Mounting Surface

Use a putty knife to scrape away the old, dried thermal mastic. The cleaner and smoother the surface, the better the bond for your new cooling unit.

Step 7: Apply New Thermal Mastic

Apply a generous bead of fresh thermal mastic where the new cooling unit will contact the refrigerator. Don’t skimp — use all the tubes that came with your new unit. Proper heat transfer is essential for cooling performance.

Step 8: Mount the New Cooling Unit

Position the new cooling unit on the back of the fridge and reinstall the screws that hold it in place. Tighten evenly so the seal seats well.

Step 9: Let It Cure

Allow several hours for the thermal mastic to set before reinstalling the refrigerator in your RV. Then reconnect propane, power, and trim screws — and you’re back in business.