Troubleshooting your Norcold refrigerator can help clear some of the issues you may be having with your unit. While Norcold offers many different models, some troubleshooting steps are similar.
How to reset a Norcold refrigerator
When your Norcold refrigerator is showing a “no” “CO” error message on the control panel, you may need to reset the control board after you’ve repaired the unit to clear the error. To clear a first no cooling fault occurrence, just turn your refrigerator OFF and then back ON. If a second no cooling error code displays after the first occurrence was cleared, a power board hardwire reset must be performed. To perform a hardwire power board reset, follow the steps below:
12 Vdc positive and negative wires. AC power cord. Solenoid gas valve. Spark/sense electrode assembly wire (disconnect this wire with extreme caution).
Spark/sense electrode assembly wire( reconnect with extreme caution) Solenoid gas valve wires. AC power cord. 12 Vdc positive and negative wires.
12 Vdc positive and negative wires. AC power cord. Solenoid gas valve wires. Spark/sense electrode assembly wire (exercise extreme caution when disconnecting this wire).
Spark/sense electrode assembly wire (exercise extreme caution when reconnecting this wire). Solenoid gas valve wires. AC power cord. 12 Vdc positive and negative wires.
Why is my Norcold refrigerator not getting cold?
There are several possible causes of a no cooling fault code occurrence:
No ventilation provided. Ventilation obstructed. Cooling fan inoperative. Refrigerator not installed per Norcold instructions.
Fresh food or freezer compartment doors not closed properly. Defective door gaskets on fresh food or freezer compartment.
Dirty burner. Incorrect gas pressure. Wrong size orifice. Wrong burner.
Incorrect AC heater. Heater not fully seated in heater well. Only one heater working properly.
Unit operation exceeding off-level limits. Flue cap not properly positioned. Missing or improperly installed flue baffle. Leaking cooling unit/
Norcold refrigerator error codes and their meaning
Polar series 7, 8, 10 Cu. Ft RV Refrigerators
The fault code means the burner did not ignite or re-ignite. This error code means there is no AC voltage to the refrigerator. If your refrigerator shows this error code, it indicates a problem relating to the AC heater. If you get this error code, it indicates a problem within the refrigerator controls. This error code indicates the DC input voltage to your refrigerator is too low. This error code indicates the DC input voltage to the refrigerator is too low. The error code indicates the DC input voltage to your refrigerator is too low. This error code means the DC input voltage to the refrigerator is too high. This error code indicates a loss of communication between the refrigerator controls. This error code indicates a fault within the refrigerator electronic controls. This code shows the fault is within the refrigerator electronic controls. This error code means a flame is sensed at the burner when there should be none present. When you see this error code it means the thermistor has been sensed as inoperable, so the temperature is being controlled via backup operating system. This means your refrigerator is off or it will not turn on.
N510 models
The burner did not ignite or re-ignite. AC voltage is unavailable to the refrigerator control. DC voltage to the refrigerator control panel is too low This is a fault within the refrigerator controls. This is a fault within the refrigerator controls. This is a fault within the refrigerator controls. The refrigerator is operating on the back up operating system.
Models N7V, N8V,N7X, N8X, N7LX, N8LX
The refrigerator tried to operate the selected energy source (s) with no success.
AC heater fault
Internal control fault
Internal control fault.
The AC heater relay is stuck.
A flame is sensed at the burner when there should be none present.
The DC input voltage to the refrigerator is too low.
The DC input voltage to the refrigerator is too high.
Communications between the controls have been lost.
The refrigerator is operating on AC electric power. The thermistor has been sensed as inoperable, so the temperature is being controlled via backup operating system.
The refrigerator is operating on propane gas. The thermistor has been sensed as inoperable, so the temperature is being controlled via a backup operating system.
Norcold refrigerator not working on electric models 865, 866, 868
If your Norcold refrigerator is not working on electric, it could be because of the following possible reasons:
AC electric operation
The refrigerator is not installed and vented in accordance with Norcold product specification. It is not operated in a comfortably level position. Refrigerator is not plugged into AC power. You do not have 12 Volts DC power to terminals (J-4) ground and (+J-5). Loose wire connections or pinched wires. Modular connector on wire harness (cable) is not properly plugged into the power supply board and eyebrow board. Faulty fuses. Mode selector is not set to AC ELEC. Improper AC heater element voltage and wattage.
DC electric operation
DC to terminals (J-4) ground and (+J-5) is not 12 Volts. Bad 3 amp fuse. You do not have 12 Volts DC to the 20 (15) amp fuse. Loose wire connections. Modular connector on wire harness is not plugged into the power supply and eyebrow board. Mode selector is not set to the DC mode of operation.
Troubleshooting AC electric mode of operation models 865, 866, 868
Here is a step by step troubleshooting guide for AC electric mode of operation:
Norcold refrigerator fuse location
There are three fuses located on the main control board (power board). Two are automotive style fuses used to protect DC voltage circuits (FI and F2) and one is a glass body cartridge style fuse (F3) used to protect AC voltage circuits.
How to replace Norcold 9163 fuse
The refrigerator’s electrical circuits are fused to protect them from a circuit overload. If the fuse is blown, follow the replacement procedure below:
Norcold refrigerator fins freezing fix
Excessive ice buildup on the refrigerator’s cooling fins can be traced to a defective or wrongly positioned thermistor. If the thermistor is properly positioned, you’ll need to test the thermister. Always unplug the refrigerator from 120 volt AC and turn off the refrigerator to defrost the fns before starting the test procedure. To test the thermistor:
Norcold refrigerator codes flashes 5 times
If your Norcold refrigerator power ON/indicator light is red, flashes on five times, is off five seconds, then repeats, it means a flame was sensed at the burner when there should be none present. The possible cause for this error is the gas valve is “mechanically” stuck open. To clear this error, try replacing gas train assembly. If you are still having difficulties troubleshooting your Norcold refrigerator, do not hesitate to control Norcold customer service for assistance. There are other complex issues that may require a competent repair service.
